Taking your own photo tips

Photography Tips

It can be very difficult to get that one perfect shot of your animal... I've put together a few tips to try and make your job easier......

I am available for photo sessions, but distance may be a problem to just call me out to provide you with some photo options for your portrait.....

First of all, it's a two person job... one to hold and one to do the photography
Try to do your photography outdoors; a dull day is often the best as strong sunlight can create dense shadows and bleached out highlights....
Take at least 20 photos, often the animal has their eyes shut in a few!
Go either up or down in stance to the animal's eye level (if possible) to minimise distortion and perspecive problems
The shaking of a feed bucket/ biscuit tin by a third party can work wonders for pricking up ears....
I've been known to toss a hat in the air to get a bored horse looking interested... "WALKIES" or "GET THE CAT..." can work for dogs!!!
A collar/headcollar can easily be removed in your end portrait, also ears can be painted more pricked, whiskers/mane/beard can be tidied up....

If your photos are far from perfect, don't despair! I can often use a selection to create a composite portrait. Also, if your animal is sadly no longer with us, I can give you my professional opinion as to whether I can create a quality portrait from the pictures you have..... just ask!

Photograph to portrait, a few examples.....

. © E J Lazenby. www.animalfineart.co.uk.

Otto. © E J Lazenby. www.animalfineart.co.uk. PRIVATE COLLECTION