Photography Tips
How to photograph your Pet or Animal
Photography for Pet Portraits
The quality of the photograph provided for an animal portrait directly affects the outcome. A good quality photo will contain more detail for producing the best portrait. Here are some tips for you on how to obtain the best quality photos of your pet or animal.
If you are uncertain about a photograph, please email it to me and I can confirm its suitability. I also encourage you to send as many photos as you can. I find it is better to have more photos to choose from than having a limited selection.
Photography Basics
Tips on How to Get the Best Shot
Image Quality
Photographs should be sharp and in focus. If the photo is blurry, important details will be lost.
Distance/Composition
Photograph your pet or animal as close as possible. The closer the camera is to the subject the more detail it can capture. I also recommend filling the frame with the subject without cutting off parts of the body. For example, if you take a head and shoulders photo make sure the ears stay in the frame.
Levels
Photograph your pet or animal at their eye level. Avoid taking the photo looking down on them, as this creates an unnatural and awkward point of view.
Lighting
Photograph your pet or animal in natural light. A bright overcast day or in the shade on a bright sunny day produces soft even lighting on the subject. Avoid direct sunlight as this can create unflattering shadows and hot spots (or areas too brightly lit). If indoors, shoot the photos near a window but not in direct sunlight.
Angles
Photograph the subject straight on or at three quarter view. If you pet or animal has a particularly striking profile, you may want to consider capturing a side view.
Flash
Please avoid using the flash on your camera. Not only can using the flash mask details on the subject but it can also create an unflattering red or glowing eye effect.
Important Points to Consider
Styling for Long Hair
If your pet has long hair, please consider how you would like it to appear in the portrait. Pinned back or brushed to the side? When photographing my dog, I decided to brush the hair to one side and let one eye peek through. Not only does one of her beautiful eyes show for the portrait but it also is quite a natural look for her and expresses her personality.
Memorial Portraits
For pets that have passed away, taking new photos is sadly not an option. I encourage you to send whatever photos you have available of your pet or animal. From these I will try to work with you on finding the best photo/photos to work from.
Objects in the Photo
Remove unwanted objects before taking the photo. If you do not want an object on the final portrait (other than what is in background), please leave it out of the photograph. This refers to collars and toys for dogs and cats or bridles and reins for horses.
Photos from Professional Photographers
If the photo you would like use was taken by a professional photographer, you must obtain written permission from the photographer for use of the copyright. I must have this written permission before work will begin.
