Facebook-f Instagram Youtube X-twitter

Foster carer photo request for

cats

PAWS PATAS white border retina

How to take a great 4:3 horizontal photo of an animal

A great photo can be the difference between someone scrolling past or falling in love. Follow these simple steps to help animals shine online and find their forever homes.

1. Save your pictures in the right format – fast and easy

For standard photography (like pet portraits, and social media posts), JPEG is the best choice:

  • Much smaller file size

  • Good visual quality

  • Faster to upload and send as attachments

Image type
Use PNG?
Use JPG?
Logos
✅ Yes
❌ No
Photos (cats, dogs, events)
❌ No
✅ Yes
Transparent backgrounds
✅ Yes
❌ No
Website UI elements
✅ Yes
❌ No
Social media sharing
❌ No
✅ Yes

iPhone Instructions:

By default, iPhones use HEIC format (to save space), but you can switch to JPEG:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Camera > Formats
  3. Select Most Compatible
    → This will save new photos as JPEG

Note: This only affects new photos. Existing ones will still be HEIC.

 

Android Instructions:

Samsung / Google Pixel / Xiaomi (if supported)

  1. Open Camera app
  2. Tap Settings (gear icon)
  3. Look for Picture format or Image format
  4. Select JPEG instead of HEIC or RAW

2. Set the right photo mode & aspect ratio

 We’re aiming for a 4 x 3 horizontal image. This just means using the standard 4:3 ratio, but with your phone rotated to landscape.

4:3 horizontal image

1:1 Square

3:4 vertical image

16:9 horizontal image

iPhone Instructions:

  • Open the Camera app.

  • Tap the arrow (^) or swipe up to open more settings.

  • Tap the “4:3” button and select:

    • 4:3 – Ideal (rotate your phone to get landscape)

    • 16:9 – Not suitable, less height

    • 1:1 – Not suitable

Android Instructions:

  • Go to Photo mode (not Square, Panorama, or Video).

  • Look for a 4:3 option — most phones default to it.

  • Some brands may label it as “Standard” or “Full”.

3:4 horizontal image

4:3 vertical image

3. Open the Right Mode

  •  Tap the Camera icon.
  • Make sure you’re in Photo mode — not Square, Panorama, or Video.

4. Check Your Settings

  • Turn on HDR (High Dynamic Range) if available — it makes colours more vibrant and keeps details in both bright and dark areas.

  • If using an older phone, turning HDR off is okay to save space.

image 4x3 1

HDR

image 4x3 200

without HDR

5. Take the Photo

Tips for a great shot:

  • Hold your phone steady in landscape position.

  • Tap to focus on the animal’s eyes.

  • Get down to their eye level — this creates a more personal connection.

  • Use natural light — outside or near a window is best.

  • Take several photos — animals wiggle!

  • Don’t ever use zoom – it reduces quality. Instead, move physically closer.

Zoom 1 1

with Zoom

Zoom not

by moving closer

Final Checklist

  •  Horizontal orientation (3×4 shape)

  • 4:3 aspect ratio

  • Natural light

  • Eye-level shot

  • Eyes in focus

  • No zoom

  • Multiple photos taken

  • Bonus Tip
  • If the animal is nervous or constantly moving, try:

  • Having a helper hold a treat or toy just above the camera.

  • Waiting until they’re resting or distracted by something interesting.

  • Using burst mode (hold the shutter button) to capture several frames at once.