The Camera
The better the camera the better the photograph. If possible use a good quality camera to take photographs. This ensures a good quality picture to work from.

Digital Cameras
If you are using a digital camera then please make sure that the resolution is of good quality ( 2M pixels and above) Photos taken on phones are often not good enough when blown up due to inferior lenses. There is often a "lag" from pressing the shutter button on a digital camera to when the photograph is taken. You will have to allow for this.

The Film
Cheap films produce poor quality photographs. Try to use a good brand of film. we can accept CDs and also uploaded photos for portraits.

The Picture
The better the quality of the photograph the better the end result portrait. The subject matter ( dog , cat, elephant ) should fill the frame rather than the subject being a small spec on the photograph. A 3/4 head shot is better than having a straight on photo for most breeds, as this stops the noses looking too flat and gives dimension to the face.

Developing
Many commercial film processing labs provide good colour representation of the photograph (ie the grass is green, the sky is blue) however it is known that quite frequently the photo may be very orange in colour or washed out. It helps to add notes with these photos as to the exact colouring. When printing from home PCs ensure good quality paper and ink. Look at the photo and check it against to animal.

Inside or Outside ? Most photgraphs are clearer outside - However if you have a cat the chances are that it will run away if it is outside so it is a case of common sense. Try to take the photos when the sun is not too bright and try to avoid huge shadows. If you have a black animal ( dog, cat ) try to take the photos on a cloudy day. If you find that you have to take the shot inside then any flash problems can be ironed out in most cases by sending extra photos to assist with the normal colourings ( for example eyes affected by use of flash ).

Getting the animal to sit still
Some animals when faced with a camera act as if you are pointing a gun at them. The fact that they do not have their picture taken regularly means that it is a strange object, and consequently they are intrigued about the camera. Try to act as if it is nothing special, let them see the camera and check it out.
The portrait can be commissioned from multiple photos, so if the animal is not quite right on one ( ie ears down) and not quite right on another ( ie mouth open & tongue hanging out ten feet) we can work from both photos to produce a better portrait. ( Artistic licence )

Impossible - !!!!
If you experience great difficulty, try getting someone else to take the photo whilst you distract the animal.
We have never yet failed to find a method to distract a dog or cat. Red eye reduction works well with animals and provides something to get their attention as do toys, squeakers and food.

If all else fails contact us by Email or telephone us on UK +44 (0) 1283 215561.

We will be happy to discuss any aspect of portrait commissions with you.

Christine Varley Studio

Clematis House
19 Ashby Road , Moira , South Derbyshire DE12 6DJ

Tel UK 01283 215561