Photo Tips

The photos you provide are the most important step to a good pet portrait. The artist must rely completely on these photos to produce an accurate likeness of your pet. The following tips will help you to get the photos you need for the pet portrait.

• Get down to the same level as your pet to take the photo. Never take photos from above, because this distorts the image.

• Keep the camera still, so there is no blur.

• Do not get too close to your pet, or this will also distort the image. About 6-8 feet away is good. If your camera has a telephoto option, use it to bring the pet closer.

• If you have a camera, use it instead of a phone to take the photos.

• If you plan to use your phone for the photos, make sure it takes great photos. Not all phone cameras are created equally. iPhones, Pixel, and some of the other high end smartphones have good cameras, but many smartphones will not produce clear enough images to work from. They may look great on your phone, but when you blow them up, the details are not there.

• Make sure your camera is set at a high resolution.

• Indirect, outdoor light is best. Cloudy days are great for this.

• Exception: If you have a black pet, you want to take the photos on a sunny day and follow the rule below.

• Plan to take your photos in the morning about 2 hours after sunrise or in the evening about 2 hours before sunset. Mid-day sun is too harsh and will cast harsh shadows.

• Place your pet so the sunlight is in front and to one side of him. You don’t want it directly in front or he/she will squint.
  
  

Other tips when photographing a pet

• Keep the sessions short and do not allow yourself to lose your patience.

• Give your pet plenty of praise and treats.

• Never reprimand a dog during a photo session.

• If you can get someone to help you, have one person hold the dog and the other take the photos.

• The person taking the photos should have treats or toys to keep the dog’s interest.