Getting good photographs of your pets

Jasmine and her reference photo

Show me your pictures!

Most pet portrait artists work primarily from photographs; this is our main source of reference for insuring an accurate portrayal of your animal.  So having the best possible photos is extremely important.  The following information will help you take, or choose from an existing album, the best reference material for me to use for the painting or drawing of your pet.

The most important goal in photographing your animal is to get a picture, that accurately shows the true characteristics of  both his or her accurate visage, and  personality.

I need “THE ONE”

I like to have at least 2 or 3 different pictures to work with.  One of these has to be the EXACT pose or likeness that you want me to portray as your pet portrait, (The One).  The other photos are useful to show further eye, snout and coat detail.  Clarity of detail, true eye and coat color are of the utmost importance.

LIGHTING

Natural lighting is always best, it shows an animals true color. It would be best to photograph your animal outside in the morning,  on an overcast day, or in the shade on a bright day (As is the case in the above photo of Jasmine). In the sun, or if photo-ing inside, photo with the light source or sun behind you, lighting your animals face and coat.  Try not to use a flash as this can change the color of things on the animal.  Also a flash going off in the face of an unsuspecting animal is not good for them, so if you have to use a flash, be cognizant of this and don’t take too many shots of them looking directly at the camera. The above are optimum conditions that of course can’t always be met, so that is why we need a few different shots to work from.

CLARITY and COMPLETENESS

It is very important that the photos are clear, especially the eyes, snout and coat texture.  Always check your shots for clarity. Make sure as well that you get the entire animal in the photo, at least everything that you want painted or drawn!  If nothing else take some extra shots of body parts which may have been left out of the “One” photo.  Also along those lines, make sure any characteristic marks that are unique to your animal can be clearly seen in the pictures.

 

Quick tips for your best animal photo:

*Photo your animal in her own environment.

*Photo your animal outside.

*Photo your animal with the sun behind you, lighting her coat and face.

*Use a toy or a treat to elicit a familiar expression.

*Make kissing and whistling noises to elicit an alert, ears perked and mouth closed expression.

*Photo calmly, especially with Horses and Cats.

*Save and name your best photos immediately to computer and an external drive.

*Choose the clearest photo that best represents her demeanor and personality.

*

Please visit the Pet Portraits page on this website, or www.petportraitsbycy.com and contact me soon.  I will be happy to discuss with you any of the above information at length, so that we get the proper reference material for a portrait you will love!!

Have Fun with your animals!!

Cy