The Photograph
The Photograph is the key to your pets portrait, so provide the best photograph you have, several is better than just one. Here are some hints for a good photograph.
First, the lighting is very important, and the best light is natural outdoor light.
* If your pet is an indoor only pet, have your pet near a large window, with the light coming from behind you or slightly to the side as you face your pet.
* Avoid direct sunlight, a bright but overcast day is perfect!
* Try to not look down on your pet when taking photos, even though it might feel natural to do. It's important to always photograph from your pet's level since your portrait will hang on your wall at eye level.
* In order to take a photo of a small animal, you should crouch down to his eye level or place your pet on a table if that's easier for you.
* Take the photo when your pet is looking slightly to the left or right of the camera.
* Straight on shots or directly from the side can make the animal's face look flat. Don't leave your pet with only one eye, its always better to see both of them.
* Don't use a flash, as this can cause red-eye and distort the true coloring & shading of your pet. An exception to this is if your pet has a black coat, in which case a flash or bright sunlight can actually bring out shading and texture which may be lost in photos taken under other lighting conditions.
* Take plenty of facial photographs with a zoom lens if possible, and have their face fill the frame while still in sharp focus. Try taking some three-quarter views as well as from the front, as a slightly angled pose can sometimes make a beautiful portrait photograph.
* If your pet will not sit still, have someone hold them in position. If these pictures are solely for the portrait, then hands and arms in the frame do not matter and are easily removed as long as they do not cover important markings.
Using these tips will help make your investment in a high quality portrait of your favorite furry friend become a reality!
First, the lighting is very important, and the best light is natural outdoor light.
* If your pet is an indoor only pet, have your pet near a large window, with the light coming from behind you or slightly to the side as you face your pet.
* Avoid direct sunlight, a bright but overcast day is perfect!
* Try to not look down on your pet when taking photos, even though it might feel natural to do. It's important to always photograph from your pet's level since your portrait will hang on your wall at eye level.
* In order to take a photo of a small animal, you should crouch down to his eye level or place your pet on a table if that's easier for you.
* Take the photo when your pet is looking slightly to the left or right of the camera.
* Straight on shots or directly from the side can make the animal's face look flat. Don't leave your pet with only one eye, its always better to see both of them.
* Don't use a flash, as this can cause red-eye and distort the true coloring & shading of your pet. An exception to this is if your pet has a black coat, in which case a flash or bright sunlight can actually bring out shading and texture which may be lost in photos taken under other lighting conditions.
* Take plenty of facial photographs with a zoom lens if possible, and have their face fill the frame while still in sharp focus. Try taking some three-quarter views as well as from the front, as a slightly angled pose can sometimes make a beautiful portrait photograph.
* If your pet will not sit still, have someone hold them in position. If these pictures are solely for the portrait, then hands and arms in the frame do not matter and are easily removed as long as they do not cover important markings.
Using these tips will help make your investment in a high quality portrait of your favorite furry friend become a reality!