Tips for Pet Photography
Photographs
Capturing high-quality photos is crucial for an excellent pet portrait. This is the key step. Clear and sharp photos are essential, as they directly impact the quality of the final portrait. The better the photos, the better the portrait will be.
When taking photos specifically for the portrait, take as many as possible. It's best to take these photos outside in natural daylight.
Once I have your photos and an idea of the portrait you're envisioning, I can begin designing it. I create a 'Mock-Up' using your photos. This allows us to collaborate and refine the composition until it's exactly what you want.
Pet Portraits from Photos - Tips and Hints!
What makes a good photo for a pet portrait for a dog, cat, horse, or other animals?
- For a head and shoulders portrait:
- A clear, focused photo with the pet close to the camera.
- For a full-body portrait:
- A photo showing the entire pet without cropping ears, paws, tail, etc.
Focusing on Your Pet
Pets tend to move during photo sessions, so some shots may be out of focus. This is why I recommend taking numerous photos to choose the best ones. For example, Gus was very cooperative during his studio visit, making him an ideal model.
Using Natural Light
Natural light is vital, especially when using a phone, as phone cameras need ample light to maintain focus. The photo of Bailey below demonstrates an ideal pose and lighting. If taking photos indoors, find a bright room or place your pet by a sunny window. Ensure the light is on their face, not behind them, to prevent shadows and darkened fur. Ben’s photos of Blue the Beagle illustrate this well: the shaded photo was dark and grainy, while photos taken in bright conditions were clear and focused. Natural light is your ally—position your pet near a window!
Get Up Close
For a head and chest portrait, fill the frame with your pet’s head and shoulders. The photo of Bailey below shows a full body from a distance, which is great for a full-body portrait. However, for more detail, move closer or zoom in if your camera allows without losing quality.
Avoid Pinch and Zoom!
Instead of using the zoom feature on your phone, which can reduce photo quality, step closer to your pet to fill the frame. Some phones use digital zoom, which decreases detail and pixels. Modern phones have better zoom capabilities, but always ensure your device maintains photo quality.
Email Photos at 'Actual Size'
I receive many pet photos from clients and always encourage sending them at 'actual size' to preserve full resolution. This allows me to see fine details like eyes, nose, and fur tags, which I can incorporate into the portrait.
Avoid Sending Screenshots
Screenshots degrade image quality, reducing the resolution to the screen's quality. Instead, locate the photo in your app and email it directly to maintain its original size and quality. If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out.
