I think we all have hundreds, if not thousands of photos of our pets these days. Iphones make it so easy to capture quality images and offer editing tools as well.
Naturally our pets aren’t always the most cooperative so other than opportunistic photos it can also help to keep their attention with a favourite toy or treat and minimize distraction and noise around them.
From the perspective of capturing a perfect photo for yourself as well as for a pet portrait, these tips always work well –
- Natural lighting is great but also consider the time of day. Sunlight and shadows can alter the fur colourings. Generally, early morning or late afternoon is a good time as the natural light is softer.
- Have a quick look if there is anything distracting in the background which might detract from the focal point of the photo (your pet!), although for artwork this isn’t important.
- For both an engaging photo and for a portrait reference, taking the photo at your pet’s eye level makes for a beautiful image.
- The eyes are really the focal point of any photo, so try to get your pet to look directly at the camera by using a treat, toy or even make silly noises yourself to capture their attention.
- Action shots highlight the energy of your pet and capture their personality, but for a portrait reference image it is best for the pet to be closer to the camera rather than in the distance, as well as a more static pose (sitting or lying).
- A pet portrait is ideally based on a clear and detailed close-up photo, taken at the pet’s eye level. If your photo doesn’t show all the details perfectly, it’s easy to use details from other photos you may have.
- If you have a black dog or cat, one tip is to find a good light source and focus it on your pet’s face. Also look for a softer contrast background such as grey. This allows the camera to focus on the pet rather than a bright background that creates too much contrast.
The most important tip though, is to have fun and relax. It’s a special time to spend with your pet and a moment to treasure.
