THE PHOTOGRAPH FOR YOUR PET PORTRAIT
The most important aspect of your pet's portrait is the photograph upon which it will be based.
Getting the best photograph will result in having the best custom portrait made for you.
Before taking the photo, consider which pose best represents your pet’s unique personality. Are they adorable when they cock their head to listen, lie on their back, or when they pant so they look like they are smiling?
Look for that special pose, but most importantly, make sure they have a soft light on them, making sure neither you nor other objects are casting a shadow on them.
DO NOT use a flash, unless your pet has very dark fur and your camera has a “fill flash” setting. Flashes cause too much fur reflection and the beautiful quality of your pet’s eyes will also be lost.
Use natural light.
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Shoot from his eye level.
Use natural light either outside or indoors by the light of a nearby window & avoid flash.
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If your pet rarely goes outside, try getting the photograph near a window with the pet facing the light. You may have to move her favorite chair near a window.
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Bright mid-day outdoor sunlight is too harsh: morning, early evening, an overcast day, or light shade is best. Get the sun behind you or just off to one side (not behind your pet).
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Don’t be concerned about the background, as that can be changed in the painting. *Good, soft light on the front of your pet is most important!
Shoot from his eye level or below by sitting on the floor or lying on your belly. Photos taken from above can distort his body proportions.
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Be patient.
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Get close to your pet and focus on her eyes.
Be patient. Have someone attract your pet’s attention behind you while you shoot or hold a treat in your hand close to the camera.
Try making a high pitched tone or whistle to get them in an alert pose.