Which photos will translate well into a painting? Sometimes photos have so much meaning in them but they will not always make a great painting.
Having good reference photos makes it easier to end up with a great portrait of your pet. It’s important for me to see all the beautiful details in your pet in order to paint them accurately.
6 tips for the best photos for your pet portrait
The right angle
For the best result, a 3/4 view of your pet (slightly turned, not straight on) works really well. This angle adds depth and shows their features naturally. In my personal experience, dog portraits with a 3/4 angle work great, but for cats, I also love painting them from the front or side. It all depends on your preference, and any angle can work beautifully!
Eye level photos
Try to take the photo at the same level as your pet, so you're not looking down or up at them. This avoids distortion and helps capture their proportions, making the portrait feel more lifelike.
Avoid distorted photos
Make sure the photo isn’t taken too close or too far from your pet. Avoid wide angle lenses or extreme close ups, as they can distort the features. A realistic perspective works best.
Natural lighting
Natural daylight is ideal for capturing your pet’s true colors. Take the photo near a window or outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight that can cause harsh shadows or overexposure. Soft, even lighting is key to bringing out their details.
No filters or editing
Please avoid using filters or editing the photo. A natural, unaltered image is best, as it allows me to paint your pet as accurately as possible.
Make sure the whole head is in the photo
It’s important that the entire head of your pet is in the photo, not just part of it. This way, I can include all the details of their face and create a complete and accurate painting.
If you're unsure about which photo is best, don't worry! There are always options when we work together. I’d prefer if you send me multiple photos, and we can choose the best one together that fits your pet and the style of the painting.
Check out my commission page for all the details.
