Tips for Photographing Animals (Pets)
When you work primary from a photo reference like I do, the quality of the photographs makes a huge difference to your work. The reference photo is KEY to a wonderful portrait.
I love meeting a subject and photographing them for their portrait but that’s not always possible. However, the client can provide photo references suitable to paint from. Digital cameras are really great and give lots of us the ability to take clear and colorful photographs of our pets. Camera phones are not as good. You don’t need an expensive camera to take great photos as long as it has a good and clean lens.
The better the photo, the more I can guarantee a painting that captures your pet’s character.
The finished painting always has the potential to be better than the reference photo.
Lighting
Contrary to popular belief, the best light for photography is not bright sun, but diffused daylight -- the kind you get on a cloudy day but when the light is strong.
This means that there is enough light to give highlights and shadows but without the strong contrast you see with sunlight which can cause detail loss in large areas. If you have a sunny day, move into the shade but with the sun behind you and and slightly to one side.
Always use natural light. A built in flash will flatten the subject and wash out the color. Photograph outside. If that’s not possible, take photos next to a window. You can “bounce” additional light into a photo by using something as simple as a white poster board or a white sheet. (You will need your helper for this.)
Background
Avoid a busy background. Simple is best. Nothing is more difficult than trying to find the edge of black fur against a black background or light fur against a light back-ground. I won’t be painting the background.
Viewpoint
Get down on the pet’s eye level or just slightly above. Do not shoot down from above a pet. You can bring them up to your eye level by putting them on a chair or sofa. Consider having the pet’s head turned for a 2/3 view (head turned but you still see both eyes). This helps give the viewer a better idea of the shape of the head.
Try to step back from your pet and zoom in with the lens to fill the frame. You won’t be invading your subject’s personal space. They will feel more comfortable and behave more naturally.
Help!
The ease of taking a photo will depend on how well trained the pet is!
Food is usually the best bribe. Otherwise a toy, whistle or your own voice ( Walk? Walk?) can produce the desired expression of alertness. Have a second person there to hold your dog’s collar or someone to take the photos while you pose your pet. You decide.
Wait until you’re just about to snap the photo and make a noise that will get the pet’s attention. A pet with an alert look is best but more important, try to get a photo that really captures the face you love. If you are simply not comfortable taking your pet’s photo, find a friend or member of a local camera club to help you take the photos. Most amateur photographers love to help out. If you have a professional photograph that you like we can use that. I am available locally in Buckhannon and Canaan Valley , WV.
Composition
The subject should take up most of the space in the photo. You want a CLOSE UP.
It’s difficult to enlarge small images to a size that shows good detail. If you can see eyelashes and whiskers it’s close enough.
Focus on the eyes. You want the eyes to be clear and sharp if possible. You want to be able to see the color of the eyes. When someone looks at a portrait they are drawn to the eyes first. It’s better not to have the collar on a dog or cat. Their coat is not falling naturally due to the collar. Take a couple of shots without the collar.
You want the photo to be as clear as it can be.
Be Patient
Take LOTS of photos. You cannot be in a hurry. You’ve taken the time to set up and get assistance so take lots of photos. You will be glad later that you did. Cats require a lot of patience. You will need to follow them around and wait…and wait… It isn’t easy but your portrait will be so much better if you take the time to get a really great photo.
The perfect photo doesn’t happen right away. Sometimes it’s the first photo you’ll take, sometimes it’s 50 photos later.
The finished painting always has the potential to be better than the reference photo.
What to Send Me
I like to have a selection of photos, even if you think some of them aren’t very good. It helps me to build a good impression of my subject. You need to let me know which is your favorite, the main pose you want me to work from, and also tell me something about your pet’s personality. Make notes of any markings which don’t show well in the photos. You can send photos via email. Make sure you don’t reduce the size of the file. The larger the file the better.
Feel free to contact me with questions. Call @ 304-642-8708, text, or email.
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