Pets hold that special place in our hearts and families.
We enjoy having their pictures framed on our desk or wall!
However taking pet portraits of your best friend is not always easy.
Pets, unlike humans, do not understand what we are trying to do and won’t just pose for the camera!
Here are 9 tips that will help you get the most from your photo session
1. Use Natural Light
If possible always use natural light when taking your pets picture. Avoid flash, as the flash burst not only causes red-eye, but also frightens the animal.
Instead…try to go outside or take the pictures in a room well lit by a large window.
2. Keep the Eyes Sharp
Having sharp eyes is important in any kind of portrait photography.
“Eyes are the Window to the Soul” and pets eyes can be very expressive. So make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes.
3. Go to Them
It is very important that your pet feels comfortable and at ease, so instead of forcing him to come to you go to him.
Get down to his level. We all know how a dog looks when viewed from above…this is the way we always see them. Show us the way they see world!
Sit on the floor or lie on your belly and remember to shoot from HER eye level or below.
4. Give Value to their Character
You know your pet better than anyone else, and a successful picture is one that conveys the character of its subject.
If you have a lazy cat show him yawning
If your animal is playful, try to capture that.
5. Go Telephoto
Put on that long lens or switch to telephoto.
Fill the frame with your pet’s face and fur. Close up shots often make beautiful animal portraits.
6. Surprise Them
One of the most difficult things is to have your pet hold still.
An easy trick is to let him play quietly and, once you have everything ready, let someone call for him or whistle. This will surprise him, grab his attention and you will have a few seconds to capture him in a nice and alert pose.
7. Schedule your Session
If you are longing for a formal pet portrait shot, try to schedule the photo session when you’re animal is somewhat sleepy. It will be much easier to keep him still then.
If you want a more dynamic shot then pick a time when your pet is energetic.
8. Be Patient
Pet portraits requires a lot of patience. No matter how excited your furry friend is, if you are patient enough, he will end up by relaxing and you will have the opportunity to get a decent shot.
9. Experiment
Take your time and enjoy the session, try different approaches, angles and compositions. Shoot a lot ( I mean a lot! )
You will have plenty of time to worry about the results later.
Tile Art with Your Pets Photos
- Pet Photos on Tile with Easel Back
Tile Art Mural Framed - Pet Portraits
Look through your Photos
Is there one or a few that you’d like to see
- as an easel backed tile
- a tile mural
- a glass tray
- coaster tiles
Call me and let’s definitely talk about that special gift of your very special pet ( or your friends pet )
Give a truly unique gift. You’ll definitely be remembered for this one!
Phone me at 760-831-1190
Personal Studio Tour
Visiting the Palm Springs area. Call ahead for an appointment to have your tour of my studio and gallery in Palm Springs. 760.831.1190. I love spending time with people who are interested in art, painting and meeting the artist. Recent visitors from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Boston, and Vancouver BC have all enjoyed their art studio visits. If your vacation brings you to Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, Banning, Yucca Valley, East Hemet, Coachella, San Jacinto, Hemet, Beaumont, Yucaipa, Twentynine Palms, or any other close by city, then definitely drop by when you are in the area.
Thanks for being here today. I look forward to your visits, your notes, and comments. Keep them coming. See you in a few days.
PS. Did you find this page from Twitter or a link from a friend?
This tour chapter is the fifth in a 10 part series of the Jackie Jacobson Studios Tour, delivered free when you subscribe to the artist…Jackie Jacobson email newsletter and tours. Click here to learn about it and sign up — it’s free.
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PPS. If you’re in the Palm Springs area, please call ahead and arrange a personal studio tour. In that tour, you’ll get to try your hand at digital painting and creating your own art print. So please call me at 760.831.1190 I’d love to spend some time with you in person.
