How to Photograph your pet

Great reference photos make great portraits!

When creating your pet portrait, I work from the photos that you provide. Very rarely do I get the chance to meet your pet first, so your photos must show me their personality, accurate colours and fur markings.

I know thats a lot to ask so I've put together this guide to help you out!

Don't worry about taking the perfect picture as I often work from a few different photographs to build up a real picture of your pet. If, sadly, your pet has crossed the rainbow bridge then I will do my very best to work from the photos, videos and information which you provide to let their memory shine on.

Pets moving or in the distance

If your pet is moving in the photograph then this can cause the image to be blurry, making it hard to pick out any fine details. The same goes for if your pet is far away in the photograph.  Try to bribe your pet to sit still with their favourite treat and make the photographing experience a fun one for you both!

Camera Angle

If you stand above your pet when you take their photo you will make them look out of proportion, instead try to get down to their level by crouching or lying on the floor. This will create a much more realistic representation of them and allow their true beauty to show through!

Lighting

Natural daylight is great for your photographs, even on overcast days! A photograph taken outside will show your pet's natural colours and will be sharper, allowing me to see the extra fine details in their eyes and fur. Try not to cast any shadows over your pet when taking your picture as those can make your pet's markings appear different.

Photos taken inside, especially at night, can look dull or blurry and the artificial lighting can cause an unnatural yellow glow.

Quality Check

If you follow my guide and take your photos close up, at your pet's eye level and in daylight, then you'll be able to take some awesome photos. If you'd like to quality check your photos before sending them over then please zoom in on your picture, if you can see all the sharp details in their fur, as well as their markings and their colour is correct to you, then your photo is perfect!