Examples of photograph quality.

Photography Tips

My goal when producing your portrait is to create art that you can treasure for many years to come. One of the most important criteria to ensure this is that I have a good reference photo (or photos) to work from.

I cannot emphasise enough that 'the better the photo, the better the finished portrait'. I am here to help you get the best photograph possible and give you as much advice as you need.

 

Quality

The first thing I look for in a photograph is the quality. As a pencil artist I am attracted to detail so the clearer the detail in a photo, the better your portrait will be. This is especially important for features such as the eyes, nose and mouth of the animal. It is very important that the photo be sharp and in focus, blurry photos make for artistic licence being applied.

 

Turn Flash Off

Avoid using flash if possible. Flash causes several problems and looks very unflattering. It can mask detail and cause unnatural shadows and colours. It can also result in the red-eye or eye glowing effect.

 

Levels

Take the photo at eye level. Photos looking down or up on your subject can be unnatural to the eye.

Positioning. Make sure the entire face and body (if applicable) are visible and not obscured by objects or shadows.

Clarity and Focus: Ensure the photo is clear and not blurred. A well-focused image helps us capture the fine details of your pet.

Lighting: Take the photo in good lighting, preferably natural light, to avoid shadows and ensure the colours are true to life.

Detail and Expression: Aim to capture your pet’s true character. For dogs, try to get a shot with their ears forward. For horses, ensure they are in the headcollar or bridle you want them portrayed in, or without if you prefer.

Collars and Accessories: If you want your dog’s collar included in the portrait, please ensure it is visible in the photo. For horses, please indicate if you want the headcollar or bridle included or removed.

Multiple Photos: Feel free to send several photos from different angles. This helps us get a better understanding of your pet’s features and personality.

Memorial Portraits
If you have lost your beloved companion and would like a memorial portrait, but feel your photos are not clearly visible, please don’t worry. We truly understand and are more than happy to review your photos and discuss how we can bring your cherished memories to life through art.

 

Please send your photos to martin-pencilart@outlook.com at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to creating a beautiful portrait of your pet!

Belated Pets

“If you have lost your beloved companion and would like a memorial portrait, but feel your photos are not clearly visible, please don’t worry. We truly understand and are more than happy to review your photos and discuss how we can bring your cherished memories to life through art.”