Tips for Taking Great Photos of Your Pet for a Portrait

1. Lighting is Absolute Magic

Good lighting is the single most important element of a great photo. Because I rely on your photos to see the fine details of your pet's fur, lighting can make or break the reference.

• Embrace the Overcast: Overcast days or a cloudy sky provide the ultimate diffused, soft light. It washes away harsh shadows and brings out the true warmth and texture of your pet's coat.

• Chase the Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon light gives a gorgeous, soft glow.

• Skip Direct Sunlight: Bright, direct sun creates harsh shadows and often makes pets squint, distorting their natural expressions [cite:]. If you're outside, pop into a shaded spot.

• Ditch the Flash Indoors: Flash tends to wash out features and causes strange, harsh reflections in your pet’s eyes. Instead, position your furry friend right next to a large window or a natural light source.

2. Get Down to Their Level

Ever tried drawing a pet from an awkward birds-eye angle? It flattens their features!

• Crouch Down: Physically get down on your pet's eye level. This creates a much more engaging, intimate composition.

• Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the window to your pet's soul (and the focal point of my drawings!). Make sure they are sharp, in focus, and catching a little bit of natural light to bring life to the final portrait.

• Watch for Glare: Make sure light is hitting their eyes at a natural angle rather than causing a blinding glare.

3. Keep the Background Clean

When I'm drawing a custom portrait, I want the full focus to be entirely on your pet, not what's happening behind them.

• Keep it Simple: Plain walls, a simple blanket, or soft outdoor settings like a grassy park work wonders.

• Create Distance: Make sure there’s a bit of space between your pet and the background. This naturally blurs out busy elements and keeps your pet front and centre.

• Match the Mood: Think about your pet's vibe. A relaxed snoozing spot works brilliantly for a calm pet, while a grassy outdoor scene suits an energetic pup!

4. Capture Natural Poses and Quirks

Don't stress too much about getting a stiff, formal "sit and stay" shot. The best portraits come from candid moments that show off real character.

• Let Them Be Themselves: Let them roam, play, or lounge naturally.

• Highlight Signature Expressions: Whether it's a curious head tilt, a cheeky yawn, or a relaxed smile, keep your camera ready for those unposed moments.

• Grab Their Attention: Use a squeaky toy, a favourite treat, or a gentle rustling sound right behind your phone to get that alert, focused expression. 

5. Quick Phone Tips vs. Camera Settings

You don't need a professional DSLR camera to get a great shot, smartphones are brilliant!

• Phone Photography: Tap your pet's face on your screen to lock the focus, and use Portrait Mode if you have it to get that lovely blurred background. Use burst mode if your pet won't stop moving!

6. Take Plenty of Shots

Pets are wonderfully unpredictable! Don't expect to get the golden shot on the very first try. Take a whole bunch from different angles and lighting setups. The more options you have to send me, the better we can figure out the ultimate composition for your artwork.

Ready to Commission Your Portrait?

Taking great reference photos doesn't take professional gear, just a bit of patience and an eye for detail [cite:]. Once you've snapped a few favourites, I’m always more than happy to look them over and help you choose the best one for your custom drawing.

If you're thinking about ordering a bespoke portrait or have any questions at all about your photos, [get in touch today]! I can't wait to hear all about your pet.