Tips for providing the best source for your pet’s portrait

The better the camera, the better the image, the better the final painting.

Here are some tips for taking your own photographs for your pet portrait.

1. Avoid using a flash. it is best to take photographs outside when the sun is low in the horizon or on a overcast day. If taking a photo indoors it is best near a window.  In both situations try to get the light coming from one side as to capture the facial and/or body contours and shadows. 

2. Don’t be too far away from your subject. Fill the frame. If you want a head portrait, have your pet sitting, focus on the eyes and fill the frame from about 8 inches below the chin.  If you want a full body portrait, turn the camera so the frame is landscape (horizontal in the viewer finder) and be sure not to clip off the ears, tail or feet.  Also avoid grass tall enough to completely cover the paws.

3. Preferably take the photo at their level rather than looking down at them in order to avoid lens distortion. Be as perfectly still as possible to avoid a blurred image.

4. Take a lot of pictures so you have a good amount to choose from.  Try to get your pet to be still or you can opt for an action shot.  In that case, set the camera to sport.  That sets the shutter to hight speed in order get a stop action photo. 

For cats – most times cats are lying  down.  They do things their way.  Maybe put them on a pretty carpet or puffy pillow or in their bed.  Be creative, have fun with it your photo shoot.

Don’t forget you can always get a pro to take the picture or someone you know who is proficient with a camera.