Best Photo for a Pet Portrait: What to Send
The photo you send is the foundation of a hand-painted pet portrait. A painting can only be as accurate as the information in the reference, so choosing what to send matters. You do not need studio gear; a recent phone is enough. Here is what to send, what to avoid, and how I use several photos together.
Start with soft natural light
Daylight near a large window, or outdoors in open shade, shows the shape of the face and the texture of the fur without harsh shadows. Strong midday sun flattens features and makes pets squint. Dim indoor light makes photos grainy and shifts colours. Soft light is the single biggest upgrade most people can make.
Get down to eye level
Photos taken from standing height look down on the pet and distort proportions. Kneel or sit so the camera is level with their eyes. That angle feels more natural and gives the painting presence, as if your pet is looking back at you.
Keep the eyes sharp
Tap to focus on the eyes before you shoot, then check the crop afterwards. A small catchlight in the eyes helps a painted animal look alive. A treat or toy held just above the camera often gets their attention.
Send more than one photo
Even when you have a favourite pose, extra shots help: three-quarter views, profiles, close-ups of markings, and any detail that matters to you. For memorial portraits, several imperfect photos together often give enough information to paint a good likeness. More tips on shooting are in how to photograph your pet for a custom oil portrait.
Skip filters, flash and heavy edits
Filters change colour and soften fur. Flash causes glowing eyes and hard shadows. Send photos straight from the camera. If the room is too dark, move closer to a window instead of using flash.
True colour and high-resolution files
Coat colour is hard to judge from a single photo. Daylight is the most accurate. If colours differ between shots, say in words what you see in real life. Messaging apps compress images; email or a file link with the original files keeps whiskers and fine fur usable while painting.
What to write with the photos
Tell me about personality, the expression you love most, and any ideas for background or costume. That context shapes a portrait that feels like your pet. If you want costume work or a combined composition, say so when you request a quote.
Price and next steps
Pet portraits start at $2,000 USD for a small painting, with medium from $3,200 and large from $4,800. Most take 4 to 8 weeks from the deposit. A 50% deposit starts the work; the balance is due before shipping. I accept PayPal or Wise. Read custom pet portrait cost and what affects the price, or the wider guide to custom oil portrait cost. When you are ready, send photos via the pet portraits page or oil portrait from photo.
Memorial photos and imperfect files
Many people commission a portrait of a pet who is no longer with them. Old, small or slightly blurry photos are common. Send everything you have. Extra pictures help fill in coat colour, markings and ear shape even when they are not the main pose. I will tell you honestly what can be done before any deposit. A longer walkthrough of that process is in pet memorial portraits: how it works.
If you already know the size you want, mention wall space when you write. Small portraits go up to 16×20 in from $2,000; medium around 24×30 in from $3,200; large 30×40 in or bigger from $4,800. Most take 4 to 8 weeks from the deposit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best photo for a pet portrait?
A clear, well-lit photo taken at your pet's eye level, with the eyes in sharp focus. Soft daylight near a window or in open shade works best. Send the original high-resolution file when you can.
How many photos should I send?
Send several: one main photo you love for the pose, plus a few close-ups of the face and eyes, the coat and any distinctive markings. Five to ten photos is plenty.
Can you paint from an old or blurry photo?
Often, yes. If it is the only photo you have, for example of a pet who has passed away, send it with any other pictures you have. I will tell you honestly what is possible before you commit.
Should I use filters or flash?
Skip filters and beauty effects, because they change colours and soften detail. Avoid flash, which causes glowing eyes and hard shadows. A normal daylight photo is better.
Can you combine pets from separate photos?
Yes. Pets photographed separately can be combined into one composition. Similar light and a similar camera height help them sit together naturally.