Reference Photos
Simple Tips for Better Reference Photos
Take your photograph in natural lighting
Take your photograph outdoors whenever possible, but avoid strong sunlight, which can create deep shadows and alter colours. If photographing indoors, choose a bright room with plenty of natural light and avoid using flash, as it can produce harsh lighting and inaccurate colours.
Frame your picture carefully
Try not to photograph your pet from too far away, as important detail can be lost. Ideally, they should fill most of the frame without being so close that part of them is cropped. It is also a good idea to get down to the same level as your pet, unless you particularly want a view from above or below.
Make sure the eyes are in focus
The eyes are one of the most important parts of a portrait for me. They're often where I find much of the character so it is important that these are in focus. It also helps to get a good likeness if I can see the direction of the fur. Getting your pet to sit as still as possible when taking the picture will help with avoiding blurry photographs.
Capture your pet's natural expression
Every pet has moments that make wonderful memories, but they don't always make the best reference photographs for a portrait. Choose a photograph where your pet looks relaxed, comfortable and alert, with their eyes clearly visible. Avoid photographs where they are blinking, squinting or caught mid-expression, as these rarely make the best portraits and important details can be lost.
Use a favourite toy or treat
If your pet is easily distracted, try using a favourite toy or treat to hold their attention. Having someone else hold it just to one side of the camera can also help you capture a natural expression without your pet necessarily looking directly into the lens. A three-quarter view or gaze just past the camera can feel much more natural and make a beautiful portrait.
Don't worry about finding the perfect photograph
I know it isn't always easy to capture the perfect photograph of your pet, so please don't worry if you're unsure whether your photographs are suitable. Send me a selection of your favourites and I'll be happy to help you choose the one that will work best for your portrait.
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For memorial portraits, I understand that taking new photographs will not be possible. Please send the photographs you have, even if you don't think they meet all of the recommendations above. I have created portraits from less-than-perfect reference photographs before; while the amount of fine detail I can include will depend on the quality of the image, a beautiful portrait may still be possible.