Photo taking tips

The better the reference photo the better your portrait will be!

I can usually improve on a photo but I need to be able to see the structure of your pet’s head and the shape of their nose and eyes. I can’t make a sad photo happy the whole face changes shape when they smile – not only their mouth . If we can have a happy photo to start with that will make a great difference to your portrait!

 Plan ahead – for a small portrait it is best to just have a head portrait so zoom in and just take photos of their head and shoulders. For a full body  larger portrait ( 30 x 40cms image size and larger) make sure their whole body fills the photo.

Here are some photo taking tips . Remember if you are local I can come and take suitable photos for you.

Always make sure you take plenty of sharp closeup photos of your pets. You never know when they may leave you. I have  many people asking me to create a portrait of their pet after it has passed away . Sadly I sometimes have to say it’s not possible as the only photos they have are blurry , dark or their pet is a tiny speck in the photo . One option to guard against this is to have me come and take photos of all your pets to put on file for any possible future portraits.

Dog photos –

Lighting – If possible don’t use a flash . Have your pet under a verandah in bright light or outside in overcast conditions or near a window if they are inside.You can take photos of them in bright sunlight but make sure they aren’t squinting or have any dark shadows fall across their face.

The best camera is one with 10megapixels plus , a zoom, sports or multi shot function + and a viewfinder- not just a window at the back. You can use one with just a window but there is no easy way to check if what you are taking is in focus etc so it will make things harder.

If you don’t have a suitable camera maybe you have a friend who is into photography that can help.

It’s best to have 2 people. Tie your pet up on a 3′-4′ lead. Get about 6 -7′ away from your pet at their level so you are looking them in the eye. We don’t want a photo looking down on your pet. You need to get back from them a little and zoom in to take the photo otherwise the photo will have distortions – big head etc.

Have a friend get behind you AT YOUR LEVEL with some tibbits or a toy and get them to do whatever it takes to get your pets attention. Your pet should be looking at the camera as your helper is crouched behind you ( warn the neighbours that the weird noises coming from the backyard are only you trying to get your pets attention..LOL’s)

Put your camera on best quality photos and if you have it use multi shot or sports setting so that the  camera keeps taking photos for as long as you hold the button down.Make sure the camera focuses on your pet before you press the shutter.

I need your pet to be filling the photo not a little blob in the distance so for a head portrait zoom in and just take head & shoulders. For a full body portrait don’t get much background.

Take 100’s of photos.

Cats are obviously harder as you can’t tie them up! Aim to get at their level and shoot across ( unless you deliberately want an unusual angle).

This is just a quick overview – if your pet is white or black there are exposure factors to be incorporated.

Email me for more photo taking help.

Plan ahead and take advantage of my monthly interest free payment plan

My payment option makes budgeting a breeze!

Pre order your portrait and you can then make regular interest free monthly payments as your portrait is created for your special date.

This is great for all occasions but particularly gift portraits  for Christmas , birthdays , special occasions etc.

 A deposit will grab you a spot in my queue and then you can relax and budget knowing your portrait will be ready for that special occasion!