5 Tips for Taking the Perfect Reference Photo for Your Pet Portrait

You've decided to order a custom pet portrait—amazing! But now you're staring at your camera roll, scrolling through hundreds of photos, wondering: "Which one should I use?"

The truth is, the quality of your reference photo directly impacts the final portrait. A great photo gives our artists the details they need to capture your pet's personality. A blurry, dark, or awkwardly cropped photo? That makes it harder.

But don't worry—you don't need to be a professional photographer. Follow these 5 simple tips, and you'll have the perfect reference photo in no time.

1. Natural Lighting is Your Best Friend

The #1 mistake people make? Taking photos in dim lighting or with harsh flash.

What to do instead:

• Take photos near a window during the day (soft, natural light)

• Go outside during "golden hour" (early morning or late afternoon)

• Avoid direct overhead sunlight—it creates harsh shadows

Good lighting brings out the color and texture of your pet's fur, making the portrait more vibrant and lifelike.

2. Get Down to Their Level

Ever notice how most pet photos are taken from above, looking down? That's not how we see our pets in real life.

Pro tip: Crouch down or lie on the floor so the camera is at your pet's eye level. This creates a more intimate, engaging portrait.

You'll capture their expression, their eyes, and their personality—not just the top of their head.

3. Focus on the Eyes

The eyes are the soul of a portrait. If the eyes are blurry or out of focus, the entire portrait feels lifeless.

How to nail it:

• Tap on your pet's eyes on your phone screen to focus

• Make sure their eyes are sharp and clear

• Capture a moment when they're looking at you (or at a treat!)

A portrait with soulful, expressive eyes will stop people in their tracks.

4. Keep the Background Simple

You want the focus to be on your pet, not the messy living room behind them.

Best backgrounds:

• A plain wall (white, beige, or soft colors)

• A grassy yard or park

• A neutral couch or blanket

If your background is busy, don't worry—our artists can simplify or replace it. But starting with a clean background makes the process smoother.

5. Capture Their Personality

The "perfect" photo isn't always the most polished one. It's the one that feels like them.

Is your dog goofy and playful? Capture that mid-zoomie grin.
Is your cat regal and elegant? Get that majestic side-eye.
Is your pet a couch potato? Show them in their natural habitat.

The best portraits aren't just technically perfect—they're emotionally authentic.

Bonus Tip: Take LOTS of Photos

Don't just take one photo and call it a day. Take 20, 30, even 50 photos. Experiment with angles, lighting, and expressions.

The more options you have, the better chance you'll find "the one."

What If You Don't Have the Perfect Photo?

Here's the good news: our artists are pros at working with less-than-perfect photos. We can:

• Enhance lighting and clarity

• Remove distracting backgrounds

• Adjust colors and contrast

• Work with older or lower-quality images

So even if your photo isn't "Instagram-worthy," we can still create a stunning portrait.

Ready to Capture the Perfect Shot?

Grab your phone, follow these tips, and start snapping. Once you've got a photo you love, you're ready to create a masterpiece.

Let's turn your favorite photo into art.
Order your custom portrait today and see the magic for yourself.