It is important to remember that in most cases the only way I know your animal is through the photographs you send me, the better the photograph the better the resulting portrait.

Suitable photographs need to be..... 

• Taken in natural light.
• In focus and clearly show the eyes.
• As large as possible (at least 6 x 4 inches for prints).
• Taken from the animals eye level.
• Show your animal at its best and most characterful!

You may already have a favourite photograph of your pet that is perfect for a portrait, but if you are taking some specially the follwing tips should ensure you come up with good results that will be suitable for me to work from.

• It is easier to have 2 or 3 people present, at least one other to hold the animal steady and perhaps another to rustle a toy or treat to get a nice alert expression on the animal's face!
• Take the photograph outside on a clear day, or next to a wondow if taking the photo inside to get the most natual light. This is to show the true colours of your animals coat, as indoor lighting casts an artificial yellow tinge. If taking phots outside on a bright day make sure the sun is behind you.
• You may need to crouch down to your animals eye level if he / she is small, or life them onto a higher surface. Taking a photo looking down at a subject can distort proportions on a photo.

 

Examples of good photographs

 

 

 

 

 

Although I can comment on the technical suitability of images it is customer's responsibility to choose whichever photograph is a true representation of their animal in terms of charcter etc.

Photographs can be sent to me as prints, on a CD or by email. All will be safely returned.

If two or more animals are to feature on the same portrait don't worry about getting them both to pose perfectly in one shot. Just take good individual photos of each then perhaps another one just to show their sizes in relation to each other.

The more photographs you can send me the better. This provides me with more reference detail and allows me to get a feel for your pet's character.

I understand it is difficult to get one perfect shot so a good tip is to indicate which photographs show the best features e.g sticking post-it notes on the back or writing on a sheet information such as 'use for main pose', 'good eye detail', best for coat colour'. This way I can piece together all the best bits from several photographs and incorporate them into the main pose.

Even if you are commissioning a full body portrait please send me a few close up head shots so I can see the facial details clearly.

I would advise against using photographs taken by a professional photographer as they will retain the copyright for their work. If you really want to use a photograph taken by a third party you will need to gain their permissin which I will need proof of.

If you don't have any good photographs and are unable to take any more, perhaps if sadly your pet is no longer with you, I am happy to look at the ones you have and discuss what I feel I could achieve working from them.

If you are finding it difficult to get good results I am happy to travel to you and take the photographs myself. This may incur an addition charge, for more information visit the prices page.