Choosing the right photo for your pet portrait
The photo you choose plays an important role in the final painting. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect or professionally taken!
What matters most is that your pet’s character and expression come through.
Why the photo matters
What makes a good photo
A good reference photo usually has:
- • Clear, visible eye(s)
- • An expression that feels like your pet
- • Good contrast between light and shadow
- • A sharp image (not blurry)
- • A pose that shows some personality or movement
Natural light works best, but it doesn’t need to be perfectly lit.
What to avoid
Try to avoid photos that are:
- • Very dark or heavily edited
- • Taken from far away
- • Blurry or out of focus
- • With strong flash reflections in the eyes
Send multiple photos
Picking the right photo
You probably already have a favourite photo of your pet. That photo often holds the most meaning, but it isn’t always the strongest option for a painting.
Once you send your photos, I’ll take a look at them and explain which ones work best and why. I’ll point out things like expression, lighting, angles, and visibility of details, and I’ll give you honest advice.
In the end, the final choice is always yours. My role is simply to help you figure out which photos will work best for the painting!
Do's
- Show your pet’s face clearly
- Make eye(s) visible, unless pet is sleeping
- Good contrast between light and shadow
- Send multiple photos
- Include interesting poses or expressions
Don'ts
- Blurry photos
- Faces or important details covered
- Very dark or overly edited photos
- Strong flash reflections
- Extreme high angles
