Pet Reference Photos

Unless your photos are taken by a professional, it’s not always easy to get the “perfect” picture. So don’t aim for perfection, but do try to get one that is clear in detail and shows the personality of your pet. If necessary, I can use multiple photos to see certain details not captured in the primary photo. 

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I understand that sometimes it is not possible to get recent photos of a pet, and I always try my best to work with my clients with what they have. 

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Here are some considerations to keep in mind when taking your photos:

 

Your pet’s position – This captures important details, character, and personality.

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• Take the photo at eye level of your pet, not looking down at it.  

 

• Try to take different angles of your pet, this can change their expression and get some more interesting photos.

 

• I can only paint the details I see, so depending on the pose, please make sure both ears are included in the frame. If capturing the entire body, please try to include their feet and tail. 

 

• Try to have your pet look at the camera! The detail of the eyes, especially the reflection within the eyes, is, for me, the most important part of the painting. After all, the eyes are “the window to the soul.”​

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Lighting – This is so I can accurately see the fur color, markings, and all your pet’s unique details.

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• Natural lighting is always the best, whether outdoors or inside near a window. 

 

• If photographing indoors without natural light, please use a single light source.

 

What to avoid:

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• Dark, low light and use of a flash

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• Harsh artificial lighting and multiple light sources 

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• Using filters on your camera as they will alter the color of your pet 

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• Using zoom on your camera as this reduces the resolution of the image