PHOTO TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST PHOTO FOR YOUR PET’S PORTRAIT
Good reference is key for me to draw a good likeness of your pet so here are some tips to help you.
For cats and dogs –
Find a location in your home with lots of natural light, near large windows or glass doors are good.
Open your curtains and let all the light in! Midday is usually the time of day when your home will have the most natural light.
Walk around all the rooms and see if some have better light than others. It’s worth planning where you’ll be taking your photos if possible.
How to get your dog or cat’s natural colouring – Turn off the ‘house’ lights.
The science bit – all light has a temperature. Daylight is cooler than electric light so taking a photo in electric light can change the colour of your cat or dog’s coat colour.
In most cases, electric light inside is usually too warm so for a realistic and truer look, so if possible, turn off the lights and work with the natural window light.
This will make your photos much more natural in colouring.
Turn off your camera flash
One of the most common questions I get asked is “how do I get rid of glowing eyeballs?”. Those demon-esque eyeballs are a result of your camera flash so go into your camera or phone settings and turn it off.
Always try and have your dog‘s eyes face the window or the light source. This will ensure that their eyes and face are the brightest part of your image.
Of course, you can take your photos outside if you think that would be easier for you. But don’t take them in ultra bright sunshine as that will give harsh highlights and dark shadows.
FOCUS ON THEIR EYES
It’s cliche, but the eyes are the window to the soul. THE MOST IMPORTANT part of photographing your dog or cat is making sure the eyes are well lit, and in focus.
Most smartphones have a focus feature – while holding your camera with your image composed, tap the screen with your finger where you’d like the camera to focus (on the eyes). That way your phone will not only focus on the eyes, but it will expose for your dog’s face. This will brighten the face properly and not worry so much about the rest of the scene. This is what you want!
IF YOU’RE REALLY AMBITIOUS!
Look for catchlights (highlights) in the eyes. Catchlights bring life into the eyes, and makes the subject look alive and soulful. Don’t worry if you don’t want to do this, it’s not vital but does make a lovely shot if you can do it.
Make a funny noise to get your dog or cat’s attention as that’s the best way to get a quick and natural reaction. When you’re about to shoot, make the noise with your mouth, toy squeaker, or call their name.
DO’S & DON’TS FOR GETTING THE BEST POSE FOR A DRAWING
How to get the best angle photos for pet portrait drawings –
DO’S
While your cat or dog is in position and responding to your sounds, GET DOWN ON THEIR LEVEL and move your camera side to side, up and down and change your angles.
Move the camera closer and further away to change the scene. Use your treats to direct their gaze.
DONT’S
Don’t stand up looking down on your dog or cat, that can be absolutely fine for a photo as you’re seeing the whole image in context but when the they’re isolated on the drawing without a background that ‘looking up’ pose looks really odd.
TOP TIP
Hold down your shutter button to activate the burst mode. Taking lots of photos will increase your odds of getting a handful really great expressions.
Send me as many as you like – the more the better so I have plenty to work from.
Please also refer to the pictorial tip sheets.
I hope you enjoyed my photo tips for getting the best photo for your pet’s portrait.
