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CAPTURE YOUR PETS BEST SIDE
Pet Portrait Photo Guide
Choosing the right reference photo is an important part of creating a portrait that truly reflects your pet's character and likeness.
If you're unsure which photos will work, don't worry - you're very welcome to send them over. I'm always happy to review your images and guide you towards the best choice.
WHAT mAKES a gREAT Reference Photo?
To create the best possible portrait, your photos should:
- Be taken in good, natural lighting
- Clearly show your pet's features and details
- Capture their natural expression and personality
A strong reference photo allows me to capture both a true likeness and your pet's unique character in my detailed watercolour style.
Photo Guidelines
Choosing your photos should feel easy and enjoyable. For further guidance don't hesitate to get in touch
Natural daylight works best for accurate colour and detail.
Wherever possible, take your photos outdoors using natural daylight. Slightly overcast days are ideal, as bright sunlight can create harsh shadows and reduce detail.
If outdoor photos aren’t possible, choose a bright room and position your pet close to a window for soft, even lighting.
Eye-level photos give the most natural and accurate result.
Photograph your pet at eye level to capture their expression and proportions correctly.
Photos taken from above or below can distort features or hide important details, particularly around the eyes.
Close, sharp images help capture fine detail.
Take your photos close enough that your pet fills the frame — either head and shoulders or full body, depending on your preference.
Make sure:
- No parts of your pet are cropped out
- The image is sharp and in focus
- Fine details like fur and markings are visible
Choose a photo that feels like them.
The best portraits come from photos that reflect your pet’s natural personality.
You might:
- Use a favourite toy or treat to get their attention
- Capture them relaxed, playful, or alert
- Choose an expression that feels most “like them”
Always send the highest quality version available.
Where possible, please send original photo files.
Avoid:
- Screenshots
- Downloaded images from social media
These reduce image quality and make it harder to capture fine detail.
Additional Guidance
1. Multiple Pets
2. Memorial Portraits
2. Memorial Portraits
If you’re planning a portrait with multiple pets, it’s helpful to send individual photos of each one. They don’t need to be photographed together — in fact, single-pet photos often work best.
Please ensure each pet is photographed using the same tips in this guide:
- Clear, well-lit images that show eyes, markings, and expression
- Photos taken at eye-level works best for multiple pets
- Shots where their features are in sharp focus
If you have a favourite group photo, feel free to include it. It’s useful for understanding size differences and how they naturally interact, even if I don’t paint directly from it.
2. Memorial Portraits
2. Memorial Portraits
2. Memorial Portraits
For memorial pieces, choose photos that capture your pet’s true personality or a moment you cherish.
- Choose photos that show their eyes clearly whenever possible
- Send original files rather than screenshots (if you still have them)
You’re welcome to send a selection - even imperfect images can help me understand their character. I’ll gently guide you on which ones will create the most meaningful portrait.
3. Local Support
2. Memorial Portraits
3. Local Support
If you’re local to Lincolnshire, I can arrange a photoshoot to capture your pet perfectly.
You could also ask a friend or family member to help you if your camera isn’t ideal.
Reference Photo Examples
Ginger tabby cat
Tips & Tricks
Photographing your pets can be tricky
Some pets do not appear to enjoy having their photos taken!! If your pet is camera shy, they can often look nervous. I can only portray the character which I see in the photographs. Therefore I would advise employing some tricks in an attempt to achieve their true character in the photo:
- Use their favourite treats to entice them
- Have a favourite toy at hand to achieve a playful expression.
- Use the "W" word, although this may create too much excitement!
- During a walk, your pet is usually quite energetic and you may capture some alertness.
- If you would prefer your portrait to portray a more sleepy and relaxed expression, you could try taking photos outdoors after a long walk, or in the evening.
Did You Find This Helpful?
Explore these guides for extra advice on ordering a portrait
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