How to choose a good reference photo

A great pawtrait starts with a great photo. Here's what to look for before you submit.

High resolution & sharp focus

The photo should be clear and crisp. The more detail visible in the photo, the more detail I can capture in the pawtrait. Avoid screenshots of other photos or heavily cropped images, as these lose quality.

Too blurry

Sharp & clear

Face clearly visible

The face — especially the eyes — must be fully visible and well-lit. Side profiles, faces turned away, or photos where the face is obscured by fur, shadows, or other objects make it very difficult to capture a likeness. Front-facing or three-quarter angles work best.

Face turned away

Face forward

Good lighting

Natural daylight is ideal. Avoid photos taken in dim or dark conditions, or where a flash has created harsh shadows or washed-out areas. Strong back lighting (where your pet is in front of a bright window) can also make it hard to see the details.

Too dark / harsh flash

Natural daylight

Not sure? You can always upload the best photo you have and add a note. I'll let you know if I need something different.