Pet Portraits and Wildlife Art Photography Guide
How to ensure you have good quality images for good quality pet portraits and wildlife art
Try to take photographs in natural daylight as these show truer colours. Indoors lighting can leave images looking yellow or may require a flash which sometimes leaves red eye, although this can be fixed it is better to see the natural colour of the eyes.
If you pet isn't too keen on having a photo taken, follow them around and take as many images as you can. Eventually they will become used to the camera and with today's digital cameras you can take hundreds of photos and simply delete the unwanted images. It really is worth taking the time to get a good photo as your pet portrait will only be as good as your photograph
These are all my own photos and horse photos are quite difficult as they are so much above eye level. I used a box to stand on to take this shot and all photos are best when taken at eye level to keep everything in perspective
As with a tall horse, small pets should also have their photos taken at eye level. Instead of trying to reach ground level yourself, it may be easier to lift your subject up to you. Gypsy was placed on the picnic bench for this image.
Zac is very camera shy and he usually sulks when I try to take his photo resulting in not very good images. I spent quite some time watching him to get this shot when he was ignoring me and paying no attention to the camera and it was worth waiting for.
To capture enough detail, fill your view finder with the subject you want portrayed. This type of photo is typical of what I receive with no clear facial features showing. I would be unable to produce a portrait from this photo so please be patient with your pet, it will pay off and you will be rewarded with a life-like and realistic portrait.
Try to take images in natural daylight, even winter daylight is better than indoors lighting
Find easy to follow instructions of how to take the perfect shot for your pet portrait.
The images will also serve as a guide as to whether or not that favourite image you have tucked away is suitable. In general terms, the clearer and more detailed your reference image is, the better your portrait will be as I will be able to see fine detail and can then produce a highly accurate pet portrait for you to treasure.
Please browse through the images below, they will give you an idea of what would make a good reference image for a pet artist and what would not. These are my own photos and not all of my attempts are successful, in fact far from it. For the perfect shot all you need is a little know how, some patience and lots of bribes, sometimes a second pair of hands is useful for distraction too!
If you are unsure whether or not your favourite image is suitable for a pet portrait, just upload them on the form at the bottom of the page and I will offer you no obligation advice.
The best times of day are early morning or afternoon when the sunlight isn't too bright leaving shadows and shine
Remember these basic rules to ensure your images are perfect...
Keep the subject out of direct sunlight to prevent shadows and excessive shine
Fill your view finder with the subject, head and shoulders or full body
Take as many photos as you can, no one will ever know if it takes 100 shots to get just one good one!
Be patient, your pet isn't a model, they need treats, coaxing and plenty of fuss to help them settle down
Get level with the subject, lift them up or you stand on something so you are on eye level, this will create a more realistic pose
If all else fails, I can meet you in the Forest of Dean/Ross-on-Wye area to take photos myself free of charge. Contact me to arrange this
PhotographyTips.com PhotographyTips.com is for everyone with an interest in photography. It is intended to help beginners get started in photography, and become so good at it that they turn into advanced amateurs. But, accomplished photographers will also find useful tips and hints here. Our primary objective is to help people like you to take better photographs.