Photographing Your Pet

Photo Samples and Comparisons

Good Photos vs Bad Photos

Pricing Information

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• Try and take the photos outside in light shade or diffused lighting (cloudy day). Please don’t use flash, as that distorts coat colors and removes eye color. Strong sunlight, especially directly overhead creates harsh shadows, inaccurate coloring, and loses details.
• Side lighting is often the most flattering; early morning or afternoon hours offer the easiest way to get this angle. (But if it is too late in the evening, the lighting will be very “red” or “orange”, so keep that in mind.) Also, if you are having more than one pet in a portrait, be sure that the photos have the lighting from the same side.
• 400-speed film is probably as fast as you should go, as faster films tend to be too grainy for the details we’ll need. Often, film speed less than 200 will not stop the pet’s movement. A 100mm to 150mm lens allows you to stand far enough away that your pet will probably be less apt to want to play with you while you’re trying to take the shot. It also will not distort the image like really wide lenses can.
• Get down to the pet’s level or use a table, so you’re not looking down on him/her. Fill up the frame with the pet, not backgrounds, or other clutter. I can’t paint details I can’t see!!
• Recruit a helper to stand behind and to your side to distract the pet with a favorite toy, snack, or a “catch word/phrase”. Usually, a three-quarter angle is preferable over a head-on shot.
• Be patient!!! It can take up to 2 rolls of film sometimes to get some really decent photos with the right angles and details. Be very critical of all the details necessary to capture your pet’s spirit. Is the coloring correct? Does the eye color show?
• If you elect to use digital photos, great, just send me the pictures on diskette or cd. Be sure to put the identification info on the diskette or cd.
• By all means, send me as many photos as it takes to get proper coloring and be sure to indicate which pose you prefer, and which pose shows the pet’s personality most. Remember, I can’t paint details I can’t see!! I will return all photos with the completed portrait.
• A word about using old photos, say of a departed pet: I will be happy to look at your photo (or copy of one) to see if I can honor your pet’s memory properly from that photo. I have successfully painted from old photos before, but it depends entirely on the picture itself! Please feel free to ask me about yours.
• It’s also a good idea to put your name/address/phone on each photo back so I am sure not to misplace any.
• Check out the Photo Samples Page to see examples of the photos I have used on some of my work and see some bad examples of photos that would NOT work!!
• A word for those of you that don't have cameras or just don't like taking photos. As long as you are within a 100-150 mile radius of Pioneer, TN, I can come take the necessary photos for you. for a fee. Please e-mail your location to me as the fee is based on distance. Then I can send you a quote.