A Guide to Taking Good Photographs

High-quality reference photographs are essential for creating a truly lifelike and characterful commissioned pet portrait. Clear, well-lit images allow us to capture accurate markings, texture, expression and personality, ensuring the final artwork is a faithful and lasting tribute to your pet.

The quality of your photographs directly affects the quality of the finished artwork

Why Reference Photos Matter

An artist can only draw what they can see. Strong reference images help to:

  • Capture accurate fur texture, markings and proportions
  • Show true eye colour and expression
  • Reflect your pet’s unique character and presence

Even the most skilled artist is limited by unclear or poorly lit images, so taking a little extra care at this stage makes a significant difference to the final piece.

Lighting: The Most Important Factor

Use natural light wherever possible

Soft daylight brings out natural colours and fine detail. Photograph your pet:

  • Outdoors on a bright but overcast day
  • Indoors near a large window or open doorway
  • Avoid flash and harsh artificial lighting

Flash can flatten features, distort colours and cause reflective glare in the eyes. Artificial lighting often creates unwanted shadows and colour casts.

Top tip: If photographing indoors, turn off overhead lights and rely solely on window light for a softer, more natural result.

Backgrounds and Composition: Keep It Simple

A plain or unobtrusive background helps keep the focus on your pet.

  • Grass, fencing, neutral walls or soft furnishings work well
  • Avoid busy patterns, cluttered rooms or strong colours

Remember: The simpler the background, the easier it is for me to focus on your pet.

Photograph at eye level. Getting down to your pet’s eye level creates a natural, engaging perspective and helps capture expression and personality.

Provide multiple angles. A small selection of varied images is ideal, including:

  • A clear front or three‑quarter view
  • A side profile
  • Additional images showing markings, ears, tail or distinctive features

Ensure ears, paws and tails are fully visible where possible, unless intentionally cropped for artistic reasons.

Camera Quality and Image Size

You do not need a professional camera; modern smartphones are perfectly suitable, but image quality matters.

  • Always use the highest resolution setting
  • Send original image files wherever possible
  • Avoid screenshots, cropped previews or heavily edited images

High‑resolution images allow me to zoom in and study fine details such as whiskers, fur direction and subtle markings.

Capturing Personality

The best portraits reflect more than appearance – they capture character.

  • Photograph your pet relaxed and comfortable
  • Use treats or favourite toys to encourage natural expressions. Try holding a treat in the direction you want your pet to look
  • Take several shots to catch subtle changes in expression
  • Allow your pet to move naturally rather than forcing poses

Some of the best reference images are candid moments rather than staged photographs.

  • Light grooming before the photo session can help show the fur texture clearly
  • Choose a calm moment when your pet is settled
  • Take more photos than you think you’ll need; selection can come later
Using Older or Existing Photos

If your pet is no longer with you, or new photographs are not possible, older images can often still be used successfully.

Providing several photographs from different times and angles helps me build an accurate understanding of your pet’s appearance and character.

If you don’t have a selection, I may still be able to help. Let me know what you have, and I can tell you what is possible.

Submitting Your Photos

When submitting reference images:

  • Send the highest quality files available
  • Avoid compressing images for email or messaging apps
  • Include multiple options where possible
  • Send them to Photos@WildShireArt.com

Once received, I will review the images and may suggest the most suitable photo or composition for your commissioned artwork.

Good reference photographs are the foundation of a beautiful portrait. Taking a little time to capture clear, well‑lit images ensures the best possible result and a finished artwork you will treasure for years to come.