Pet photography tips.

We work from the photos you provide to create each commissioned pet portrait or caricature.

In order to provide you with the best representation of your pet, it is important that we have good, high quality photos to work with. The better the photographs, the easier it will be to draw or paint your pet.

Here are some tips that will help you take the best pictures of your pet:

Decide what kind of pose you want for your portrait or caricature

Before you start clicking your camera, you should think about what kind of shot you are trying to capture.  Will these pictures be used for a head portrait or full body shot? 

If taking photos for a portrait, it is a good idea to take lots of close up shots.  A photo that is crisp and clear, with accurate color and good detail would be ideal reference for a portrait.  A blurred photo is hard to work from, especially when trying to capture detail in the drawing or painting.  When photographing full body poses, try stepping back from your pet, so they are able to fit the frame of your camera.  If your pet's ears, tails, or legs are cut off in the shot, this will prevent the artwork from being as accurate as possible. 

Take lots of pictures! 

Sometimes you have to take many pictures to get the right shot. A high resolution digital camera is perfect for this purpose.  When using a digital camera, you are able to take many pictures at a time, thus making it much easier to get that "perfect shot".  Try photographing your pet from different angles or with several poses.  Having a variety of photos to choose from is always a good idea. 

Have patience!

The key to capturing that perfect photo is patience.  Give yourself time to photograph your pets.  Rushing a photo can prove to be very frustrating, and is not very relaxing for you or your pet.  Often, pets will move around or get distracted while you try to photograph them.  It may help to have someone stand behind you to attract your pet's attention while you take their photo.  Photographing your pet in their favorite spot  is a great way to get them to relax and sit still.  You can also try holding up one of their favorite toys or showing them a treat while you click the camera.

Lighting

Natural lighting works best. Your pet's colors and shadows show up better with natural light. If possible, try taking your pictures outside.  An overcast day can prove to be the best lighting.  If you prefer to photograph your pet indoors (especially for portrait shots), try taking the picture next to a lamp or get close to a window that has natural light coming from one side or behind your pet.  Sometimes the light from the window or lamp can be is too bright, and it washes out your pet's colors and facial features. Try covering the window with a white or light colored sheet to soften the light.