TIPS AND TRICKS
Pick your favorite photo! I’d say take a bunch of shots, look them over when you have time, and choose the best ones. Send me as many you want, just let me know which one you want me to paint! If you aren't able to take photos, some of these tips apply when you are going through old photos.
Photo Guidelines for Pet Portraits:
1. FACE IS KEY
The pet’s face should be the clear focal point. A well-lit, detailed view of the eyes, nose, and expression helps bring their personality to life in the painting. If your favorite photo doesn’t show eye or coat color clearly, a second image that does is super helpful.
2. GET ON THEIR LEVEL
Photograph your pet at eye level. While top-down shots can look cute in photos, they don’t translate as well into portraits.
3. SEATED IS BEST
A sitting pose gives a better view of your pet’s neck, posture, and overall shape. Lying down or overly curled-up poses can hide important details.
4. NO COLLARS, IF POSSIBLE
If safe and comfortable for your pet, try to photograph them without a collar. This allows me to capture the natural contours of their neck and fur.
5. GOOD LIGHTING
Natural daylight is best—bright but not harsh. Avoid strong shadows, dark lighting, or flash, as these can distort colors and features.
If you’re unsure which photo to use, feel free to send a few and I’ll help you choose the most paintable one!
What makes a good reference photo?
Photo Guidelines for People Portraits:
1. CLEAR & CLOSE-UP
To create a realistic portrait, I need to see the details—especially in the face. A sharp, high-quality photo taken in natural light works best. Try to avoid photos that are blurry, grainy, or taken from far away.
2. GOOD LIGHTING
Lighting makes a big difference! Natural daylight (not too bright or too dark) helps show true colors, facial features, and depth. Avoid heavy shadows, strong flash, or dim lighting.
3. STRAIGHT ON OR 3/4 VIEW
The best portraits come from photos where the person is facing the camera or turned slightly (a 3/4 angle). This gives the painting a nice sense of depth.
