Reference Photograph Guide
You don't need professional photographs to commission a portrait. Clear, well-lit images that show your pet's features and coloring are usually the most helpful.
Good reference photographs:
Natural light · Sharp eyes · Visible coloring · Clear facial details · Several angles
Avoid:
Heavy filters · Screenshots · Very dark images · Strong flash · Extreme blur · Tiny or distant subjects
Don't worry about getting one perfect photograph as I often work from several photographs to understand your pet's appearance and personality.
How to Take Great Reference Photos of Your Pet
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We’ll need 3-5 good reference photos to ensure I can represent your pet as accurately as possible.
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Be patient.
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Shoot from your pet’s eye level by sitting or lying on the floor. Try not to take the photo from above your pet, as it can distort your pet.
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If you have trouble getting on your pet's level, you can hold your phone upside down to shoot.
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Use natural lighting, either outside or indoors by the light of a nearby window. Avoid using the flash.
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Most phones have a portrait setting in the camera app. It’s a great option to help you focus on your pet’s face.
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Get close to your pet and focus your camera on their eyes.
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Have someone get your pet’s attention behind you while you shoot or hold a treat in your hand close to the camera. Try making a high-pitched tone, whistle or use a squeaky toy to get your pet in an alert pose.
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Make sure you capture the elements you love the most about your pet (ears, nose, mouth, tongue, bobbed tail, markings, posture or poses they love to display, etc.).
How to choose great reference photos if your pet has journeyed across the Rainbow Bridge
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Look through your photos to find ones that represent your pet best.
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Pick photos that are shot from your pet’s eye-level, so you're "face-to-face."
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The fact that we look down at our pets all day, but look straight across at our walls, can cause all sorts of problems when it comes to pet portraits.
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Height is critical because part of your brain looks at realistic portrait paintings and assumes you’re looking out a window.
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Close-up photos are best.
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Choose photos shot in natural light, either outside or indoors by the light of a nearby window.
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Avoid photos where the flash was used.
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Select photos that capture the features you love the most about your pet.
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If you are struggling to find photos you think might work, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to help choose photos, and we can use photos of similar pets for body shape, fur, etc. if needed.