What Makes a Great Reference Photo for a Pet Portrait?

One of the most common questions I receive is:

"What kind of photo should I send for my portrait?"

The good news is that you don't need to be a professional photographer.

The even better news?

Sometimes the photo that makes the best portrait isn't necessarily the most perfect photograph.

When clients contact me about a portrait, I always encourage them to send several photos rather than trying to choose just one.

Why?

Because I'm not only looking for a clear image.

I'm looking for the image that feels the most like your pet.

Start with Your Favorites

The first thing I tell people is simple:

Send me the photos that make you smile.

The ones you keep coming back to.

The ones that make you think,

"That's exactly them."

Maybe it's the goofy grin they make when they're excited.

Maybe it's the side-eye they give when you're late with dinner.

Maybe it's the expression they wear when they're carrying their favorite toy.

Those are often the photos that tell me the most about their personality.

And personality is what I'm always looking for.

Clear Eyes Matter

If there's one thing that brings a portrait to life, it's the eyes.

The eyes tell so much of the story.

When choosing photos, try to include at least one image where the eyes are clear, sharp, and easy to see.

Even if I don't use that particular photo as the main reference, it helps me accurately capture the details that make your pet recognizable.

Fur Colour Can Be Tricky

Believe it or not, fur colour often looks different depending on the lighting.

A black dog photographed indoors can look very different from that same dog photographed outside.

A golden dog might appear darker in one image and much lighter in another.

That's why I always ask for a variety of photos.

Seeing your pet in different lighting helps me understand their true colouring and create a more accurate portrait.

Don't Worry About Choosing the "Perfect" Photo

This surprises people sometimes.

Many clients spend a lot of time trying to decide which image I should draw.

The truth is, I actually prefer seeing several options.

When you send multiple photos, I can evaluate things like:

🐾 Lighting

🐾 Composition

🐾 Detail

🐾 Expression

🐾 Personality

🐾 Fur and eye clarity

Sometimes the photo with the best lighting isn't the one with the best expression.

Sometimes the image with the best expression doesn't show enough detail.

Looking at several photos allows me to choose the reference that creates the strongest portrait.

Head and Shoulders... Usually

Most of my portraits focus on a head and shoulders composition because it allows me to really capture expression and personality.

That said, every pet is different.

Sometimes a photo immediately inspires a composition that includes part of the chest.

Sometimes the pose is so perfect that a larger portion of the body belongs in the portrait.

I let the photos guide that decision.

My goal is always to create the strongest portrait possible, not force every drawing into the same formula.

What I'm Really Looking For

At the end of the day, I'm not searching for the most technically perfect photograph.

I'm searching for the photo that feels the most like your pet.

The one where their personality shines through.

The one where their family instantly says,

"That's them."

Because while details like fur colour and markings matter, it's personality that turns a portrait into something meaningful.

And that's always what I'm hoping to capture.

So if you're thinking about a portrait, don't worry about finding the perfect photo.

Send me your favourites.

The ones that make you smile.

The ones that make you laugh.

The ones that instantly remind you of why you love them.

Those are usually the best place to start. 🐾