| Tips on Photographing People and Pets |
Several of your favorite photographs are used to capture every detail of the person or pet's personality. Take many pictures
even if you have to use a roll of film or two. This way you'll have many different angles and poses to choose from. If you're
using a digital camera, use the highest resolution setting possible.
If you're photographing a pet, try to have someone hold the pet while you take the photos. It's easier to take pictures when
someone stands behind you and gets the pet's attention. Don't worry about hands and arms in the picture, as these can be
removed. Just try not to cover important details of the pet. Hold treats near the camera while trying to capture the best pose.
Try to get your pet's favorite expression. This will help identify their personality, and it will be obvious in the final art.
Get on the same level as your subject as photos taken from above can't be used for a portrait. Try to get as close as possible
and still get a clear picture. The background isn't important as this won't be added anyway, unless you desire a particular
backdrop for the painting. However, a closeup of the subject is what I'm looking for.
Lighting is very important. Taking a photo of your subject in natural lighting is best. Morning and mid to late afternoon sun will
create the best shadows. Don't use a flash as this can cause red eye. Try to get the light to shine on the face to show all the
features, and take several photos at different angles, not just directly in front of the subject. Photos taken at an angle are
much more interesting.
The eyes "make the painting." I work from several different photos, but the eyes are the most important feature and capture
the personality of your subject. Try to take several close shots of the head and eye detail.
The more photos I have to work with, the better the painting. Also, if I have good reference photos, there is less guesswork
involved, and you will end up with a true likeness of your subject. I will scan your photos and use the scans as reference so
that your photos will be returned in their original condition. Unless, of course, they are digital photos. These can be sent on
disc or by email. All of this can be discussed further if you have any questions. One more thing...if you're interested in having
me take the photos for you, my hourly rate is $25/hr. minimum which includes travel time to and from your home within a 20
mile radius of Wilmington, NC.
I hope these few photo tips helped. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. I look forward to working with you.
even if you have to use a roll of film or two. This way you'll have many different angles and poses to choose from. If you're
using a digital camera, use the highest resolution setting possible.
If you're photographing a pet, try to have someone hold the pet while you take the photos. It's easier to take pictures when
someone stands behind you and gets the pet's attention. Don't worry about hands and arms in the picture, as these can be
removed. Just try not to cover important details of the pet. Hold treats near the camera while trying to capture the best pose.
Try to get your pet's favorite expression. This will help identify their personality, and it will be obvious in the final art.
Get on the same level as your subject as photos taken from above can't be used for a portrait. Try to get as close as possible
and still get a clear picture. The background isn't important as this won't be added anyway, unless you desire a particular
backdrop for the painting. However, a closeup of the subject is what I'm looking for.
Lighting is very important. Taking a photo of your subject in natural lighting is best. Morning and mid to late afternoon sun will
create the best shadows. Don't use a flash as this can cause red eye. Try to get the light to shine on the face to show all the
features, and take several photos at different angles, not just directly in front of the subject. Photos taken at an angle are
much more interesting.
The eyes "make the painting." I work from several different photos, but the eyes are the most important feature and capture
the personality of your subject. Try to take several close shots of the head and eye detail.
The more photos I have to work with, the better the painting. Also, if I have good reference photos, there is less guesswork
involved, and you will end up with a true likeness of your subject. I will scan your photos and use the scans as reference so
that your photos will be returned in their original condition. Unless, of course, they are digital photos. These can be sent on
disc or by email. All of this can be discussed further if you have any questions. One more thing...if you're interested in having
me take the photos for you, my hourly rate is $25/hr. minimum which includes travel time to and from your home within a 20
mile radius of Wilmington, NC.
I hope these few photo tips helped. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. I look forward to working with you.
