As I work from the photos you send me, it’s always best to supply the best quality photos you can. If you’re sending digital shots, make sure the camera is set at it’s maximum resolution. For film cameras, please send the original prints (not slides).
BEST TIME
Try to photograph your subject outside in good natural daylight, avoiding very bright and direct sunlight which will cast deep shadows, and which can also affect the true fur color. Mid morning to early afternoon is usually the best time. Indoor flash photography can also change the natural coloring, and you may also get the ’red-eye’ effect, which distorts the color of the eyes. It is possible for me to work with several photographs, such as a mix of indoor and outdoor shots, especially if you have a particular pose that you like in one photograph, and the right coloring in another.
POSING THE SUBJECT
Unless you have already decided on a favorite pose I would suggest taking photographs on the same level, rather than pointing the camera down at your subject which may give you a distorted view of them looking up at you. In the case of cats and dogs the subject should be sitting, rather than lying down.
Try taking a photograph that best captures the character of your subject. I prefer a pose slightly to the side rather than completely facing you which is more flattering. It is useful to have at least one other person to help while photographing your subject to hold the subjects attention, a favorite toy or treat is very helpful. I highly recommend the use of a tripod in order to help to keep your hand steady, blurred photographs are not usable.
Close-ups with the subject filling the frame will enable me to create a more detailed likeness
SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHS RECOMMENDED
Try to take as many good, clear photographs as possible in a number of different poses, but particularly in the pose that you would like the finished portrait to look. If possible, take several close-up shots of the subject’s face, with the face filling the frame, showing details of the eyes, fur, whiskers etc.
WORKING FROM YOUR EXISTING PHOTOGRAPHS
You may already have photographs that you are happy with, and as long as they meet the requirements above, then I can certainly use them. Or perhaps you have lost your pet and only have a few photographs to remind you of them. In which case I will discuss whether I can use them to produce a good enough likeness. If these are the only copies you have, I would recommend having copies made in case they are lost in the mail.
If you are still not quite sure about the type of photographs I might need, then please do not hesitate to contact me. All your photographs will be returned safely to you with your finished portrait.