Welcome to our latest blog post which is a Guide to what photo do I need for a pet portrait? We have been accepting commissions for a fair number of years now and the key element in our job is getting good quality photos from our clients.
When you commission a portrait of your pet, everything Nicholas and I create starts with your photo. It is the single most important thing you give us. A lovely clear photo lets us capture your pet exactly as you know and love them, right down to the look in their eyes. So this guide is all about choosing the best photo to send, and getting it to us in the best possible quality.
If you are not sure how to take a good photo in the first place, do have a read of our guide on how to take the perfect pet photo on your phone. This post picks up from there and focuses on what makes a photo work as a reference for a hand painted or drawn portrait.
Send us the original, not a screenshot
The most helpful thing you can do is send the original photo file, straight from your phone or camera. Please try not to send a screenshot, or an image you have saved from Facebook or Instagram. Those are squashed down in quality, and a lot of the fine detail is lost along the way. The original file keeps all the sharpness and detail we need to work from.
Look for bright, natural light
Natural daylight is always kindest to your pet. A photo taken near a window, or outside on a soft bright day, shows their true colours and markings far better than a dark room or a harsh flash. Good light means we can see the real depth and tones in their coat, which makes all the difference in the finished piece.
Give us those eyes
The eyes are where a portrait comes to life, so a photo where they are sharp and in focus is worth its weight in gold. If the eyes are clear, we can capture that spark that makes your pet unmistakably them.
A few to choose from is perfect
You do not need to settle on one single photo. In fact, sending a small handful is ideal. It lets us choose the clearest one to work from, and it means we can borrow the best bits from each. If one photo has the perfect expression and another shows their markings beautifully, we can bring the two together. So do send us your favourites and let us help you pick.
Keep it simple
Where you can, pop the collar and coat off before you take the photo, so nothing hides your pet’s lovely face and fur. A plain, uncluttered background helps too. And please avoid heavy filters or beauty settings, as they change the colours and soften the detail we rely on. If you would like a favourite blanket or toy included, just let us know and we can work it in.
Photos of a pet who is no longer with you
If you are commissioning a portrait of a pet who has passed, please do not worry if the photos you have are not perfect. We understand completely, and we will always do our very best with whatever you have. Send us everything you have and we will gently work through them with you.
Send us your photos for a mock-up
We hope you have enjoyed our What Photo Do I Need for a Pet Portrait? blog post. You are more than welcome to email us for advice at any time, or WhatsApp us! We are always more than happy to help.
To discuss your ideas or begin the commissioning process for a portrait, please contact us via our website. If you would like to read an FAQ for our portraits head over to our Pet Portrait FAQ blog post. Why not send us your photos for a mock-up, just like this husky below… spot the difference!
Contact Us!
If you have a question or you would like to commission a portrait, contact us at any time. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel too.
One thought on “What Photo Do I Need for a Pet Portrait?”