Remember that I do not know your pet  as you do – so you need to show me. The better the photographs, the better the result. All photos will be returned with the finished work.

Best is not to shoot directly into the light. If you can, choose an overcast day to stay away from dark shadows. Stay away from flashes as it alters the color and causes redeye.

Try not to take photographs in bright sunlight as this will bleach the animal's natural colors.

Take full body and facial shots of your pet at various levels and angles. Full frontal shots are not necessarily the best shot. Slightly faced to an angle is best.

In animal portraits the most important element is the eye. The reflection of the light on the eye and the expression of the eyebrows is key.

Don't stand too far away from your pet when taking photographs. Try to fill the frame with as much of the animal as possible.

If it’s a head and shoulders portrait, then get as close as possible to the animal, to capture eye color and detailed markings around muzzle, etc that I will need.

Try to get on a level with the subject’s head. For a horse this is not a problem, but for a dog, cat, small pony etc. you may need to crouch, kneel or even lie down. Taking photos looking downwards can ruin the perspective and distort them.

Try getting their attention with a squeaky toy, keeping in mind that this will make their ears perk up. If you want them to look relaxed then you will have to be patient to capture this from your pet.

If you have trouble keeping them still, then you can have someone holding them in the position. As long as they don't obscure the animal in anyway, it's a good, last resort method.

If they are a dark color, try to position your pet in front of a light colored background so that the outline of the animal can be seen, and vise verse for light colored animals (try something dark behind them).  For example a black dog against a black background would make him nearly invisible! 

When shooting with digital please make sure your camera is set for its’ highest resolution. 

If you prefer, and you’re in my local area, you can schedule an hour for me to come and photograph your pet for you at the rate of $50.  I’m also willing to travel to you at the rate of $100 per day plus travel expenses.

Lastly, if your pet has passed away, please send the best photos that you have and I will do my best!  I will take excellent care of your photos while I have them and consider it an honor to produce your portrait!

Because the copyright remains with the artist, it is only the artist that is permitted to use the copy/photo of portraits made in commission to promote their art for prints, stationary, website and advertising. Clients wishing to replicate the portrait for any (including, but not limited to: publications, corporate identities, stationary, advertising or website usage) other intended use must inform the artist before the completion of the portrait.