Not all photos make great paintings. In fact, the #1 reason customers are unhappy with their custom portraits isn’t the artist’s skill—it’s the photo they provided.
This guide shows you exactly what makes a great reference photo, so your custom pet portrait turns out perfect.
Quick Checklist: What Makes a Great Photo
✅ Do:
- High resolution (at least 1000×1000 pixels)
- Clear focus (sharp details, not blurry)
- Good lighting (natural light is best)
- Visible features (eyes, fur texture, markings)
- Recent photo (captures current appearance)
- Simple background (or easily removable)
❌ Don’t:
- Blurry or pixelated images
- Dark or shadowy photos
- Too far away (can’t see details)
- Heavy filters (distorts colors)
- Old photos (pet looked different)
Resolution & Quality
Minimum Requirements
- Resolution: At least 1000×1000 pixels (1 megapixel)
- File size: 500KB or larger (indicates quality)
- Format: JPG, PNG, or HEIC (iPhone)
- Focus: Sharp enough to see individual fur strands
How to Check Your Photo
On iPhone:
- Open the photo
- Swipe up or tap “Info” (i)
- Look for dimensions (e.g., 4032 x 3024 = excellent)
On Android:
- Open the photo in Google Photos
- Tap the three dots → “Details”
- Check resolution and file size
Good vs. Bad Examples
- ✅ Great: 4032×3024, 3.5MB, clear fur detail
- ✅ Acceptable: 1920×1080, 800KB, decent detail
- ❌ Too Small: 640×480, 150KB, pixelated when enlarged
- ❌ Too Blurry: Any resolution if out of focus
Lighting Matters
Best Lighting Conditions
Natural daylight is ideal:
- Morning or afternoon sunlight (not harsh noon sun)
- Indirect light (near a window, not direct beam)
- Even lighting (no harsh shadows)
Avoid These Lighting Issues
- Backlit photos (pet is a silhouette)
- Flash photography (creates glare, washes out colors)
- Low light (grainy, muddy colors)
- Mixed lighting (tungsten + daylight = weird color cast)
Angle & Composition
Best Angles for Pet Portraits
Face-forward or 3/4 view:
- Shows both eyes clearly
- Captures facial markings
- Most flattering angle
Profile view:
- Great for distinctive silhouettes
- Works well for dogs with prominent snouts
- Good for birds and exotic pets
What to Avoid
- Top-down photos (distorts proportions)
- Extreme close-ups (cuts off important features)
- Too far away (pet is a tiny speck)
- Pet looking away (eyes not visible)
Multiple Photos? Even Better!
Many artists can combine multiple reference photos:
- One for face detail
- One for body pose
- One for color accuracy
Pro tip: If your pet won’t sit still, take 20+ shots and pick the best one.
Fur, Eyes & Details
What Artists Need to See
Eyes:
- Clear and in focus (the soul of the portrait!)
- Catchlights (reflections) add life
- Both eyes visible (unless profile view)
Fur texture:
- Direction of fur growth
- Color variations and markings
- Length and texture (fluffy vs. sleek)
Common Problem Areas
Dark-furred pets: Ensure lighting shows fur detail (not just a black blob)
White or light pets: Avoid overexposure (washed-out fur)
Long-haired pets: Brush before photographing, capture fur flow
Background Considerations
Simple is Better
Ideal backgrounds:
- Solid colors (wall, sky, grass)
- Blurred backgrounds (portrait mode)
- Neutral tones (don’t compete with pet)
Background Removal
Most artists can remove or simplify backgrounds:
- Included: Basic background removal (solid color)
- Extra cost: Custom backgrounds (landscapes, interiors)
Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Mistake 1: Screenshot Instead of Original
Fix: Share the actual photo file (AirDrop, Google Drive, email)
Mistake 2: Heavily Filtered Photos
Fix: Use the original, unfiltered version
Mistake 3: Group Photos Cropped Tight
Fix: Send the full original photo, let the artist crop
Mistake 4: Only One Photo
Fix: Send 3-5 photos from different angles
How to Send Your Photos
Best Transfer Methods
- Email (attach original files)
- Google Drive / Dropbox / OneDrive link
- WeTransfer (for large files)
- Direct upload (if artist has a portal)
Avoid:
- Text messages (compresses images)
- Social media DMs (reduces quality)
- Screenshots (low resolution)
Final Checklist Before Sending
- ☐ Photo is high resolution (1000×1000+ pixels)
- ☐ Pet is clearly in focus
- ☐ Lighting shows fur detail and true colors
- ☐ Eyes are visible and sharp
- ☐ Background is simple or removable
- ☐ Photo is recent (or intentionally old for memorial)
- ☐ Sending original file (not screenshot or compressed)
- ☐ Included 2-3 additional photos if available
Ready to Order?
Great photos = Great portraits.
Now that you know what makes a perfect reference photo, you’re ready to commission your custom pet portrait.
Browse our sizes and pricing to get started, or contact us if you have questions about your specific photos.
Pro tip: When you place your order, include a note about which photo is your favorite and any specific details you want emphasized!