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Photographing Pets
 

Commissioning Portraits is a commendable way to pay tribute to your pets and 
preserve the  memory of those who are no longer with us. The pose,  size, and 
clarity of your photo  is crucial to the accuracy and quality of the finished portrait.

If possible, take  photos specifically intended as models for painted portraits.  
(Listed  below are some suggestions.)  In some instances,however,  such as the
aging or loss of a pet, that is impossible.  Under those conditions,  I'll do my best 
with the photos you provide.

Take photos of your pets now while they are in their prime!

Sir Arthur Bixby
 


Kipper
 


Mollie
 
"One picture is worth a thousand words" 
                                                                                                             --Fred R. Barnard (Printers' Ink)

"I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.:
                                                                                                                                               -- Abraham Lincoln


                                PHOTO TIPS  
1.   Best choice: a 35mm camera, or similar quality, & plenty of film! 
     (Polaroid photos often lack enough detail) 
2.  Shoot outdoors during early morning or late afternoon in natural 
     light that's not to bright to get the most accurate fur color. 
3.  Dark pet against light background.  Light pet against dark background. 
4.  Restrain pet with a leash.  Attract with food or a toy.    
     (Leashes, hands, props, & surroundings are omitted from the painting.)
     Visible collars will be painted unless you request to have them left off.
5.  Take photos at pet's eye level.  Kneel on the ground.
      Or put him/her up on a chair or picnic table. 
6.  Best poses are usually at a three-quarter angle of the head. 
7.  Take several close-ups with only the head, face & upper chest
      filling the entire view finder. Be sure both eyes are visible.  
8.  If you must take the photos indoors, place the pet where there is
     plenty of natural light to show the most accurate fur colors.

9.  It's best to keep a loaded camera nearby. Snap your pets' pictures
      whenever you catch them in a good pose...at eye level!

10.  For a Multi-Pet Portrait ( 2 or more pets on 1 canvas) 
        separate photos can be used.  Dogs & cats may be combined.
 
"Some friends come into our lives and quickly go.  
Some friends stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, 
and we are never the same."  -- Flavia Weedn



Snowflake
19+ years old





Artist's Painting
of Snowflake


The Years go by too Quickly
Unfortunately, not everyone has a photo of their
 aging or deceased pet as the following story attests.
 
An elderly lady raised a beautiful white angora cat 
who had been blind since a little kitten. Snowflake 
had become her favorite pet  but  now, 19+
years later, was slowly failing in health.  The 
widow had no children and this was a final 
good-bye to the last member of  her family.
She would soon be left living completely alone
without even a photo to help her remember 
her beloved cat..

A neighbor took a photograph of Flaky and gave
 it to the widow, hoping it would help alievate some
of  her distress..  But the photo of  the moribund
 cat worsened the situation.  It  was a painful
reminder of the grief she was suffering.

By using the photo, talent, and my "Artistic License", 
I was able to recaptured on canvas Snowflake's
 youth, beauty and dignity.   It  restored  her
 mistress's feeling of pride and fond memories.
(Please read owner's compliment  in Accolade.) 

If you have a similar situation, please contact me.
I may be able to be of  service.        
                                         Sincerely,
                     Janet P. Gaudette
 
 "I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.
-- Abraham Lincoln

 

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