Portrait Reference Photos

If you wish to commission a portrait of your pet it is important that you can provide a good reference photo so that a good likeness can be created. Please read these tips to help you get the best out of your portrait.

If your pet is no longer with you, look for a photo that is clear, well lit and shows your pet's facial features well. Some of the tips listed below may help you choose. If you are not certain whether a photo will work, please feel free to ask for advice. Ideally, you should take photographs specifically for your portrait where possible. When trying to get the perfect shot a good digital camera is best, but mobile phone cameras have improved considerably in recent years. Both digital cameras and mobile phone cameras usually offer the option to set the resolution of the photo being taken. The larger the resolution of your reference photo, the more detail will be visible and can be included in your portrait.

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The order form allows for images to be attached up to a maximum of 5mb, but this should not limit your photo resolution. If you can take higher resolution images that are larger than 5mb, please complete the form without images and then send them via email instead of using the form upload. 

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Warning - please do not send images that have been downloaded from Facebook or other social media sites as these services automatically reduce both the resolution and quality of photos when you upload them to suit the restrictions of the platform and to reduce their file size for storage purposes. It is always best to find the original photo in its original resolution.

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For best results, provide 1-3 good photos of your pet in order to create your portrait. Ideally you should choose one for the portrait reference, that features the pose you would like in your portrait. In addition, if you have 1 or 2 additional images that provide a better look at the colour or texture of your pet's fur, or a clearer view of their eyes for example.

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Here are some useful points to help you choose the perfect photo for your portrait:

• Use bright natural lighting to best capture your pet's true colours and details.

• Avoid excessive shadows or over-exposure - soft diffuse light is best, such as outdoors on a nice day or by a large window. Too much direct sun will cast a dark shadow. Try sitting with your pet facing you and your back to the window.

• For a head and shoulders portrait a full body photo can be used as long as the resolution is high so that cropping is possible.

• You may want to find someone to help you by holding your pet or using a toy or treat to gain their attention. Your portrait will look better if your pet looks interested.

• Clear closeups work best. Get close and take multiple shots so that you can choose the best and avoid any blurred images or turning away.

• A lot of personality is in the eyes - a good photo will show them clearly.

• Don't worry about the background, your pet is more important.

• If your main photo doesn't show colour well, don't worry - a second photo can be used for this.

• Get down to your pet's level. You will get a much better photo this way.

• Using a camera flash will definitely change the colour of your pet's fur and eyes and may cause unwanted reflections.

If you are taking the time to take photos of your pet specially for your portrait, try to choose a time when your pet is relaxed and be prepared to take photos over more than session so that your pet doesn't get fed up. 

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You can send copies of your pictures via the order form, contact form or email, but if necessary we can accept physical copies via a secure postal service. 

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