Pet Portraits / Pet Photo Tips

The accuracy of your finished portrait depends on the quality of the photographs provided. It is important to send only photos that capture the true personality and appearance of your pet. These are some tips to help you take and choose the best photographs.

• Photograph your pet in outdoor lighting. Noon is the best time to take the photos when the sun is high and does not cast too many shadows. A bright overcast day is best. Always have the sun to your back. Flash photography is acceptable but will affect the color. Supplement these photos with natural light photos for color accuracy.
  
  
• Photograph your pet at his/her own level. You can put him/her on a chair or table or get down on the ground yourself so as not to be photographing from above. A second person standing to the side of you with your pets favorite toy or crinkly paper will help distract the animal and get his/her ears up.
  
  
• Try to fill the frame with your pet rather than scenery. Take extra close-up shots of the face for detail.
  
  
• Three-quarter views are best.
  
  
• Using a digital camera is fine as long as it can take higher resolution files. Only use the zoom feature if it is optical and not digital.
  
  
• Take many pictures and have some fun!

Below are photos of "Charlie". These will help you understand what is acceptable and what is not.

This photo is taken too close and distorts the facial features. It is also taken from above and distorts the appearance of the body.	This photo is taken with the dog facing too centered. This flattens the features and does not lend itself to a portrait with depth. Notice how the flash distorts the color and shadows and casts an odd glare in the eyes.	This photo does not show the dog’s lovely personality and appearance.

Perfect! This is a three-quarter view of an alert, happy dog in beautiful light with minimal shadows. This is Charlie at her best.	Here is the pet portrait created from Charlie's photo. Remember, we all like to be photographed on our "good side!"