6 tips for the best photos for your pet portrait
Sometimes a photo means the world to you, but it doesn’t always make the best painting. A good reference photo makes it much easier to create a strong portrait of your pet. The more details I can see, the better I can bring them to life on canvas. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best photos.
1. The right angle
A 3/4 angle (slightly turned, not straight on) often works really well. It gives depth and shows the natural shape of your pet’s face. For cats, I also love front-facing photos, they can be very striking. Side views can also be beautiful, depending on the personality you want to bring out. Sometimes even taking the photo from a little lower, so you look up at your pet, creates a strong and powerful composition.
2. Keep it at eye level
Try to take the photo at the same level as your pet. Photos from above or below can distort their features. At eye level you capture their true proportions, which makes the portrait feel much more natural.
3. Avoid distortion
It’s best not to use a wide angle lens or take photos too close to their face. Both can make their features look stretched or out of place. Step back a little and zoom in instead, so the perspective looks realistic.
4. Lighting with contrast
Natural daylight works best for showing true colors. But don’t worry if there are shadows in the photo. I actually love it when there’s some contrast with both shadows and highlights, because it gives more depth and makes the painting feel alive.
Sometimes photos don’t show the true colors of your pet’s fur because of the lighting or location. That’s completely fine. If you send me multiple photos, I can compare them and use the most accurate colors when painting. Even if the composition of one photo is perfect but the colors are a bit off, I can look at your other photos to make sure the portrait is as true to your pet as possible.
5. No filters
It’s best to avoid filters or heavy editing. A natural photo helps me see all the little details, like fur texture, colors, and expression, so I can paint them accurately.
6. Make sure the whole head is in frame
The photo should show your pet’s full head, not just part of it. That way I can include all the details and create a complete portrait that really feels like them.
Let’s choose the best photo together
Not sure which photo works best? Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for! I always love when people send me multiple photos of their pet. That way, we can look at them together and pick the one that will make the strongest portrait.
Do you want a custom oil painting of your pet, but feel unsure about your photos? Just send me all your favorites, whether you already have one in mind or not, and I’ll help you choose the perfect reference for your painting.`
