Photo Taking Tips

What is a pet portrait?
A portrait is defined as a likeness of a subject, especially of the subject’s face. A photographic portrait is understood to be a good quality image that not only captures a subject’s physical likeness on film, but also something of the subject’s character. Insight into an animal’s personality and character can be contained in a painted portrait of that animal, and is in fact my primary objective as a pet portrait artist.

1. Go Outside - Natural light will show the true color of the animal’s coat. Certain colors or shades may not be apparent under artificial lighting.

Left: This photo is a bit blurry, and the indoor lighting does not display his true coat color--------Right: The illumination of natural light shows true coat color

2. Eye level – Take a photo at the level of the subject. Looking down on the subject can cause a shortening of the neck and some crazy head angles. Don’t get too far away, but stay within about 3 or 4 feet to fill the entire frame. Try to get a few with the animal looking slightly to the right or left to show the length of the muzzle.

Left: Angle is too high making his body look out of proportion----------- Right: Perfect eye level in daylight 3 to 4 feet away

3. Two or More – Don’t worry about getting multiple animals into the same photograph for one Portrait. Undoubtedly, one dog is always looking the wrong way. I can add them in from separate pictures. It would be helpful to send some photo of the animals together, even if it’s not a good portrait photo. That way I will be able to better determine the size relation to one another.

One dog isn't looking at the camera. The angle is also too high.

4. Eyes – The eyes are the most important part of any portrait. Be sure to get a clear photo of the eyes. Without accurate eyes the animal may not look like itself. The eyes speak volumes. Remember the expression in the dogs eyes at the time of the photo will transfer to the canvas. Please send as many pictures as you can of the subject. The more pictures that you give of the animal, the better I can determine the essence that makes that animal unique.

Left: A great picture, but Buffy's eyes aren't showing hardley at all---------Middle: Cats eyes are half closed----------Right: Good distance. Eyes are clear

5. Distance – Try to stay within 3 to4 feet when taking the photo, unless you have a zoom lens. Even though it may be a neat photo, it may be too far away to use as a guide for a painted portrait.

6. Expression - Whatever expression is in the photo will come across in the painting.

Nice picture, is eye level, nice distance, good lighting....BUT....this is a strange expression for Chance. This is not a content look for him.

7 . Emailing pictures – Digital cameras and scanners have made this process faster than ever. The higher the resolution, the better. Email in .jpg or .gif formats.

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