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 Photographic Tips

The Perfect Photograph          

In order to capture your pets true likeness Sharon works from several different photographs at once. Although a detailed head study is required, it's also important to have pictures that you feel best represents your pets’ personality.

The first decision you need to make is regarding the pose. Generally each person who commissions a painting of their pet will already have a rough idea about how they would like the finished portrait to look.

Optimise your Photographs

Whereas it’s possible to achieve good levels of detail and colour reproduction with head studies, they do little to show your pets’ true personality. The best way to capture this is by photographing your pet whilst their being themselves. To do this you will need to ensure your camera is both loaded with film and easily accessible. Now each time you see your pet in a position you like, or simply doing something that you believe demonstrates who they are, reach for the camera and take a picture.

Taking the perfect photograph of your pet is not that complex. There are a few simple tips that will help you achieve this. Firstly always try to take your photograph outdoors as the use of a flash can bleach the colour out of the coat and alter the colour tones that are vital to achieve an accurate reproduction.

 Is it too sunny?

Try to avoid taking your photographs on very bright days due to the sun casting heavy shadows. When photographing outdoors, always have your back to the sun and stand about 1-2 meters away from your pet. To avoid blurring, use the cameras zoom facility. Zoom in until your pets head comes close to filling the view finder. Take several photographs, ideally from slightly different positions. You can't take too many photos! Remember, Sharon can't replicate detail that's not present in the photograph.

Digital Photography

IF you have your digital images stored on your camera, they can be transferred to Sharon in one of several ways.

Images can be sent via an e-mail attachment

Images can be put on a CD and posted to Sharon

Images can be left on your memory card and posted to Sharon (memory card will be returned with portrait)

Images can be printed and the prints can be posted to Sharon (It is advisable to have the images printed on a professional printing machine such as in Boots Chemist)

Click on Images to Expand

Examples Good Photographs

Examples bad Photographs