Photo Guide
Often it is very difficult to get high quality photographs of our pets. we can have the most photogenic pet and still not be able to get a fantastic representation of them. Believe me, I know - when looking through my own photographs of my little girl Tenzing, this was brought very clearly to my attention. Don’t be afraid to send less than ideal photographs, every one of them helps me to learn more about your pet’s personality. You may have a shot of the perfect pose but the lighting is poor, if I have other photographs to help with the missing details and colouration, it may be enough.
This is particularly important when drawing those who are no longer with us…
If what you are able to provide is less than ideal, don’t be concerned. It may just mean we work smaller, or in a looser style. I offer a variety of options, and one is sure to be perfect. Please feel free to email me at any time to review any photographs of your pet that you have, I would love to see them.
Poor Photos, but can still be used in combination.
Ok Photos especially in combination.
Yes, detail is important but so is personality, we can work together to come up with a portrait you can treasure.
As the level of detail in your portrait is based on the photographs you send me, the best photos you can send me are high resolution ones that show lots of details. Please don’t send me photographs of a screen or screenshots, as once I zoom in, the details become too pixelated. Generally one photograph will become the primary basis for your portrait in the pose that you like most, but don’t be afraid to send through multiple images of your pet. Additional photographs help me to get to know your pet and learn about their personality as well as filling in any missing information should it be required, say to confirm colouration, or if there are any obstacles obscuring aspects of your pet in your chosen pose.
Perfect Photos : Free Reference photos sourced from Pexels www.pexels.com
A few tips for photographing your pets.
If you are planning on photographing your pet specifically for your perfect portrait, some of the following hints and tips may be of use to you.
The convenience of having your mobile device with you the majority of the time may allow you the freedom to snap the perfect pose as and when it happens but photographs taken with an actual camera system rather than a mobile device will always have better resolution and control settings.
Focus on your pets eyes. Try shooting at their level and not looking down on them from above, unless of course, this is the effect you are after which can be used to great stylistic effect. If you, going down to their level is less than ideal, try raising your pet onto a platform, chair or low wall.
Diffused, outdoor, natural lighting is best. Avoid shooting in the harsh bright light of midday to avoid washing out colours and creating dark shadows. If outdoors is not feasible, position your pet facing a window and shoot without flash if possible.
Fill the frame with your pet. Be sure not to crop out any important detail, but reduce the amount of superfluous information in your shot by closing in around your pet. This gives the greatest amount of information, if your pet is too far away or too small in the frame, their details will be unreadable.
Email photographs original size. Reducing the size of a photograph reduces its quality and the information I have to work with. This is the case with images taken from social media platforms, screenshots and photographs of screens.
Above all, Have Fun
Don’t put pressure on yourself or your pet to get THE perfect photo….. you won’t