Tips on how to Photograph Your Pet

 

            Here are a few tips to aid you in successfully photographing your pet.  Remember, the better the photos, the easier it will be to paint your pet.  This usually leads to faster results and better customer satisfaction. 

1. Choose a pose.  Will it be indoor or outside?  Will there be props of any kind, such as toys, balls, collars, bridles, saddles, etc.?  The pose should be typical and comfortable for the pet.
2. If shooting indoor:  it is best to have natural light from a window.  Put your back to the window or off to one side so the light bathes the pet.  If at all possible, try to avoid using the flash.  This almost always gives "red eye", in which case I will not be able to see the color of the eyes.  If you have to, take the pet outside and do just a head shot so I can see the eye color.
3. When shooting outdoors:  see which light your pet's colors and features look best in.  For example, an animal with a black coat looks better glistening in full sun than on a partly cloudy day.  Other colors may look better on a bright day, but not in full sun.  Be careful that your photos don't get a "washed out" look to them.  This can be avoided by not photographing between the hours of 10am and 3 or 4pm if it is a bright day. 
4. Do not photograph your pet in deep shade, if possible.  Pay close attention to where the shadows fall, especially across your pet's face.
5. Getting down to your pet's level will generally make for a better painting.  Unless of course you prefer them to be looking up at you. 
6. Make sure the photos are clear and in focus.  The crisper the detail, the easier it is to paint the animal.
7. Photos of the pet itself are best.  In other words, crop the photo so that the pet takes up the largest portion of the frame.  If you wish to include the landscape behind the pet in the painting, then crop the photo accordingly.  You can also include close up photos of the pet by itself.
8. If possible, send more than one photo, if you have them.  I have painted numerous pets that were deceased and the owner only had one photo available.  Remember, the more detail I can see, the better the painting will be.
9. Keep the pet as comfortable and relaxed as possible.  It may take a few sittings before they cooperate!  If your pet refuses to sit still or look at the camera, you may need to have someone hold them.  I can omit the arms and hands of the handler when I draw the piece. 
10. Do not let this stress you or your pet out.  The object is to have fun, so just do the best you can.  You may just have to send the photos you do get and tell me what you want in writing. 
11. Once you have the photos, send them along with your written comments and the down payment to Martindale Artworks, 5987 Carter Lane, Franklin, TN 37064 USA.  If the photos are hardcopy, they will be returned with the painting.