Simple advice for choosing reference photographs that show your companion clearly and naturally.
The little details
make them who they are.
The photographs you send are the foundation of your portrait. Since I work from photos, clear references help me understand your companion’s expression, colouring and the small details that make them recognisable.
Send your best photographs and several favourites, rather than trying to choose just one. If you are taking new photos especially for a portrait, the tips below will help.
A phone or tablet can provide excellent reference photographs. Soft light, sharp eyes, natural colours and enough visible detail matter most. A digital camera can offer more control, but you do not need a particular camera. Take several photographs at close range and send the original files.
Avoid looking down at your pet from above. Bring the camera to their eye level for a natural perspective. For smaller animals, crouch down; a secure raised surface may also help if your pet is comfortable there.
A slight turn of the head can give a lovely sense of depth. Where possible, keep both eyes visible. Check the composition before taking the photo and include the whole head, ears and any other parts you want painted.
Photograph outdoors in soft daylight where possible. Open shade can work well: avoid harsh direct sunlight and deep shadows that hide detail or distort your pet’s colouring.
Indoors, choose a bright place near a window and avoid flash. Check that the eyes and fur are sharp and the colours look natural.
For a full-body portrait, include the entire animal with a little space around them. Move close enough for useful detail, while keeping the ears, paws and tail inside the frame if you want them painted.
For a head-and-chest portrait, photograph the whole head and neck at close range. Cropping a distant full-body photograph or using digital zoom cannot recover detail that was never captured.
I paint from the information I can see, so clear, close photographs give us the strongest starting point.
Email the original files directly from your phone or camera, or share a link to a folder. Choose original or full size when sending; avoid screenshots, social-media downloads and reduced copies where possible.
As an example, my camera produces images measuring 5472 × 3648 pixels. This is a reference, not a minimum requirement: suitable resolution depends on sharpness, framing and the portrait you have in mind.
If your files are too large for email, use cloud sharing, such as Dropbox. If you no longer have the original, send the available version for a review before booking.
Give your companion time to settle in a familiar place. A toy or treat can help attract their attention, and short, relaxed sessions make natural expressions easier to catch.
Keep your camera handy for spontaneous moments. Their personality matters more than a perfectly posed photograph, so take several images and let us choose together.
Send the best versions you have, even if the photographs are faded or a little damaged. I’ll assess the images and explain what is possible before you book. Older photographs can often be improved for use as portrait references, but what is possible depends on the image.
For paper photographs, start by sending a scan or a clear photograph of the print. Contact me before posting any originals so we can agree how they will be handled and returned.
Email the original files or include a link to your photo folder in your enquiry. I am happy to help you choose.
Ask about your photos