Tips on photographing your pets

Good

Poor

When planning a pet portrait, it is ideal to do a special photo session with your pet with the portrait in mind. If you choose to have a professional photograph your pet, then I will need the photographer's written permission to use the photo for my artwork.

LIGHTING:

The preferred lighting for photographing your pet is outdoor light. Unless you have plenty of natural light indoors, make a special effort to take your pet outside for the photo shoot. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can alter the true color of your animal. Morning, evening, or a bright overcast day can make the best lighting for photographing your pet. Flash tends to wash out colors, and creates red-eye or unnatural glare to the eyes, so try not to use it.

When selecting a location to take photos, choose a background that will set off your pet's colors, but are not exact opposites. For example a black animal should not be photographed in front of a white fence, as the camera will overexpose the picture. This same animal would also not do well against very dark backgrounds, as they blend in and it is hard to tell the animal from the background. Some background clutter is not a problem as long as your pet can be clearly seen.

If your shadow is in the picture, this is fine, as long as it doesn't fall on your pet. Also be careful of shadows from fences, trees, etc. which will disguise the details of your pet. If taking photos early or late in the day have your pet facing either into the sun or at an angle mostly into the sun. Having the sun behind your animal will often result in silhouettes and loss of detail in your subject.

PERSPECTIVE:

Get down on your pets level, and have your pet fill the frame in the shot. This might mean you need to move close to them to get a good shot. Take the shot at eye level, unless you want a portrait of your pet looking up (or down) at you.

Take a minimum of two close-up photos of your pet's face. Have their face fill the majority of the frame, which may mean the photo will be better if you rotate your camera 90 degrees to an upright shot. The best photos are not always with the dog looking straight at the camera. Some of the nicest photos are with the head turned slightly one way or the other, or in profile.

If your pet will not sit still, have someone hold them in place. If these photos are specifically for a portrait, then it is ok if hands and arms are in the frame, as long as they do not cover up a special marking.

EXPRESSION & PERSONALITY:

Try and shoot photos that capture the personality and character of your pet. If you have a particular expression, ear set, etc. that you want in the portrait, be sure that it is in the photos. It can be helpful to have a second person hold the dog, or use treats or a toy to help get the dog to look in a certain direction and get their attention. If your pet seems nervous about the camera it may take several sessions with lots of treats and play to get your pet more relaxed. Put your camera up to your eye and give your pet a treat. Soon they will perk up looking for a treat as soon as they see you take the camera out.

Do: Take LOTS of photos. Surprisingly, out of two dozen photos I am lucky to get one or two good shots!

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Keep it Fun and be Patient
• Use natural lighting without flash
• Get in close so that your pet fills the frame
• Get down at your pets level
• Have someone help you, if needed
• Choose pictures that show your pets personality
• Take photos from several angles or different poses
• The better the photograph, the better the painting

Again, a good photo with the animal clearly in focus with accurate colors is crucial for quality artwork. If your pet is too small in the picture, blurry, or the colors show incorrectly, creating his likeness can be very difficult. In the event that your pet is deceased I will surly try to work with what you have.

I reserve the right to decline the commission if the photo quality is insufficient for my portrait standards.