WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO?
A good reference photo can make the difference between a "good" piece and an amazing piece.
I want you to have the best portrait of your sweet pet that you possibly can! Here are some tips to help you see what I look for when finding a good reference photo.
If you're unsure about your photos, send what you have! I'm happy to take a look and personally work with you to find the best photo for your piece. You can submit up to 6 photos in the form at the bottom of the page.
WHAT TO AVOID
Dull Lighting
Inadequate lighting can obscure details, like this pup's beautiful eyes!
Too Far
Photos taken from too far can make it hard to capture expressions and personality!
High Angles
Photos from above can make bodies and heads look out of proportion.
Too Blurry
Fuzzy photos make it difficult to capture details in the fur and eyes - details that make your pet, yours!
Harsh Shadows
Intense shadows hide the face - which is what we want to see!
Indoor Lighting
Indoor lighting tends to lean yellow, which can distort your pet's natural coloring.
Special thanks to Hermes Jones for being my model!
@hermes_the_dog on Instagram
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Count the Hairs
Can you see individual hairs of your pet's coat? That's a good sign your photo is high enough quality to be used as a reference!
Head and Shoulders
The best portraits are of your pet's head and shoulders only - full body photos make your pet's head appear smaller on the paper.
Natural Lighting
White, natural lighting from a large window or outdoors on an overcast day tend to look best to bring our your pet's natural beauty!
Great Photo
=
Great Piece
This photo of Hermes has:
- natural lighting
- crisp details
- a fully visible face
- an eye-level angle
- a moderate distance from the camera
And made a great reference photo to help me create this piece!
