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Photography Tips
One of the most importrant things in commissioning your animal portrait is to ensure I can work from a good photograph: the better the photo, the better the finished portrait. Below is a guide to help you get the best quality photos possible, but please feel free to contact me for more advice.
Levels
Take the photo at eye level with your pet. Photos looking down on your pet look unflattering and unnatural to the eye. The best angles are with your pet looking straight at you or with their head slightly tilted to one side looking past the camera.
Turn Flash off
Please do not use flash. Flash masks out a lot of detail, causes unnatural shadows and colours, and can often result in the dreaded red-eye or eye glowing effect. If you cannot take a photo in natural light, try to be close to a window or use a daylight bulb.
Camera
If possible, try to take your photo using a proper camera rather than from a phone. Photos taken using a camera often results in sharper, detailed and better lit photos. Phone cameras in comparison tend to be less detailed and a little darker although I am more than happy to use photos from a phone if they are clear.
Quality
As a detailed pencil artist the higher the quality of your photograph the better the portrait will be. This is especially important for your animals key features such as their eyes and nose. It is very important that the photo is sharp and all of the subject is in focus. Sadly I am unable to work from blurry photos. If it is difficult to get your pet to stay still try using treats or get some help from a friend to hold or distract them whilst you take the photo.
Lighting
Take your pet's photo in natural light, preferably outdoors. The best time is on a bright overcast day but not in direct sunlight as this can cast harsh shadows and obscure details.
Pets That Have Passed Away
If you are looking at commissioning a portrait of a pet that has sadly passed away I understand you may have limited photos available, but please don't worry - send me as many photos as you can and we can work through them together. I will need to see photos of pets that have passed before I accept your commission, so I can check I can work from your photos.