Note: This is a guest post by Wendy Dessler. You can learn more about Wendy at the end of this post.
Are becoming frustrated trying to take awesome pet photos for commissioned paintings?
Wendy shares with us some valuable tips that will have you taking the perfect pet photos every time.
How to Take Awesome Pet Photos For Commission Paintings
By the end of this post, you will know…
- The importance of good cameras
- Tips on lighting
- Choose your pose
- How to bribe your model
- Get on their level
- Importance of taking breaks
Family pets are with us for a short time, but make a lasting impression throughout our lives. One of the best ways to capture what they mean to us is by commissioning a custom portrait. This recent trend has seen pets recreated as kings and queens or captured in their natural glory.
According to the expert artists at Instapainting, the trick to having an amazing painting commissioned is choosing the right photo. Quality, composition, and pose all matter when photographing your pet. Here are some helpful tips for taking awesome pet photos for bespoke paintings.
Use a Great Camera
Fortunately, we live in an era where almost everyone has a great camera in their pocket at all times. Smartphones have revolutionized photography, allowing people to capture all the moments of their life in perfect clarity, and share them instantly.
If your phone is getting dated, it’s best to ask a friend or family member with a newer model if you can use their phone for this purpose. If you have experience using a DSLR camera, go this route instead.
Perfect Your Lighting
There are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to lighting for photography. Ideally, you’ll want even, natural light that’s free of shadows and doesn’t cause discoloration. This means outside light rather than indoors unless you’re in an area with large windows or have the proper lighting setup.
Avoid taking photos in the middle of a sunny day, as the downcast shadows can cause problems with the photo. Overcast days are ideal for photography, as is the golden hour at sunrise and sunset.
Choose Your Poses
When choosing your poses for pet photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, what style photo are you going for? Candid or posed? Second, what poses best capture your pet’s personality? Finally, what is your pet willing or able to do for you?
While it might be nice to capture a photo of your chocolate lab at rest, trying to get the right shot can be challenging if he’s usually running around and playing. Conversely, trying to get an action shot of your cat who prefers curling up in the sun and napping might cause frustration for both of you.
To get the best shots possible, meet your pet in the middle. Capture some candid shots of Rover running and playing, then snap a few of him relaxing after you’ve tired him out. As for your cat, just accept that your kitty rules the roost and capture her on her throne.
Pay or Bribe Your Model
While bribes may be unethical in the human world, they’re well accepted in your pet’s society. A simple bribe can be the difference between getting a good shot and a great shot that will translate well into your commissioned painting.
Try adhering a treat to your phone to have your usually active dog sit pretty for a photo. Hold some catnip to rouse your sleepy cat from their throne so you can be worthy of their attention. Reward your pet with lots of love and a new toy for their modeling services.
Get on Their Level
To capture the best possible photo, get on your pet’s level: figuratively and literally.
Shooting downward can create size distortion when photographing your pet. While it might be nice to have a few photos from your point of view, don’t hesitate to operate from your hands and knees or lay beside them. When trying to capture a photo of your pet, focus on capturing their eyes, and be at eye-level.
To figuratively get on your pet’s level, let them run the show. If Rex wants to run, run with Rex. If Fluffy wants to nap in the sun, curl up on a blanket. By doing so, you’ll both be comfortable and relaxed, making the experience enjoyable for all.
Take Breaks
If you’re having a hard time getting the shot you want, take breaks. It won’t benefit you or your pet if you start to get frustrated. Remember, this is a new experience for both of you, and it might take a few attempts to get it right.
Taking photos of your pets should be a fun, creative experience. By being patient and learning some basic photography skills, you’ll get the perfect shot to have commissioned into a painting.
Wendy Dessler
Outreach manager
Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.
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