Taking photos
of Pets & Animals
I've tried to outline the main
points here to help you choose a clear detailed photo
that shows the required detail and character needed
to produce a good animal portrait.
Please
remember that I can only paint or draw from what I
see in your photos. I can work from several photos
if necessary but one good clear photograph is best.
Digital
Camera Settings
Set your Picture Size / Quality Settings to Medium
or High. Files up to 450kB usually contain enough
detail to work from if the subject is large enough
in the viewfinder.
Be Patient
Patience is key to taking a good photo, especially
with impatient or nervous pets. Keep the photo sessions
short and your voice calm.
Use
Natural Light
Natural light is best, so take photos outside if possible
with the sun slightly to the side or behind you. This
will help to capture the true colourings and detail.
Using a flash can "wash-out" the true colour
of your pets coat with the flash relection.
Capture
their Character
All pet owners know that their pet has a unique personality.
If you can try and capture this in your photo it will
help me paint the better portrait. Your pet's eyes
are especially important to bring the personality
and character into the portrait, so if possible get
down on your pet's eye level. If necessary, take a
separate detailed photo just of the eyes.
Natural
Activities
Natural photos taken during normal activities are
better than trying to encourage your pet to pose.
If your pet is camera-shy then use a distraction such
as a toy or small snack to attract their attention.
A helping hand from a second person will make the
job much easier and let you concentrate on keeping
the photos in focus.
Get
Close
If you want a head portrait then try and fill the
viewfinder or LCD display with your pet's face. Move
in close or use your camera's zoom.
Lock
the Focus
If your camera is set to auto-focus the picture may
turn out blurry and focus on anything but your pet.
Try to remedy this by locking the focus on the subject,
usually by centering the subject in the viewfinder
and then press the shutter button halfway down to
focus. Continue holding the button halfway down while
you move the camera slightly to where you want the
subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready, press
the button all the way down to take the picture. If
taking an active picture you may need to increase
the shutter speed to ISO400 or 800 or by setting the
camera to its Sport Setting. This will help to capture
faster movements and keep them in focus.
One
good picture is better than ten bad
Taking lots of photos will increase your chance of
getting the right photo. But, please be selective
and only choose one or two clear photos that show
what you want in your portrait rather than sending
me many blurred photos that I cannot work from.
Good luck!
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