Since I can't travel the country to meet every pet who's portrait I paint, I have to rely on photographs provided by their human family members. Those photos can have huge impact on the quality of the final portrait.
So, how can you get better results in the photos you take? I'll give you a few quick tips that won't make you a professional photographer, but will make your pet's home modelling session a success. My lovely assistant, JayCat, has "volunteered" to model for some helpful examples.
Even if you're not in the market for a pet portrait yet, these tips can still help you capture better images for your own memories, and enjoyment.
We'll start off with this not so great image, and move through the tips to end up with a good portrait snapshot.
Sure, it's a cute kitty picture, but it's such a dark photo, we really can't see what he looks like. We wouldn't get a very pleasing portrait out of this one. Let's start improving with the tips!
1.) Let There Be Light!
If photos are too dark, details can get lost. Unfortunately, if you use a standard flash, details can get washed out. What to do?
Take your photo session outdoors, or near a window. Just be careful that the sun isn't directly behind your pet causing you to take a nice, bright photo of a nearly black silhouette.
Since JayCat can't go outside (he's got a serious allergy to flea bites, and I don't want him to suffer for his modelling career) we've opted for a window shot.
This photo is a little better. There's more light, and more details are visible, but it doesn't wow you, right? On to the next tip!
2.) Get Down on Their Level.
Crouch, sit, or squat (yes, you may get "attacked" with a lick or two to the face if your dog senses an opportunity, but it'll be worth it!) You can even consider having your pet sit on an elevated surface like a garden wall, a picnic table, a chair, or as JayCat has chosen, a windowsill.
Lowering the angle lets you see the contours of your pet's body instead of creating the look of a lumpy potato sack body. It also creates a better sense of connection for the viewer.
Our photo is getting a little better! But, it's still not quite there. There are still some slightly unflattering shadows, his right paw is missing in an awkward looking way, and we're getting an unfortunate view of his shabbily over groomed tail (JayCat is the nervous type, and self soothes by licking the fur off of the base of his tail. Poor kid.)
3.) Take Lots of Pictures.
Experiment with the angles, move around your pet, and take lots of pictures of the same pose. That way, if your pet blinks, or makes a funny face, you'll have options. After all, in the days of digital photos, we're not wasting film, and can simply delete the rejects.
Now, even though I advocate taking lots of photos to get the perfect one, try to keep your photo sessions short, and stress free. If your pet starts to notice a pattern where you get frustrated every time you point your camera, or phone at them, they'll decide this isn't such a fun game after all. With short sessions, neither one of you will be overly stressed, and you can always try again later.
Hey! This is starting to look pretty darned good, right? We've got a full, and clear view of JayCat's face, good light, and a very interesting angle that doesn't chop off body parts in an awkward way. The dark shadow at his shoulder isn't even a problem because it highlights the texture of the fur in front of it!
His pensive look off into the distance is nice, but what if you'd prefer that your pet looked directly at the audience in their portrait? I've got a tip for that too!
4.) Break Out the Secret Weapon!
Hold a favorite treat, or toy close to the camera to attract your pet's attention. For JayCat, it was his beloved brush.
Fair warning, though! You'll have to be quick with the photo. Hide the "treasure" behind your back, or in a pocket until you have a great shot lined up, and your finger ready on the button. Your pet could get excited to see their treat, and move. Of course, your pet would probably enjoy a few "mistakes" along the way if that means more treats, or ball tosses for them!
That's it! That's the one! While there is a shadow on the side of his face, I don't think it detracts from the overall picture. If this was submitted for a commissioned portrait painting, I could easily paint that shadow a little lighter, or omit it altogether depending on the client's wishes.
So there you have it! Four steps to a better pet photo. If you still struggle, and can't quite get it with practice, feel free to email me. I'd be happy to see if I could provide a little more help.
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