Distinguished Photography Tips

The most important thing is DO NOT USE FLASH. It flattens out the face of your pet and makes it difficult to paint.

Taking the picture in a sunny room is best, or outside (just make sure it’s not so bright that your animal friend is squinting!)

Be aware of wagging tongues. Closed mouths look much more distinguished!

Positioning your pet is also very important.

If you have someone to help it’s a lot easier

Have your pet sit and stay (good luck!)

Get down to his/her eye level with your camera

Then have somebody hold a treat or squeaky toy so that your pet turns its head slightly up and to the side.

A slightly turned head is the most important element, it reveals a lot of detail in the face that gets lost if your pet is just looking forward into the camera. Remember, this isn’t the DMV its Distinguished Doggies!

Getting the perfect picture can be a little difficult but it sure pays off in the end…

Here are some examples of good and bad photos, note that all the GOOD photos are clear and show a lot of detail in the face. They are moslty taken at the same level as the pet and are taken without using flash. The BAD photos are taken looking down onto the animal, are not detailed and the one with the very sad looking boxer mix was taken with flash.