In some cases I can or will be on hand to take my own photographs for you but if I’m not available please read on….
In order to capture your dog or dogs looking their finest I’ve put together a few pointers of what I normally look for in a good photograph.
There’s no real science to it, just a keen eye for the smaller details.
Follow the Light
Light is my BIGGEST pointer and that’s why its at the top of my list.
If you’re taking a photograph of your dog, please try wherever possible to capture them outside in natural light or standing by or looking out of a window or in a room flooded with light. Photographs taken indoors completely void of natural light or with a flash are really not great for me to work from, so much detailing is lost in dull light or erased by a camera flash.
Dogs coats are beautifully highlighted by natural light and if you can get them looking into the light that’s even better. You’ll notice straight away that dogs eyes sparkle and reflect light beautifully, which all helps me when it comes to studying the photograph in detail.
Double Up
Try and always have someone else on hand to help you get the best out of your dog.
I always recommend having someone on hand to hold food and get your dog/s to sit and wait whilst the second person crouches down and takes photographs.
Eye to Eye
ALWAYS take your dogs photograph at eye level with the dog.
Your dog/s are only ever going to look good directly on; always avoid pointing a camera down at the dog, this makes the dog glare up and can totally distort your otherwise gorgeous pet in a photograph.
Strike a Pose
Try getting your dog/s at different angles. Tilting the head up and down or from side to side.
Relax
Although its absolutely great that your dog/s are happy and healthy, out and about on big walks its always best to avoid trying to get your pooch to sit still after running around a field or rolling around in the mud.
Firstly (I know only too well with our spaniel) coats tend to get wet, muddy or both and this is never really the best look for a portrait, also when dogs get excitable, they pant which indeed leaves us with an often unsightly tongue hanging out. Some of my customers are very happy to have their dogs panting in their portrait but its not often something I look for in a good photograph.
More the Merrier
The more photographs you provide for me the better the outcome of the portrait.
Sending as many images as possible will really help me understand your dogs characteristics, coat details like markings, texture and movement and also provide me with various angle options to draw your beautiful pet/s so snap away.