PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help guide you when it comes to taking and selecting your photos. 

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When creating your pet portrait I strive to produce a high quality piece of artwork that accurately captures the appearance and personality of your pet. A good photograph of your pet is therefore key to the artistic process. Unfortunately I cannot work from photographs of poor quality but I'm here to help you every step of the way. Please find below a guide to help you create an excellent reference photograph.

IMAGE QUALITY

I cannot emphasise enough the importance for a good quality photograph. In order to achieve a high level of detail I require images that are detailed, accurate and in focus. I understand that phone cameras are very convenient, where possible I highly recommend using a camera as they are generally superior at capturing light, colour and detail.

CAPTURING CHARACTER

When photographing your pet, focus on their eyes and expression and think about how you would like to portray their personality. Each pet is different and so it is important to consider the behaviour that best represents their character, and the appropriate environment for your pet too. This could be your pet sitting outside alert to their surroundings, playing with their favourite toy, or waiting patiently for a treat.

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PHOTOGRAPH ANGLE

If it is possible, try to take the photographs at eye level with your pet. This helps to create natural, flattering images that are in good proportion. 

I recommend poses where your pet is either looking straight at you or looking to the side. 

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ACCURATE PHOTOGRAPHS

Please make sure that the photographs you provide accurately show the coloration of your pet's fur and eyes. It is also really helpful if the direction of their fur is visible and and their nose is in focus, too. This can be achieved by taking close-up photographs of your pet in natural lighting. I advise taking your photographs outdoors - the best lighting is often on a bright but overcast day. Photographs taken in direct sunlight can create strong, unflattering contrasts, and your pet will most likely be squinting! Please do not use flash. It can cause problems such as red-eyes, unnatural shadows and discolouration.

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ORIGINAL FORMAT

Please send your photographs in their original format, for example not cropped or edited, as this can decrease the size and resolution of the image. 

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MULTIPLE PETS

If you wish to commission a portrait of multiple pets please note that it is not necessary to capture your pets all in the same photograph. With the right selection of photographs it is often better to capture individual images, and I will then draw them all together for you. If possible it is helpful to have a photograph of the pets together in order to understand their proportions to each other, however this is not essential. 

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Here's my beloved Jack to help illustrate what a good reference photo might look like..

EXAMPLES OF GOOD PHOTOGRAPHS

Good angle, Jack is relaxed

EXAMPLES OF COMMON ERRORS