Reference Photograph Guidance.
The Ideal Pet Photograph.
I really can’t stress enough how important it is to have a clear photograph of your pet for me to work from. It is vital, as I have never met your pet and I really need to be able to see their eyes clearly and get the feel for their character. The eyes are the window to the soul after all. In most cases this is the only way I can meet them so please do them justice.
I need a photograph that is clear, up close (fill the view finder with your pet, not your house or garden!) and is of a pose that is typical of your pet. To achieve this the following guide helps you get the photo you want.
Below is a guide for taking photos of your dog, cat, horse or any other animal you would like a portrait painted of.
Pet Portrait Lighting.
The best possible lighting is achieved outside or by a window in a bright room. A bright but overcast day is best. Whilst a sunny day provides a lot of light, it will also make your pet squint which will affect the look of their eyes and affect the colouring of their fur/hair. When taking a photograph outside, it is best to stand with your back to where the sun would be behind the cloud and have your pet facing you. This gives the maximum natural light to your pet.
If your pets have black or white fur/hair, it is particularly important that the lighting is not too strong this will affect the colour- black will not show detail and white will be bleached out.
If you are taking your photograph indoors, a bright room next to a window is ideal. Stand with your back to the window and your pet facing you to maximise the natural light on them.
Dog Portraits.
The best position for your dog is to have them sitting up.
Have yourself right down at the same level as your dog.
Have someone next to you, by your shoulder and at the same level as you, with a favourite toy or treat, or to say a word that gets your dog to look interested.
Get them to hold a treat by your ear.
For a perfect head/neck study or head/chest study, I find this gets the dog to pose in just the right angle. This pose is better than face on, or completely side view.
If you would like a full or part body dog portrait, they can be sitting up or laying down.
Cat Portraits.
Cats can be quite difficult to photograph.
If you can get a photo of them outside, that is preferable, however, I understand that not all cats go outdoors.
If your request is for a head study cat portrait, it may be easier if you get someone to hold your cat in their arms ensuring that they do not have their hand near the cats neck or misshape them by holding them too tight.
If you would like a full body cat portrait and are unable to capture your photograph outside, then the best alternative is a bright room indoors near a window.
Have your back to the window and the cat facing you.
No sunshine is preferable.
Horse Portraits.
Try not to photograph the horse from directly in front. This position will result in a portrait where you are looking straight up its nose.
If you have a dark coloured horse, do not take your photograph against a dark background such as a stable door. This will result in loosing detail in the background.
If possible, bring the horse out into the yard or paddock and stand with your back to where the light is coming from behind the clouds. A bright overcast day is best, no sunshine.
Have the horse facing the light.
If you have a pet that does not fit into these categories- for example a bird, rabbit, guinea pig, but you would still like a portrait, please contact me and we can discuss. Unfortunately, I do not draw reptiles.
Artist Tip No.1
If your pet is uncooperative and getting a little frustrated, attempt to take photographs over several days in different locations.
Artist Tip No.2
You don’t have to use a professional camera, smartphones are excellent for taking photographs.
Artist Tip No.3
Relax and have fun with your beloved pet, you will eventually get the perfect photograph!