How to take the best photos of your pet
In order to create a quality portrait of you pet I will need to have clear, good-quality photos that show off your pet's personality. Better photos usually translate into the best paintings. If you have multiple pets in your painting, subjects can be combined from separate photographs. Just make sure the perspective in each pet's photo is similar. The following hints may be helpful to you:
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Don't shoot down on your pet from above, but try to shoot at his/her eye level. Try to fill the frame with the subject, not the scenery.
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Use your pet's toys or treats to help get their attention. Another person standing directly behind you can be helpful for this. If you use a treat, hold it right above the camera to get your pet to focus at the camera.
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Shoot at the highest resolution possible and email photos to me at the same high resolution (1MB or more).
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The best lighting is outdoors on a bright (but not in full sun) or hazy, overcast day. In bright sunlight, you may need to use a fill-in flash to lighten shadows so I can see details.
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The next best lighting is indoors next to a north-facing window or door on a bright day. Have your back to the window with the animal facing towards the natural light. Make sure not to cast a shadow across your pet by blocking the light.
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If you can avoid it, don't use flash. If you must, set flash for "red-eye".
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"Burst" mode on a digital camera is very helpful if your pet has difficult holding still.
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If you want your pet painted in their favorite setting or with their favorite toy, I will also need photos of the toy and the setting.
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Get close-ups of your pet's face, especially the eyes, ears and muzzle. This is very important so I can get an accurate depiction of the color and expression in their eyes, muzzle and nose color.
