Pet Portrait Photo Guide

How to Choose the Perfect Photo for Your Pet's Portrait

For the best results, we recommend close-up headshots of your pet. Follow this guide to make sure your portrait captures their personality and all the little details you love.

The better the original photo, the better the AI preview and final print will look when you turn your pet photo into art.

• Use a close-up headshot (no full body photos).
• Shoot in good, natural light.
• Take the photo at your pet's eye level.
• Make sure the image is sharp and unfiltered.

Step 1: Capture a Close-Up

Aim for a close-up shot where your pet's head fills most of the frame and details are clear. This gives enough detail to paint expressive eyes, fur texture, and subtle markings in your pet portrait.

Full body shots do not work well with our thick brush strokes. Important details like facial expression and fur texture become too small, so the painting will not capture your pet as accurately.

Avoid photos taken from far away, cropped screenshots, or images where your pet's face is very small in the frame.

Step 2: Focus on Good Lighting

Take photos in a well-lit area or with natural daylight. Soft, even light helps reveal your pet's true colors and fur texture, and avoids harsh shadows that can hide important details.

Avoid strong backlighting (for example, your pet in front of a bright window) or very dark rooms, as these can turn your pet into a silhouette.

Step 3: Eye Level Is Ideal

Photograph your pet at eye level to avoid distortion. This creates a more natural, intimate portrait and keeps their features in proportion.

Ensure their eyes are visible and not covered by shadows or objects.

Avoid extreme angles from above or below, which can make the head look too large or too small compared to the body.

Additional Tips

• Make sure there is no blur. Hold your camera steady, use burst mode, or take several photos so you can pick the sharpest one.
• Avoid using filters or heavy editing. These can change colors and contrast, making it harder to match your pet's real appearance.
• Choose a simple background that contrasts with your pet's fur. For dark fur, use a lighter background; for light fur, use a darker or mid-tone background.
• Check that the photo is in focus, especially around the eyes and nose. If the eyes are sharp, the portrait will feel much more lifelike.
• If your pet moves a lot, try photographing them while they are sitting, lying down, or being gently held by someone out of frame.