Photo Tips
taking better photos of animals...
by Chris Mosley
I've outlined the main points to help you choose a clear detailed photo with the necessary detail and the character needed to produce a good quality life-like animal portrait.
Please remember that I can only draw from what I see in your photos! I can work from several photos if necessary but one good clear photo of each subject is best.
Digital Camera Settings...
Digital Camera Settings...
Set your Picture Size / Quality Settings to Medium or High. Files over 450kB usually contain enough detail to work from if the subject is large enough in the viewfinder.
Patience is required...
Patience is required...
Patience is key to taking a good photo, especially with impatient or nervous pets. Keep the photo sessions short and your voice calm.
Use Natural Light...
Use Natural Light...
Natural light is best, so take photos outside if possible with the sun slightly to the side or behind you. This will help to capture the true colourings and detail. Using a flash can "wash-out" the true colour of your pet's coat with reflection.
Capture their Character...
Capture their Character...
All pet owners know that their pet has a unique personality. If you can try and capture this in your photo it will help me paint a better portrait. Your pet's eyes are especially important to bring personality and character into the portrait, so if possible get down on your pet's eye level. If necessary, take a separate detailed photo just of the eyes.
Natural Activities...
Natural Activities...
Natural photos taken during normal activities are better than trying to encourage your pet to pose. If your pet is camera-shy then use a distraction such as a toy or small snack to attract their attention. A helping hand from a second person will make the job much easier and let you concentrate on keeping the photos in focus.
Get Close...
Get Close...
If you want a head portrait then try and fill the viewfinder or LCD display with your pet's face. Move in close or use your camera's zoom.
Lock the Focus...
Lock the Focus...
If your camera is set to auto-focus the picture may turn out blurry and focus on anything but your pet. Try to remedy this by locking the focus on the subject, usually by centering the subject in the viewfinder and then press the shutter button halfway down to focus. Continue holding the button halfway down while you move the camera slightly to where you want the subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready, press the button all the way down to take the picture. If taking an active picture you may need to increase the shutter speed. This will help to capture faster movements and keep them in focus.
One good photo is best...
One good photo is best...
Taking lots of photos will increase your chance of getting the right photo but please be selective and choose only one or two clear photos that show what you want in your portrait.
Please remember that I can only draw from what I see in your photos! I can work from several photos if necessary but one good clear photo of each subject is best.
Digital Camera Settings...Digital Camera Settings...
Set your Picture Size / Quality Settings to Medium or High. Files over 450kB usually contain enough detail to work from if the subject is large enough in the viewfinder.
Patience is required...Patience is required...
Patience is key to taking a good photo, especially with impatient or nervous pets. Keep the photo sessions short and your voice calm.
Use Natural Light...Use Natural Light...
Natural light is best, so take photos outside if possible with the sun slightly to the side or behind you. This will help to capture the true colourings and detail. Using a flash can "wash-out" the true colour of your pet's coat with reflection.
Capture their Character...Capture their Character...
All pet owners know that their pet has a unique personality. If you can try and capture this in your photo it will help me paint a better portrait. Your pet's eyes are especially important to bring personality and character into the portrait, so if possible get down on your pet's eye level. If necessary, take a separate detailed photo just of the eyes.
Natural Activities...Natural Activities...
Natural photos taken during normal activities are better than trying to encourage your pet to pose. If your pet is camera-shy then use a distraction such as a toy or small snack to attract their attention. A helping hand from a second person will make the job much easier and let you concentrate on keeping the photos in focus.
Get Close...Get Close...
If you want a head portrait then try and fill the viewfinder or LCD display with your pet's face. Move in close or use your camera's zoom.
Lock the Focus...Lock the Focus...
If your camera is set to auto-focus the picture may turn out blurry and focus on anything but your pet. Try to remedy this by locking the focus on the subject, usually by centering the subject in the viewfinder and then press the shutter button halfway down to focus. Continue holding the button halfway down while you move the camera slightly to where you want the subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready, press the button all the way down to take the picture. If taking an active picture you may need to increase the shutter speed. This will help to capture faster movements and keep them in focus.
One good photo is best...One good photo is best...
Taking lots of photos will increase your chance of getting the right photo but please be selective and choose only one or two clear photos that show what you want in your portrait.
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Painting a dog portrait
How I draw a portrait
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