A reference photo can make or break your portrait , as your artist there is a high chance I have never met your pet or spent time with them , like you have for many years. You need to remember I cannot draw what I cannot see. I do understand some of your pets have passed and your photos are limited and I’m more than happy to see what I can do for you.

So here are a few tips to help you get a great photo……………………………………..

• Have your pet in a nicely lit room near an open window. Outside in the sun, in morning light or late afternoon light is perfect.
• To get your dogs attention, best thing is to wait patiently and be ready with your camera, make a high pitched noise, take them somewhere they have never been always gets their attention, eyes open, alert and ears pricked.
• Try to be at the same eye level to your smaller pets , such as , dogs and cats . Crouch down if you have to , or have them high like on a table , held securely .
• DO NOT yell at your pet to sit , they think they are in trouble and will crouch and flatten ears and even close their eyes. Be patient and click as many as you want.
• DO NOT take the photo too close , this distorts their face , some angles are lovely and if that is what you want in your portrait then that’s ok.
• DO NOT take it in a dark area of your home.
• NOT in a heavily shaded area.
• DO NOT take it more than 5 metres away from you, for your small pets, and for big pets try for 3 to 8 metres away, especially if it is just for a head portrait. I’m happy for close ups of eyes for colour accuracy.
• Use your camera in the portrait position, do this by turning your DSLR or if you are using phone leave it upright like you would if you were making a phone call.

• Do not zoom in with your mobile phone ,to get closer move your feet closer to your pet . Do not crop a photo before sending it to me , it’s clearer If I do can crop for you.

Below I have provided some photos that make great references and some that do not work at all. I hope this helps you.

These photos are lovely clear and in nice lite. I can see coat colour and their beautiful eyes. Don’t be too concerned with your background , chances are I wont be drawing or painting it in your portrait anyway.

Some of these below photos are so cute but not suitable to use as references for art work, as you cannot see details , eyes or colour.