How to take the best photograph for a pet portrait
I have painted a lot of pet portraits over the years, enough to say that the better picture I get sent, the better the painting will turn out!
So if you’re thinking of commissioning a pet portrait painting, here’s my advice for the best photo reference.
Take the photo in bright lighting, natural or in front of a window if possible.
Have the camera eye-level to your pet. If you get down to their level, the picture looks more natural and avoids weird distortions like if you stood over your pet- I try to avoid that angle.
I love when the pet is facing 3/4, just slightly turned. Straight on can also work well.
Color accuracy. Try to select a picture where the colors in your pets fur look true to life.
A good example photo: bright natural lighting, sharp focus, eye-level angle.
The painting!
Outdoor, natural lighting is ideal for accurate colors, but if you have an indoor-only kitty, make sure you have bright lights on or face a bright window!
Clear, in-focus.
I brightened the eyes to be more visible in the painting.
Your pet has solid black fur? For best results, catch them in the sun! The shine of the fur will offer the best dimensions.
I paint black fur with hits of blue and purple and of course gray.
Of course if you have a less than ideal photo, perhaps it’s not your pet or the pet has passed, and you are unable to take new pictures- send me what you have! Most of the time I can make use of whatever picture you can supply. If you are unsure, you can always send me multiple photos to work from, and I can tell you what will work best.
Commission your pet portrait HERE
Happy customers :-)
:-P
