Pet Portrait photography tips

I always love to have plenty of images of the beautiful subject I’m going to be working with. The more images or your Cat, Dog, Horse or any other animal, the better an idea I can get of their personality/markings/coat/eyes etc.

  • If you would like me to take suitable photographs, this is a service that I offer. This service is available within Cwmbran and surrounding areas. I am also available in the Port Eynon areas of Gower, South Wales. Please contact me for more information.

If you are planning a surprise commission or a memorial pet portrait and have limited  photos, then all is not lost - I have worked from old and imperfect photos and I will advise you whether it is something achievable or not.

Check...

  • Is the photo of your pet or loved one in focus?

  • Are the colours true to life?

  • Can I see the animal or persons features clearly, and close up?

  • Is the lighting as even as possible? - outdoors on a slightly overcast day (well that should be easy in the UK currently!)

  • Is it a flattering portrait of your pet or person?

    Photos can be sent via WhatsApp or email. Please do not send via social media messaging as the files are compressed and loose definition.

  • Studio visits are welcome, whereby we can go through your images and discus the perfect layout for your pet portrait etc..

Toby is looking down, and as a result I can’t see his eyes. To make your portrait really come alive, being able to see the eyes is vital!

Toby is looking down, and as a result I can’t see his eyes. To make your portrait really come alive, being able to see the eyes is vital!

This time, Lola is looking up, and the details are good - however it doesn’t make a nice ‘pose’. We need to think what the portrait will look like once up on your wall.

This time, Lola is looking up, and the details are good - however it doesn’t make a nice ‘pose’. We need to think what the portrait will look like once up on your wall.

Here Lola is in shadow so I can’t see any defining features

Here Lola is in shadow so I can’t see any defining features

Here the image is too far away, with her eyes closed, the lighting is good, but again would not make a good reference photo for a portrait!

Here the image is too far away, with her eyes closed, the lighting is good, but again would not make a good reference photo for a portrait!

At first glance I didn’t think this image would work well, the right side is in shade, but I just love Fern’s ears, so with a bit of photo tweaking to draw out the details, this made a gorgeous portrait.

At first glance I didn’t think this image would work well, the right side is in shade, but I just love Fern’s ears, so with a bit of photo tweaking to draw out the details, this made a gorgeous portrait.

Toby looks fabulous in this image, crisp details, good light, and again the most important part - eyes - are clear, bright and with good light

Toby looks fabulous in this image, crisp details, good light, and again the most important part - eyes - are clear, bright and with good light

Now we have a lovely image, great light with a lovely expression in her eyes.

Now we have a lovely image, great light with a lovely expression in her eyes.