Tips
on Photographing Your Pet
If
possible, take some photos with the portrait in mind. Some
pets are natural posers and a good photograph is easy to take,
for others it is more difficult. It is not necessary to get
professional photos taken. With patience you can achieve good
results yourself.
Here
are a few tips to follow which will give the best results.
Take
the photos outside in natural light, an overcast but bright
day is ideal. Try to avoid direct sunlight, as this can alter
natural colouring. Avoid
flash, this causes red-eye. The more photos you take the greater
the chance of getting a good choice for me to work from.
Get
down to their level, sit on the grass, or lie on the floor
or put the animal on a chair or table. Don't have your pet
looking up at you unless this is how you want the portrait.
If your pet will not sit still, have someone hold them or
distract them with a toy or treat. Remember these photos are
solely for the portrait, and hands and arms in the frame do
not matter and are easily removed as long as they do not cover
important markings or features. Make sure your pet is relaxed.
Get as close as you can and make sure that the animal fills
the frame, and that you have not cut off feet, ears and tails.
For
a 'head only' portrait take at least two shots and have their
face fill the frame, a 3/4 view or side on view is better
than a full on front view.
It
might be better to take your photos over a number of days
so that the animal doesn't get bored or overwhelmed by the
attention. It can be possible to get really good photos if
your pet is just going about his normal day and is not 'posed'.
Cameras can be distracting for some animals.
Please
note that the quality of the portrait will depend on the quality
of your photographs. If they are blurred or the subject is
too far away or too dark, or light, I will have less information
to work with and the final portrait will reflect this. |
