This guide is here to help you take and choose the best reference photos for your portrait.
Don't worry if you're unsure which images will work - I'm happy to review your photos and guide you every step of the way.
Take your time exploring - discover tips and advice on what makes the best reference photo for your pet portrait:

My portraits are hand-painted with attention to the fine details that make your pet unique.
To achieve a true likeness, it is essential that you provide high-quality images which are:
The right reference photo helps me create a watercolour portrait that captures your pet's true likeness and character in my detailed and lifelike style.
If a photo isn't suitable, I'll let you know and suggest helpful ways to improve it.
Read on to discover what makes a good pet portrait reference photo.
Wherever possible, take your photos outdoors in natural daylight. Bright sunlight can shrink pupils - slightly overcast days often work even better.
If outdoor photos aren’t possible, choose a room with plenty of natural light and position your pet close to a window.
Eye-level Perspective - A photo taken at eye-level captures character and prevents distortion. Perfect for showing personality as well as detail.
Taking photos from above or below can elongate or shorten your pets body or facial features or obscure the eyes.
Take your photographs close up so your pets head and shoulders or full body (dependant on your portrait preferences) fill the shot.
Ensure that you do not crop any of your pet out of the photo. Check that your photos are clear and sharp and not out of focus or blurry.
Use favourite toys or treats to spark expression and personality.
Where possible, send the original photograph.
Avoid:
Image quality is reduced in the process due to compression.
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:
For memorial pieces, choose photos that capture your pet’s true personality or a moment you cherish.
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.
Ginger tabby cat

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:
Jo Shepherd- Pet Portraits | Lincoln, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, UK
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