The Time and Place

Try to photograph your subject outside in good natural daylight, avoiding very bright and direct sunlight which will cast deep shadows, and which can also affect the true fur colour.  In the winter months light levels are very poor, so do what you can with the amount of light available to you, but be aware that late winter sunny afternoons cast a lot of shade.  Mid morning to early afternoon is usually the best time.  Indoor flash photography can also change the natural colouring, and you may also get the 'red-eye’ effect, which totally distorts the colour of the eyes.  It is possible for me to work with several photographs, such as a mix of indoor and outdoor shots, especially if you have a particular pose that you like in one photograph, and the right colouring in another. 

Getting your Subject to Pose

Unless you have already decided on a favourite pose I would suggest taking photographs on the same level, rather than pointing the camera down at your subject, otherwise you may get a distorted view of them straining to look up at you.  In the case of cats and dogs the subject should be sitting, rather than lying down.  For taking photographs of dogs, I have found that seating them in the back of the vehicle they are used to travelling in seems to work very well (see below), as long as the light levels are good enough.  

When taking your photographs try to think of the pose that best captures the character of your subject, and is the most appealing.  Do you want your subject to have their tongue in or out (in the case of dogs), or ears pricked up rather than flat to their head, etc?  I find that a pose slightly to the side rather than completely facing you can be more flattering (as above).  In order to hold their attention, it is useful to have at least one other person to help while photographing your subject, especially if they are tempted by their favourite toy or treat.  Using a tripod for some of the photographs will also help to keep your hand steady - I am unable to use blurred photographs.

Click here to view more finished portraits with their original photographs

Close-ups with the subject filling the frame will enable me to create a more detailed likeness

Number of Photographs Required

Try to take as many good, clear photographs as possible in a number of different poses, but particularly in the pose that you would like the finished portrait to look.  If possible, take several close-up shots of the subject’s face, with the face filling the frame, showing details of the eyes, fur, whiskers etc.

If you are sending digital images to me via e-mail, please make sure they are of the highest resolution.  I can then discuss with you which I feel will best translate into a portrait.  Please then have these images printed on photo quality paper (at least 7" x 5" size), or preferably printed by a photo printing company (I recommend www.photobox.co.uk).  You can then send these photos to me with your completed Order Form and deposit.  If you would like me to print your images there will be a charge of 35p per 7" x 5" print.  These will be returned to you with your portrait.

Working from your Existing Photographs

You may already have photographs that you are happy with, and as long as they meet the requirements above, then I can certainly use these.  Or perhaps you have unfortunately lost your beloved pet and only have a few photographs to remind you of them.  In which case I will discuss with you whether I can use them to produce a good enough likeness.  If these are the only copies you have, I would recommend having copies made in case they are lost in the post.

If you are still not quite sure about the type of photographs I might need, then please do not hesitate to contact me.  All your photographs will be carefully looked after and returned safely to you with your finished portrait, plus any that I may have taken for you, if applicable.

Personal Photography Service

If you are able and willing to travel to me I can take digital photographs for you.  This will save you any worry you might have about the type of photographs required.  It is also a great opportunity for me to meet my customers and the subjects I am to paint, and to make any notes to help me further.  This service is free, although a nominal charge of 35p will be made for any photographs printed to cover the developing costs.  If you would like me to travel to you, there may be a charge for travelling expenses.

Some customers prefer to have professional photographs taken, in which case you will need to ask the photographer for copyright permission before I can use them to reproduce into a portrait.  A fee may be required by the photographer.

© Copyright Nicky Jones, Pet and Animal Portrait Artist 1996-2009.  All artwork on this site is protected by copyright law

and may not be copied, downloaded or used without permission from the artist.  All rights reserved worldwide.

57 Selwyn Crescent, Radley, Oxon, UK   Tel (01235) 529895

nicky@faithfulfriendsportraits.co.uk