DOS & DON'TS
Frame
Ensure your pet is facing the camera, with eyes open, ideally at eye level and with no major obstructions to the face or body.
If you are looking for a head and shoulders portrait or full body, please keep that in mind. Ensure your pet fits well within the desired frame. If you are unsure, try to take a selection of close up and full body photographs.
DOS & DON'TS
Image Quality
For a pet portrait, a high-resolution photograph is ideal. The image should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). iPhones, especially recent models, are very suitable for capturing reference photos for detailed portraits.
Images should not be blurry, although I understand it's not always the simplest task to have your pet sit still for a photo shoot!
DOS & DON'TS
Lighting
1. Natural Light: Use natural daylight whenever possible, such as near a large window or outdoors on a cloudy day to show the natural colours and details of your pet.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: This can create strong shadows and overly bright spots. Opt for indirect light instead.
3. Even Lighting: Ensure that the light source illuminates your pet evenly from the front or side, avoiding backlighting, which can cause the subject to appear in silhouette.
4. Avoid Flash: Flash can cause red-eye, harsh shadows, and can make your pet uncomfortable, resulting in unnatural expressions.
Jock
Example A
Left Image - The lack of natural light and dimmed indoor lighting makes Jock appear dull in colour, with a lack of definition or texture. The white coat appears yellowish-grey, with the back-lit blue light coming from the television.
Right Image - Taken outdoors on a cloudy day. Gives more depth and detail to Jock's white coat. Ability to zoom into detailed features: eyes, nose, fur
Sammy
Example B
Left Image - While the natural lighting helps to highlight Sammy's silky black coat, the camera angle is too high. This makes it difficult to make out his facial features, especially as he is looking down below the height of the camera.
Right Image - The natural daylight highlights Sammy's features perfectly. The camera is positioned down at his level (eye-level), and we are able to make out the fine details of his eyes, nose, whiskers and fur patterns.