Pet Portraits - Reference Photo Tips

Firstly, a bit about the medium.

Since charcoal is a black and white medium, it relies heavily on a photos wide range of tonal values, from very bright to very dark areas in order to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality.

My most successful drawings come from high quality, well lit images with a good balance of light and dark that really helps to define the subjects features.

The Three Elements For The Ideal Reference Photo

Lighting

• Outdoors in natural lighting is best.

• Or near a large window if indoors.

• Look for catchlights in the eyes. This always helps in bringing the portrait to life.

• Side lighting that wraps around the subject really helps to define their features.

Composition

• Eye level is best. Photos taken looking downwards don’t generally give the same sense of connection.

• Fill the frame with their head and body. Using a telephoto lens or stepping back and zooming in slightly on a smartphone will avoid distortion of their features.

• Focus on the eyes. They are the most important part of any portrait.

• A three quarter pose generally works well. But play about with poses, looking up, down, right, left and straight ahead to see which one really suits how you see them.

• Holding a toy or calling their name as you take the photo is a great way to bring out their character.

• Use a soft uncluttered background like a field, garden or plain wall to make sure all the focus is on your pet and they can be seen clearly.

Quality

• Use the highest quality camera or phone you have to help capture those fine details.

• Send the original photo file if you can.

• Screenshots and images that pixelate a lot when zoomed in or have heavy filters applied generally aren’t suitable, but please let me know if it’s all you have.