Pawtraits

Time spent with animals is never wasted!!

I've written about the subject of photographing your animals before but it bears repeating. To see my first post on this subject click here. And I'll say it again, I couldn't create great portraits if I didn't have great reference photos! I know it's not easy but it's not impossible either...and can be a really fun time with your pet!!

You don't have to have special equipment but if you have a good camera, pull it out and dust it off! Never use your flash tho, instead get your pet outside in natural morning light. If that's not possible then in the brightest room you have.

Do your best to focus in on their eyes...get at or below their eye level. This adds an intimacy to your portrait and captures the soul of your sweet animal.

Also think about what it is that sets your pet apart from others...or what is unique to their personality. For my cat Shortie, when he sleeps or sees me he tilts his head a certain way.

And don't take just one photo and call it done...I can easily take 50 shots at one time, then whittle it down to 1 or 2 really great shots. Set up a few sessions to catch them in different moods. And above all be patient with both your pet and yourself.

Try these few tips and see if you just can't get that perfect shot off!!

Pet Photography Tips featuring Bella & Ricky

you wouldn't believe how many potential pet portraits i have turned down because of one thing...bad photos. i get people sending me everything from cartoon images to blurry dark photos. any artist will tell you that the quality of the photos you send us will determine the final piece of artwork, therefore you want to send the best possible photos so it's a true representation of your beloved pet!

so, here are my personal recommendations for taking great photographs of your pet(s).

lighting

  always take photos in natural lighting. avoid direct sunlight by taking photos in the morning or evening when the light is less harsh. (okay...i know i broke my own rule here, but this was the only time we could get together..i'll make adjustments when drawing it). do NOT use a flash as it not only creates red-eye but it dulls the image as well as flooding out features and the texture of the coat.

 

keep in mind the color of your pet's coat. a black lab should not be photographed in the shade. and golden retrievers should not be shot in bright-middle of the day sunlight, where the texture of their coats can get washed out.

if your pet absolutely cannot go outside, have them sit near a large picture window. have them positioned so the light shines to their side or back.

placement

 get down on the ground and get eye level with your pet. get both full body shots and lots of close ups as well. take full on shots and three-quarter views too and make sure your pet is large in the frame. always have on hand delicious treats and favorite toys to help catch cute expressions and their full personalities.

other tips 

take lots and lots and LOTS of photos (i took 70 photos on this shoot)...until you start editing them, you can never be sure which photo will best capture your pet. and be patient...they don't get what you're doing and it may take a session or two to get the perfect photo. it's always very helpful to have someone else there to lend a hand. just remember~no hands in the photo! (my daughter emily was a ginormous help!) if your pet won't sit still, they can hold their collar in the back, away from the camera.

now go forth and take beautiful photographs!!