Picture Perfect: Why Great Reference Photos Make Better Pet Portraits

It’s always exciting to receive a new pet portrait commission. Every new project means meeting a client and their four-legged friend, hearing their stories, and learning what makes their pet unique. I always begin by asking for a selection of photos—these not only help me understand a pet’s personality and quirks, but also set the foundation for the artwork itself. Sometimes an owner already has the perfect photo in mind; other times, we work together to capture just the right image to bring their vision to life. The reference photo we choose is crucial: the right one ensures your pet’s character truly springs from the paper.

A strong reference photo elevates the final portrait enormously. It’s the bedrock of the piece, and I learned long ago that working from a poor image inevitably leads to a less-than-satisfying result. That’s why I’m always honest with clients if a photo isn’t quite good enough to use. Clarity and focus are key: I need to see fur textures, distinctive markings, the glint in the eyes, and the shine on the nose. These small details are what bring a drawing to life. A sharp, well-lit photo reduces guesswork, saves time, and allows me to create a far more accurate likeness of your beloved pet.

My Top Tips for a Great Reference Photo

• Lighting: Natural daylight is best—bright but not harsh. Think gentle sunshine rather than deep shade or dazzling sun.

• Focus: Make sure the image is sharp and clear. For head-and-shoulder portraits, get close enough to capture the details.

• Angle: Eye-level shots give the most natural and true proportions.

• Expression: Aim for a photo that captures your pet’s unique personality and charm.

  
  

If you’d like a full-body pose (perhaps your pet curled in their bed or perched somewhere special), the same principles still apply. Things to avoid? Blurry shots, low resolution, heavy filters, deep shadows, and over-bright sun. And don’t forget the background—if you’d like it included in the portrait, a simple, uncluttered backdrop works best.

Take a range of photos to give yourself options, and try using toys or treats to bring out those natural, expressive moments that show your pet at their best.

I work collaboratively with every client to make sure the portrait captures their pet as faithfully as possible. If you’re local, I’m always happy to help by meeting in person and taking photos myself. At the heart of every successful portrait is the perfect reference photo—so if you’d love a portrait of your pet, let’s start by finding (or creating) that ideal image together.