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Producing excellent dog pictures
is a critical step in creating your beautiful custom portrait. Our artists can always adjust for shadows, poor lighting, or a mediocre background. However, better dog pictures usually translate into superior paintings.
Here are some tips for taking the best dog pictures: |
Distance
Get close to your dog! That's the best way to fill the frame with the subject. Just like people, pets have distinct facial expressions that only close-up dog pictures can capture. |
Angle
Get down! A pet's-eye view is much more interesting than the same shot taken from adult's-eye level, so don't be afraid to kneel down to get just the shot you're after. Try NOT to take the photo from above your dog. Such dog pictures are often disappointing. |
Color
Always, always search for color! If the colors in a scene are ho-hum, try adding some props. If you are having trouble finding the perfect setting for your dog pictures, keep in mind that you are welcome to just go simple, as our artists can substitute a neutral background. |
Lighting
Take your dog pictures on a lightly overcast day. That might sound weird, but too much sun often results in an unpleasant glare. |
Indoor Portraits
Try to take indoor dog pictures by the light of a nearby window. If the light is too bright and tends to wash out the subject's facial features, then simply pull the curtains or cover the window with a white sheet to soften it. |
Getting the Special
Shot
The key to taking great dog pictures is patience. It often helps to have someone stand behind you and attract your dog's attention while you click away. |
Take Lots of Pictures
Really great dog pictures don't come along every day, so be prepared to snap away. Don't be afraid to try taking your photos from several angles or with several different "poses." |
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| Sample dog pictures |
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Great color, distance, angle, and lighting
Natural settings easily lend to good contrasting colors that complement the subjects in dog pictures. |
Great distance, angle, and lighting
In this example the subjects are sitting on a couch, elevating them so they are aligned with the camera looking straight in. They are near a window so there is good lighting, and the dog picture is taken from close range so facial features are clear. |
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Great angle and distance, but poor background color
Notice how this dog pictures provides no contrast between the subject's hair color and the background. It is sometimes difficult for the artist to capture features if it is difficult to distinguish where the subject(s) begin and the background ends. When taking your dog pictures, be sure and choose a background that allows for adequate contrast. |
Great color and
background, but poor angle
This photo is taken by an adult looking down on the subjects. From this angle you cannot pick up on the facial features of the subjects, in particular the eye color. |
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Poor lighting
Here the subjects are in the direct sun which casts shadows, especially around the eyes. It is better to take outside dog pictures in the shade, on overcast days, or during the morning or evening hours when sunlight is not direct. |
Poor distance
Try to fill the frame of your dog pictures so that the artist can capture the facial features of the subjects. From this distance it is not possible to make out eye color. |
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My Dog and Me: Custom oil paintings, dog gifts and pet memorials
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