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Reference Photos for Pet Love Portraits

I create beautifully detailed custom portraits from your reference photo. A high-quality reference image is essential—it allows me to accurately capture the unique features, expression, and character of your pet. While I can occasionally work from less-than-perfect photos, the better the image, the better the final portrait will be.

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If your pet has passed and a perfect photo isn’t available, I completely understand. I will work closely with you and use any available images and descriptions to ensure your pet is lovingly and accurately portrayed.

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💡 Tips for Choosing or Taking a Great Reference Photo:
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  • Lighting: Natural daylight works best.Try to
    avoid flash photography, as it can wash out
    colors and create harsh shadows.
    (A well - lit room will work too!)​

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  • Eyes in Focus: The eyes are the heart of a portrait.Make sure they are clearly visible and sharp in the photo.
     

  • Level with the Pet: Photos taken at the pet’s eye level create the most engaging and natural portraits.

  • Framing: For the most detailed and lifelike
    portrait, your pet should fill the image as much as possible so I can clearly see all the important
    features.
     

  • Cropping: Avoid cropping ears, nose, or
    whiskers – Make sure your pet’s full face and head are in frame.

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resolution cat.png

  • Pose: A front - on or slightly
    angled view of the face is ideal. Make sure
    your pet's expression is relaxed and naturaL.

     

  • Multiple Photos Help: Additional images
    from different angles or lighting can help me
    understand your pet’s personality and distinctive features.

  • Clear Details: Ensure the image is high resolution and shows your pet’s features (fur texture, markings, expressions) clearly.
     

  • Focus: The more clearly I can see your pet’s eyes, fur, and expression, the better I can bring them to life in the artwork!

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Collar: If you’d like your pet’s collar or accessoryincluded in the portrait, it’s best that they areme to accurately capture how it sits on yourpet. If that’s not possible, don’t worry—I canwork from a separate clear photo of your petwearing the collar or accessory.

  • Perspective: Be careful not to take the photo too close to your pet. When the camera is very close, especially with a phone lens, it can distort their features—making the nose appear larger and out of proportion with the rest of the face.

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Tip: Take the photo from a slightly greater distance, then crop it if needed. This helps ensure your pet’s features are in proper proportion, resulting in a more accurate and flattering portrait.

 

If you're unsure whether a photo will work, feel free to send a few options—I’m happy to help you choose the best one!

Example of a good quality photo​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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  • Natural lighting and well lit

  • Detailed

  • No flash

  • All of face visible

  • Suitable pose

Example of a bad quality photo​​​​​​​​​

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  • Too dark and unnatural lighting

  • Not in focus

  • Can’t see eyes clearly

  • Not a great angle

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