As I work from photos I will require high quality images where possible in order to create a realistic portrait.
It will be easier for a family member to pose for a photo than it will for you to get your pets to sit still. Keeping that in mind you may be able to get your pets to sit still for a photo by offering up a treat or two.
When taking a photo specifically for a portrait it will give a better representation of the subject if the photo is taken outside in natural light.
The problem with photos that are taken indoors is that they are normally darker, and the colour of the subjects skin/ fur will be distorted due to artificial lighting in our homes.
I understand that not everyone is able to be outside and some pets are house pets. If you have one, a conservatory is a good option when taking a photo, as they have loads of natural light, and no wind.
You will still have to bear a few things in mind when taking photos outside. Try not to take the photo in bright sunlight as it will create shadows within the recesses of the face and body especially if the sun is overhead or behind the subject. If you stand between the light source and the subject when taking a photo you will probably also end up casting a shadow over them.
Windy conditions could lead to a bad hair day so unless you are after a dragged through a bush backwards look, stick to a calm day!
Unfortunately not all of our loved ones are still with us. I am happy to create a portrait from any old photos you may have. Because some older photos my not be up to today’s quality, I can in most cases take different parts from different photos to produce a final portrait you are happy with. The more photos the better in this case.
The key to any portrait in my opinion, lies within the eyes. It Is critical that where ever possible you try and take clear, close up photos of the subjects eyes. This will enable me to get the colour and character within, and around them as accurate as possible.
Photos taken at the subjects eye level is recommended.
The above information is only a guide. You may already have a favourite photo of your pet, family member or friend that you would like me to use. If this is the case any accompanying photos to go alongside it will be very useful.
Please don’t send screen shots of your photos. I will need to enlarge the photos to see the detail within them. Sending a screen shot means that the image will loose much of it’s original quality. So please send the original photograph.
When sending photos of horses remember if you don’t want their tack in the portrait then please take it off. Send new and existing photos without it on. It is difficult for me to imagine the muscle tone, bone structure and colour beneath whilst they are still waring it.
Fill the frame of your phone or camera with the whole head of the subject. This will allow for lots of detail. Avoid zooming in with a mobile phone as this will lead to a reduction in quality. Instead step towards the subject keeping them at eye level. Try not to cut off tops of heads, ears, feet, tails etc. Full body or head and shoulder poses taken from distance are simply no good.
Take as many photos as you can. You can always delete out of focus photos or one’s that are too far away. Whilst snapping away you will more than likely capture the perfect photo that will end up being used in your portrait. You are after all looking for a photo that best portrays your pet or family member. The other photos can be used by me for reference i.e. colouring and detailing. At the end of the day all I have are the photos you send to go on. Make them as detailed and accurate as possible.
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