How to Get the Best Pictures for Pet Portraits

Having a painting of your pet is one of the best ways to commemorate your beloved friend. They're there for you through thick and thin, and even if they're not always the most well-behaved, they still deserve a prominent spot on your wall.

But providing the right picture to your artist is critical. A good photo versus a mediocre one is the difference between a portrait that draws tears the first time you see it, and one that leaves you wondering if it's actually your pet.

Here's the thing about painting from a photo: the reference is all an artist has to go on. If a picture is poorly lit, taken from a bad angle, or low resolution, that shows up in the final piece. So when you're sending photos of your furry friend for a commission, keep the following in mind.

The Must-Haves

There are two things that are pretty much non-negotiable when it comes to reference photos. Every artist working from a single image will tell you these are critical to getting the best possible result.

1. A High-Resolution Image

The only information you give an artist to work from is what's in the photo. If the image is low quality, the subtle details that make your friend unique — a spot on the side of the mouth, a tuft of hair that always sits the same way no matter how hard the wind blows, a crooked tooth that makes them perfectly imperfect — can get lost. Missing those details makes it much harder for the artist to make the painting truly yours.

Think of it like watching a movie with all the key scenes cut out. You'd have a pretty hard time describing the plot to someone.

2. Good Lighting

Good lighting goes hand in hand with a high-resolution image. Quality lighting creates contrast, depth, and shape. It makes it much easier to capture the texture of the fur that ends up all over your clothes when they jump up on the couch (assuming you allow it), and — arguably most important — it makes the eyes pop. The most common feedback I get on paintings with great lighting is, "Wow, you captured the eyes and expression so well!" That's almost always thanks to the lighting, not the brushwork.

Ideally, you want a single light source, and the closer it is to the subject, the better. Outdoor photos can work well, but when the sun is high in the sky it tends to flatten the subject and wash out detail. If you're shooting outdoors, aim for morning or evening, when the sun sits lower.

Whether you're using natural light or an artificial source, make sure the light is in front of your pet, not behind them. Think about a group photo taken in front of a beautiful sunset — the subjects usually turn into dark silhouettes, and all the detail is lost. You want light shining directly on your pet so those details actually show up.

The Nice-to-Haves

The must-haves above are non-negotiable. The following aspects are more about degree of accuracy — in my experience painting pet portraits for the better part of a decade, they consistently produce the strongest results. How much they matter depends on what you're going for: if you want an action shot of them running on the beach or chasing a butterfly in the backyard, most of these won't apply. But if your goal is a classic portrait that captures their sweet face, these are worth prioritizing.

1. A Straight-On Photo

A straight-on photo (or close to it) tends to capture your pet's true essence and personality best. If you're after a portrait — rather than an action shot — try to get them sitting upright and looking at the camera. Easier said than done, I know. This is where a few tricks come in handy, like the one in the photo below.

It's funny, but effective: holding up a piece of salami to get a dog's attention is a great way to get them looking straight at the lens, ears perked and eyes locked in. That's exactly the kind of engaged, direct expression that makes for a phenomenal reference photo — and eventually, a great portrait.

2. Eye-Level Angle

This one might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people send a picture of the top of their dog's head and expect a detailed portrait. A photo taken at eye level with your pet — or just slightly above — will always make for a stronger reference.

3. Close-Up on the Face

The best reference photos are taken close to the pet, ideally 3–5 feet away. Getting in close helps capture facial expression, eye and fur coloration, and the small nuances that take a good portrait to a great one. If your pet will allow it, get as close as you comfortably can so their face is clear and detailed.

4. Some (or All) of the Torso Showing

Including the torso helps make the painting feel distinctly your pet — it lets the artist capture markings, folds, and features beyond just the face. This is the least critical item on this list, since a lot can be inferred from the head and ears alone, but if full accuracy matters to you, it's worth keeping in the frame.

Putting a Bow on It

A literal bow on your furry friend is a nice touch for a portrait — but the photo tips above are what actually make the difference. Remember: the picture you provide isn't just a photo, it's the information your artist has to work with. High-quality information leads to a high-quality painting.

If you want a reference point for what a great photo looks like to send for your next portrait, the ones below encompass all of the qualities discussed.

Ready to commission a portrait of your own furry friend? Pricing and sizing information can be found here.