What Makes a Great Reference Photo?
Here are a few rules to help you get the best shots.
What Makes a Great Reference Photo?
Here are a few rules to help you get the best shots.
Perfecting
Your Pet’s Portrait
A Guide to Reference Photos
Capturing the Spirit
of Your Beloved Companion
Every pet has a unique personality and energy that makes them irreplaceable.
To help me bring your pet to life through art, I rely on clear, well-composed reference photos that capture their spirit. Below, you’ll find tips on choosing the best photos to help me create a truly meaningful portrait.
What Makes a Great Reference Photo?
Here are a few rules to help you get the best shots.
Slightly overcast days make for perfect lighting conditions.
1. Clear and Natural Lighting
Aim for photos taken in natural light, preferably without flash, to show your pet’s true colors and details, avoiding harsh shadows or red eyes.
Outdoor or near-window lighting often works beautifully.
Make sure that a window is near when you take the photo.
Photos are more dramatic when the light comes from the side.
2. Eye-Level Shots
Take the photo at your pet’s eye level. This angle helps me connect deeply with their expression, making the portrait more lifelike and personal.
Hold the camera at the height of your pet´s eyes.
Kneel down while taking a shot, so that you are on the same level as your pet.
3. Close-Up of the Head and Upper Chest
Try to capture your pet from the top of their head to mid-chest. This crop allows me to focus on the features that make them unique, like their eyes, expression, and markings.
Visually calm surroundings makes it easier to distill the subject from the background.
It´s good to have someone entertain your pet while you take photos.
Having your pet sit instead of standing makes for better results.
4. Personality in the Pose
If possible, choose a photo where your pet is looking slightly off-angle or has a soft, natural expression. Whether they’re a little curious, calm, or playful—these details add heart to their portrait.
It´s important to keep light reflecting in your pet´s eyes to make the painting feel more alive.
If possible, it´s best if your pet looks slightly sideways.
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
Anatole France
What to avoid.
These are the things you should keep from going when taking photos of your furry companion.
This shot is too grainy and blurry to see any clear details.
Avoid Blurry or Filtered Photos
High-quality, clear images with no filters capture details better, making the final portrait richer and more accurate.
Out of focus photos make it hard to see the subject clearly.
Avoid High or Low Angles
Photos taken from above or below can distort their features. Eye-level shots help me create a true-to-life representation.
Shots from above make it seem like there´s no neck.
Shots from below make it seem like there´s only nostrils.
Avoid Distant Shots or Photos of Them Lying on the Floor
Photos taken from far away or of your pet lying down can make it harder to see important details and expression. Try capturing them sitting or standing comfortably, with their face filling much of the frame.
This doggo is too far away for any details.
Pancake cats are cute, but turn into caricatures once on paper.
Animals on the floor looking upwards often have a somewhat sad expression.
