Luckily for us, I’ve teamed up with professional pet photographer Abi from Abi B Photography who offers beautiful (and stress-free) pet portrait studio sessions in the comfort of your own home.

Abi has let us know her best (and easy) tips for taking the perfect photos of your dog, that you can follow using just your phone camera, no fancy gear required. Just check out her beautiful work and try some of these easy tips when you next want to capture a photo of your dog.

1. Check what’s in the background

Make your dog the focal point of your photos by removing anything that could be distracting from the background. Quickly scan for things on the ground that can easily be moved, or anything particularly eye-catching behind your pet that you can keep out of frame. Your dog needs to be the centre of attention at all times of course.

2. Get down low

Taking photos from your pet’s eye level creates an engaging shot. Sit down with your dog and have your phone camera positioned level with their eyes, this gives you the perfect front-on view that makes for an amazing portrait.

3. Use treats, toys and noises

When your pet looks straight at the camera or phone, there’s a beautiful connection. Their favourite squeaky toy, a yummy treat and/or your voice can be a great way to get their attention for the shot. Hold the toy or treat close to the camera lens so they look right where you need them to for the photo.

4. Check the light

Make sure your pet is evenly lit – no bright patches or dark shadows – these can really ruin a shot. Natural light is better than artificial light. Let the light in through as many windows as you can for indoor photography, or take your pet outside to enjoy the fresh air. Not too much sunshine though, taking photos of your dog in the shade is better than direct sunlight.

5. Have an assistant

Sometimes, having a second person to help can be useful. It can be a lot to juggle with the phone, plus a toy or treat. Let your friend or family member focus on getting your pup’s attention, while you take the perfect shot.

6. Focus on the eyes

They are the window to the soul, after all! Nothing brings out the character and connection with your pup like looking deep into their eyes. See tip 3 about helping your dog to look right at the camera.

7. Try different framing

Sometimes, including background items (furniture, trees, etc.) can really add to a shot. Sometimes a close up is the way to go. It’s time to get creative, try out a few ideas and see what works.

8. Have fun

If your pet is having a good time, you’ll get better photos! This is what it’s all about, stay relaxed, make it the best fun ever and your photography session will be a beautiful bonding session with your pup.

Big thank you to Abi from Abi B Photography for providing these easy photography tips to help you take great photos of your dog, just using your phone or camera. Feel welcome to share the results and tag @popartpuppydogs and @absbphotos on Instagram, or send the best one to me to turn into a beautiful pop art portrait.

Turn your pet photos into pop art

Follow Abi’s tips and you’ll be sure to get great photos of your pet very soon. There might even be one that you think would look awesome in pop art.

I had the pleasure of turning one of Abi’s professional photos of her darling dog Abe into a digitally illustrated work of pop art. She captured this super cool pose of Abe giving a high five, which was a perfect fit for my ‘pow’ background design — the makings of a very dynamic and unique portrait. See the result below in another of Abi’s stunning photos.

Professional pet photography with Abi

Want to take your pet’s photo gallery to the next level? Let Abi B Photography capture the beautiful moments of your pet in a professional photo shoot. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Abi makes your pet feel comfortable throughout the experience and captures the essence of their personality in her gorgeous work.

With her photography published in magazines and other media across Australia and New Zealand, Abi’s passion stems from her two loves; animals and photography. With one of those animals being her stunning Weimaraner, Abraham.

Abraham (aka: Abe) is a natural in front of the camera, and the subject of many of Abi’s photos. A total pro at modelling, we’ve booked him in for a pop art portrait — I can’t wait to turn one of Abi’s photos into an energetic pop art masterpiece.

Check out her professional photography packages, and book your pet in for a session with Abi B Photography. The time is now to start your art gallery wall of your dog!

The post Easy tips for dog photography, perfect for pet portraits! appeared first on Pop Art Puppy Dogs.

US & Canada: Sunday January 31st, 2:00 – 4:00 pm EST
Australia: Monday February 1st, 6:00 – 8:00 am AEDT

Admission: $20
10% of the proceeds will be donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Our pets bring so much color to our lives, they love us unconditionally, make us smile and are our best companions through all of life’s ups and downs. Whether your pet is cheeky, energetic, lazy, loyal or anything in between — they are all true characters! If you think your pet should star in their own comic, here’s your chance. Learn how to paint your pet in a pop art comic book style that highlights their unique personality. Beginners welcome and happiness is guaranteed!

About The Workshop:

Let’s unleash our creativity and celebrate the love we have for our furry friends by turning them into a work of pop art!

In this workshop, you will create a portrait of your pet in a pop art, comic book illustration style. I will demonstrate in digital art so you can learn the basics of digital painting, or join us with a traditional painting or drawing medium of your choice.

Don’t have a pet? You can pick an adoptable animal from the ASPCA shelter to paint, remember to share your artwork to help their visibility and increase their chance of finding a forever home.

What You Will Need:

For digital painting:

• Graphics Tablet (for example iPad, Android tablet or computer graphics pad)
• Stylus (a digital pen that draws on your graphics tablet)
• Digital painting app — use your own or Download Sketchbook Free Here →
• A digital photo of your pet

Or, you can use any traditional medium you prefer:

• Any paint, pencils, markers etc. in the colours of your pet
• HB or 2B graphite pencil (for sketching)
• Black fineliner or art pen for your chosen medium (for drawing outlines)
• An eraser
• Tracing paper
• Paper to match your medium of preference
• A printed A4 photo of your pet

Need a pet photo? Paint an animal from the ASPCA, Choose Here →

Final Outcome:

Based on your photos, you will finish the session with a colorful pop art portrait of your pet that captures their unique features and personality.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Based in Williamsburg NY, Happy Creative Dig brings the creative community together by hosting virtual workshops for all kinds of art. Tune in to learn something new while supporting artists and giving back to trusted non-profits to help those in need. Check out their website for more info and workshops.

The post Pet Painting Workshop: Comic Life Of Pets appeared first on Pop Art Puppy Dogs.