CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTO
There are three key elements to look for when choosing your desired photo.
• Lighting • Positioning • Clarity
If you're unable to find an appropriate photo, and happen to live in the Barrie area, then you're in luck! I've partnered with Amber from KoiBlue Photography who can take the photo for you! She knows the exact type of photo I need and supplies me with the best quality image for the best end product. Her dynamic shots also give your custom portrait that little something extra to differentiate it from others. Examples of her work are below, and check out her link in the Menu!
Examples of Great Refrences
Here are some great examples of references that were provided to me by KoiBlue Photography.
Great natural lighting, subject is front and center in frame, and each photo is in focus.
These references will, or have already, produced the best possible rendering of your fur baby!
Photo A has more shadow than Photo B and therefore appears 'flat'. This is more apparent when comparing the eyes of each photo. If there are too many darks and shadows, your furbaby's fur will look like a giant blob and I won't be able to reproduce the necessary detail
Lighting
You want to make sure the subject has adequate lighting to see all of their tiny details. Animal fur and hair will just look like a giant blob if there are too many darks and shadows.
AVOID USING FLASH when at all possible. Natural lighting is best.
A
B
Subject Positioning
When choosing a photo make sure the subject is close to the camera and, preferably, takes up most of the frame.
If the subject is too far back, the chances of a lower resolution zoom being produced is high. This is especially true when coupled with low lighting. The sample shown would not result in a high quality finished product and would be rejected as a viable reference.
Clarity / Focus
A subject who is not in focus will not have the detail needed (even if the lighting and positioning are ideal) to produce a high-end rendering.
Without clarity and focus the photo becomes a guessing game as to the small details that gives personality and character to the subject. While some details can be left to artistic interpretation, a photo similar to the example may be rejected as a reference.
