Unsure what makes a good quality photograph for your pet portrait?
As a UK pet portrait artist hopefully I can help you with 5 pet photo tips below for choosing or taking your best pet photo for your pet portrait commission.
When you commission a pet portrait, the drawing (or painting) can only ever really be as good as the pet reference photo you provide.
I can and will always strive to work around some issues (please read to the end for options) but in order to get a good pet portrait commission its important to take a great quality reference photo. This will help capture the likeness of your beloved pet.
Keep on reading for 5 pet photo tips and how to secure a place for your commission.
What makes the best pet reference photo?
You don’t need an SLR camera, a phone camera is just fine.
I accept commissions from all around the world and am more than happy to work from photos taken with a phone camera.
The beautiful German Shepherd dog illustrates a lovely example of an ideal pet reference photo.
5 Pet Photo Tips.
Tip 1 Photograph outside/lighting
This is great as natural lighting allows the true colours of the pets fur to be visible. I realise this isn’t always possible but its a good start. If photographed indoors don’t photograph the pet with a window directly behind it. Its better if you can have the pet sat to the side of the window.
Tip 2 Fur detail / Eye detail
Get as close as possible. You should then be able to zoom in on the photograph and see individual hairs and all the beautiful colours in the eye . I have been sent photos of pets taken from a great distance which is a shame as the lovely detail is lost. Zooming in on the photo and cropping it doesn’t really help as the image will be grainy and the detail is still lost.
Tip 3 Be Level with your pet
You want to be level with your pet. Odd angles taken from above or below can alter the perspective.
Tip 4 Not in motion
Ideally get your pet to sit or stand. If your lovely pet is moving around its more likely detail will be blurred. Also steady yourself by tucking your arms tight into your body to help keep your phone steady.
Tip 5 Don’t crop
Don’t chop off the ears or any part of your pet. Especially if you want a full body portrait!
If I could only give one tip though I would say lighting is the most important. You want to be able to see detail and colour.
Keep reading below for some more helpful advice and different options for your pet portrait.
How to commission a pet portrait from poor photography.
I understand in some circumstances your pet may no longer be here. I will try to draw/paint from the photographs you have as I know how heart-breaking it is to lose a pet. A good option for this is a very affordable mini 6×6″ pet portrait.
If your photograph isn’t of a high quality for a larger portrait the mini 6×6″ pet portrait makes a good option. These are also great for people who want to make a thoughtful gift or who are on a budget. If you would like to look at more information for pet portrait commissions or 6×6″ pet portraits please click here.
Finally If you do have any questions about your photographs or would like some more advice please do get in touch and I can discuss the best possible options for you.
Thank you for reading this guide. My name is Sarah and I am a UK fine artist and West Yorkshire pet portrait artist based in a small town called Todmorden. For further information about me visit my home page here. I specialise in wildlife painting and drawing. I have a shop on my website where you can buy small or large originals, greeting cards and prints of some of my work which are all available here or alternatively take a look at my work and give me a follow on Instagram.
I am always happy to be contacted, below is my contact form or alternatively email me at sazclems@hotmail.com
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Thank you again for taking the time to read my blog.
