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Pet Portraits Photography Tips
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Welcome to our Pet Photography Tips
One of the first questions clients ask is - "What kind of photos do you need for a portrait"? Our reply will always be a good clear photo, above all, one that really, truly captures the personality and character of your pet well.
We work from one main photo of your pet, we cant really make things up, so the photo has to be how you want the portrait to be. We can change minor things on a case by case basis and if you would like our opinion on your photos contact us any time.
Due to us not being able to meet your pet in person, we have to reply on photographs, and these are the only way for us to get to know your pet. Often clients have a treasured photo that they really love, and we will always try our very best to work from that photo to create a portrait that's special for you. If you are thinking about taking a photograph of your pet specifically for us to create a pet portrait, the information below might help. If you would like to ask for advice please don't hesitate to contact us at any time. |
Photographs of pets that have passed away.
On many occasions we are asked to paint pets that have sadly passed away and often clients have a very limited amount of photographs. We are more than happy to see any photos, even if you feel they might not be good enough for a portrait there are plenty of options.
Photos do govern the size and medium of the portrait and it might be the case that you are unable to have a huge oil painting. However a lovely mid sized pastel or pencil drawing maybe suitable instead. We will always give you our professional advice and give you plenty of options to help you in choosing what's best for you. |
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Taking New Photos of your Pets for a Portrait
With the popularity and advantages of digital cameras, its so easy to be able to take many photos in one session and come out with at least one or two good photos for a portrait that you feel really capture your pet. There are no processing costs involved with digital photography, so our advice would be to keep snapping away until you are happy with your results. After all you can just delete them if you don't like them! You may find the information below helpful when taking photos of your pet.
Choosing the right setting (lighting)
Use natural lighting when possible so a nice sunny or slightly cloudy day is the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot. If you are unable to take photos outside, taking pictures by a window or patio doors / french windows is also a great place. The more natural light the better. |
Positioning
Many people tend to look down on their pets when they are taking photos - this is natural, and it is the way we see our pets most of the time. However the painting or drawing you commission will be displayed on the wall at eye level, so it makes much more sense to be looking straight at your pets eyes. Photos taken from your pets eye level will help us to produce a painting or drawing that will look perfect, in pride of place, in your home. To achieve perfect photos at the right level, you can either crouch or lie down when taking photos, or alternatively you could raise your pet up onto a table or other stable surface to achieve the same result. When taking the photos imagine how the pose might look once framed and hanging on the wall. |
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Taking photos of black or dark coated pets
Photographing dark coloured pets can often be tricky as black animals in photos can often result in undefined black blobs. Natural light is ideal as long as you face your pet towards the light. Sometimes using flash can be helpful, it can help bring out the shine in the animals fur or coat. Don't worry if the photos look too shiny or too bright, we can always tone this down in the painting or drawing. We always like to see a good range of photos so that we can judge the colouring and tone of yor pet. |
Wait for the perfect moment
Cats and dogs are easy to catch out when they are sleepy. Use the squeaky toy just as they're nodding off. Squeak the toy and you'll get a moment of alertness and a brilliant pose!
Is there is a certain look that you want to capture for your portrait? Does your pet look at you longingly when you are just about to feed him? If this is the pose you love, then have the camera handy to snap away at the perfect moment. These special moments, that show your pets personality and character well, can quite easily be captured with a little preparation and patience.
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A Relaxed Fun Photoshoot
The most important thing when photographing any animal is to make sure they are comfortable with the situation. All pets are different and perhaps different approaches are needed for each animal. For instance cats are pretty uncooperative and so setting the photography task over a period of a few days can help. Taking things one step at a time often helps your pet to relax. You might also like to ask a relative or friend to help, particularly if you are taking a photo of a dog, someone with a biscuit or treat to keep the dogs attention while you take the photos can be really handy.
We would love to see your photographs and you are more than welcome to email them to us for our opinion at any time. We look forward to seeing them soon!
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