Photography Tips

To produce a really good likeness of your pet I need several really clear and close up photographs, which will be returned on completion. As I do head studies only I need a good close up of the head, especially the eyes, and not the whole body with loads of background. I realise all to well that our beloved pets don't always want to pose as we would like, but a little patience maybe on different occasions over several different days you should be able to capture the best photo that you can. The quality of the portrait will depend on the quality of your photos.

Photos taken indoors are not usually suitable as they tend to produce red-eye, the eyes are very important to capture a natural likeness. Take your photo outside in the natural light this will help to get the nearest colour likeness. Think about the pose and the angle of the head, is there a particular angle that really captures your pet's personallity?

Most photgraphs are clearer outside - However if you have a cat the chances are that it will run away if it is outside so it is a case of common sense. Try to take the photos when the sun is not too bright and try to avoid huge shadows. If you have a black animal ( dog, cat ) try to take the photos on a cloudy day.Preferably take your photos outdoors in bright shade or hazy sunshine and try not to use a flash, this can give unnatural shading, deaden the colour and startle your pet.

Try to get down to the same height as the animal as a picture taken looking down doesn't produce the best angles and if possible, use a zoom lens to concentrate on the face without being too intrusive. A three quarters view is often more interesting than side view or straight on shot.If you are using a digital camera plaese set it to highest resolution.

If you experience great difficulty, try getting someone else to take the photo whilst you distract the animal. We have never yet failed to find a method to distract a dog or cat. If all else fails feel free to e-mail me, I am happy to discuss all aspects of your commission with you.