How to Choose the Best Photo for a Pet Portrait

A good photo is the single biggest thing that affects how your finished portrait looks. Your artist works from what is actually in the image, so the more detail they can see, the more of your pet comes through in the artwork.

What makes a good photo

  • Eye level. Crouch down so the camera is level with your pet rather than looking down at them. This one change makes more difference than anything else.
  • Natural light. Near a window or outside on an overcast day is ideal. Direct midday sun creates harsh shadows that hide detail.
  • Sharp focus on the eyes. The eyes carry the character. If they are blurred, the portrait loses the thing that makes it look like your pet.
  • Fill the frame. Get close enough that your pet takes up most of the picture. A small figure in a large scene means less detail to work from.
  • The original file. Send the largest version you have, straight from your phone or camera.

What to avoid

  • Screenshots. Screenshotting a photo throws away most of the detail. Find the original.
  • Photos saved from social media. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp compress images heavily. If you have the original, use it.
  • Heavy filters. Filters change fur colour and flatten detail. An unedited photo is better.
  • Dark or backlit shots. If your pet is a silhouette against a bright window, there is little for the artist to work with.
  • Very dark fur in low light. Black cats and dogs need good light or the features disappear.

If your only photo is not perfect

Send it anyway and ask us first. This matters most for memorial portraits, where there may only be a handful of photos and no chance of taking more. We work with imperfect photos often and will tell you honestly what we can and cannot do before you order.

We can also combine several photos into one portrait, remove or change a background, or work from a photo where your pet is partly obscured. Describe what you need in the Special Requests box when ordering.

Ask for a preview

Add Preview requested to the Special Requests box and we will email the artwork before anything is printed. You can ask for changes at that point. If a photo turns out to be difficult to work from, this is where we would raise it with you.

Browse pet portraits or get in touch if you would like us to check a photo before you order.