TAKING PHOTOS OF YOUR PET

To create a portrait of your pet, I’ll require some good quality reference photos to work from. I want to make sure that your finished portrait is the best it can be, and that it accurately reflects your pet’s unique personality. Choosing the right photos for me to work from is a key ingredient to achieving this.

There are several factors that need to be considered when choosing reference photos of your pet. First and foremost, they need to reflect your pet’s personality and portray them in the way you love best.

YOUR PET'S PERSONALITY

I’m sure your pet has a particular look or expression that makes your heart melt. Or has certain adorable features that you love. It could be his joyful smile, her soft gentle eyes, or his cute floppy ears. Keep those things in mind when you’re choosing or taking photos of your pet, as those will be the photos that will go a long way to helping me capture your pet’s true likeness in your portrait. 

GOOD LIGHTING

Lighting is one of the most important factors when photographing your pet. Images that are too dark or overexposed make it very difficult for me to see all those little details. Try to take photos in natural daylight, as this will allow me to see the true colors of your pet’s fur. Interior lighting can sometimes alter how colors appear, so either take photos outside, or close to a good source of natural light like a large window.

HARNESSES, COLLARS, HALTERS AND LEADS

If there are aspects of your chosen photo that you’d prefer me to leave out of your portrait, please just let me know. It’s usually possible for me to remove collars, harnesses, halters, leads and name tags if you wish. 

CAPTURING DETAILS

The more detail I can see in your photos, the more realism I can work into your portrait. Make sure any photos you send me are of a high resolution and in clear focus. In particular, make sure the eyes and direction of fur can be clearly seen. Choose photos that are taken within a reasonably close distance to your pet. This will help to ensure your photo captures lots of detail.

If everything looks very fuzzy when you zoom in to your image, then the photo will be difficult for me to work from. 

BOOK A PHOTOSHOOT

I’m always more than happy to do a photoshoot.  I charge a flat fee of $50, due prior to the shoot. I’m based in Northern Berkshire County, MA, so if you live locally or are visiting the area with your pet, email me to set up a day and time.  We can meet up for the shoot.