What Makes a Great Reference Photo? Artist Checklist Inside

Here's something our artists wish every customer knew before placing an order: the portrait is only as good as the reference photo.

We can work with imperfect photos — and we often do. But when you send us a great one, the difference in the final portrait is remarkable. Here's exactly what our artists look for.

The Artist Checklist

✅ Lighting: Natural is Best

• Shoot near a window with soft, indirect daylight — not direct sun, which creates harsh shadows
• Avoid flash: it flattens features, washes out fur texture, and causes red-eye
• Overcast days are ideal for outdoor shots — the cloud cover acts as a giant softbox
• Black pets: use side lighting to reveal fur texture; front lighting makes them look flat
• White pets: slightly underexpose to avoid blown-out fur detail

✅ Angle: Get on Their Level

• Shoot at your pet's eye level — not from above, which distorts the head and makes ears look too large
• A slight 3/4 angle (not perfectly straight-on) adds depth and dimension to the portrait
• Avoid extreme close-ups that cut off the ears or chin

✅ Focus: Eyes Sharp, Always

• The eyes must be in sharp focus — this is non-negotiable. Everything else can be slightly soft
• If your phone struggles, tap the screen directly on your pet's eye to lock focus there
• Avoid motion blur: wait for a calm moment, or use burst mode and pick the sharpest frame

✅ Expression: Capture Their Personality

• Relaxed and natural beats posed every time — try photographing them just after waking up
• A slight head tilt, a soft gaze, or a mid-yawn can make for a far more interesting portrait than a stiff "sit-stay" pose
• Have a treat or squeaky toy nearby to get their attention without stressing them out

✅ Resolution: Bigger is Better

• Send the original, full-resolution file — not a screenshot or a photo that's been cropped and re-saved
• Modern smartphone cameras are more than sufficient; just make sure you're not sending a compressed version
• If you have multiple good photos, send them all — our artists will choose the best one or combine elements

What If My Only Photo Isn't Perfect?

Don't worry. We work with what you have. If your pet has passed away and you only have one old photo, we'll make it work. Our artists are experienced at enhancing detail, correcting lighting, and working from challenging references.

When in doubt, send us the photo first and we'll give you honest feedback before you place your order.

Ready to start? Browse our portrait styles and upload your photo today.