REFERENCE PHOTOS
Some hints and tips to help you prepare
for your commission
SUPPLYING PHOTOS
When you commission your portrait it is important to supply me with the best photos you can take. Although I mainly work from one photograph it can be useful to have other pictures as reference to help me capture a good likeness. The best photos tend to be those taken from a digital camera but current mobile phones can take just as good a quality photo if used on their high resolusion settings. Please try to avoid using flash as this can take away detail, distort colour and cause red eye.
Please make sure your photos are high resolution, no smaller than 2mb and min 300dpi.
Because of copyright laws I'm afraid I cannot work from photographs that have been taken by a professional photographer unless I have written permission by the photographer to use it for this purpose.
EXPRESSION & POSES
How to avoid unusual perspectives
Try to get down to the same level as your pet and take your photograph from eye level. A portrait of a head shot taken from above will look a little odd once you've removed the body from the picture and it is drawn on it's own.
LIGHT & SHADOWS
Too dark and out of focus
Try to take your photos outside in natural daylight or in shade, (direct sunlight will create dark shadows & bright highlights on your pets fur). When taking photos inside choose the brightest room, have your back to the window & your pet facing you. Bribe them with treats if necessary.
THIS DOG IS TOO FAR AWAY
Get close up
Photos taken from a distance do not work. I will need to enlarge your photo to have a good look at the detail in your pets eyes and nose. Enlarging photos like this makes them go blurry or pixelated. Try to take your photograph as close as possible. It is really helpful to focus on their eyes and nose, making sure these are clear and sharp.
A PERFECT EXAMPLE
In focus & full of detail
This pic is an ideal photo for a portrait. The eyes and nose are clear and in focus, both ears are visible and the colours have not been distorted.
Using treats is a great way to capture your dogs attention when trying to take a photo.