Photography Tips
This is the most important part of the process – the better the photograph the better the portrait.
I normally take literally hundreds of photographs to try and get one that is just right. On photographing a horse recently I took over 200 photos before I had one I was happy with. Hopefully these tips will help you get the perfect photograph:
* Take the photograph at your pets eye level – even if it means lying on the floor! This makes for a much better portrait.
* Look for distinguishing features which makes your animal unique (like a star on a horse for example), make sure this is in the photograph.
* Take your photographs outside if possible and without a flash. This will avoid red-eye. Get in close but not so close the animal isn’t relaxed, a zoom lens is a great help.
* Try to get the animals attention so that they look alert. You will probably need help so that someone makes strange noises or dances around, whilst you take photographs. Of course if you want your animal sleepy and contend, this is an easier option for you.
* Try to capture your pets natural expression, or how you would like them to look. Remember I don’t know them like you do, I can’t imagine what they are really like, I will draw exactly what I see in the photograph.
* Fill the frame with the pets head and not the background. I can crop the photograph but I don’t want to lose any of the resolution.
* Don’t take the photo face on, a three quarters view is much more interesting.
* The best time to photo is early morning or late afternoon and in the shade.
On this page are some examples of what you are aiming for with your photographs.
