1.  Please take a couple of good close-up shots of your subject. 

Try to be close enough to capture their expression. The character

of the pet is very important in a portrait. Don't use a zoom lens,

it tends to distort the subject some if you move too far away.  The

face will appear fatter. You can use a zoom lens if you stay closer. 

The distance makes the difference. Try to hold the camera steady. 

Any motion will blur the image.  Hold the camera firmly by wrapping

your right hand around the camera and grip firmly.  Hold the lens

bottom with your left hand .  Press the shutter button with your

index finger.  Pressing your arms and elbows lightly against the

front of your body will aid in steadying the camera.

2.  Photograph your pet where he likes to hang out. If his eyes

water wipe them so you can get a nice clear shot of the eyes.

Give him some toys to play with to help catch his personality. 

He will be more relaxed this way. Let him play a little and then

start to try and get his attention to start photographing.  Go to

him instead of forcing him to come to you.  This will put him

more at ease. Keep your pet's attention by having someone

hold him or use treats or a toy to keep him interested. Taking

a picture after a pet has some exercise will make it easier.  He

will be more calm and pay attention to you. When he is relaxed

have someone call him or use a whistle to catch his attention. 

This will give you a few moments to catch that alert look.

3.  Try for a photo at the same level as your pet not above the

head shot.  A nice direct centered picture.  Consider the view of

the subject when taking a picture. If possible have the head tip

slightly downward so the pet doesn't appear to have a big nose.

Try a three quarters view as well as front shots.  Sometimes a

slight angle makes a beautiful picture for a portrait.  Try and

capture a pose with the most expression and characteristics.

4.  Keep the background simple and concentrate on your subject.

Remove unnecessary clutter if possible.  It's okay to take up the

whole shot with your subject with little or any background showing.

Try for a clear sharp photo with detailed features. Stay calm and

keep shooting pictures.

5. If possible have the background be in contrast of your pet.  If the

pet is light colored try for a darker background so the outline of the

pet will stand out.  If the pet is dark try for a lighter background.

Contrast in a photo makes the pet stand out more.  Try using a

background that will compliment the pet.

6. Beware of lighting conditions and how they affect the appearance

of your subject.  Early morning, late afternoon or indirect lighting is

the most flattering light for portraits. Bright sunlight can wash-out

the color of your pet.  Using a flash can cause red eye. If you can't

take a picture outside place the pet near a window with the light

coming from one side.  Avoid fluorescent lighting as it can distort 

your pet's natural color.

7.  If you want a portrait with two pets or more on it; try for one

or two photos with them together for size for comparing.  Other

pictures can be separate. Mention the difference in size on the

order form.

8.  Patience is a must when taking photos.  Just keep shooting. You

can get a good picture when you least expect it.  Surprising a subject

in a relaxed situation is a good way to capture his character.

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Betty Vandenack

5012 Highway V V

Two Rivers, WI 54241

920-793-3944

Email:  contact@bettysportraits.com