Before I start your portrait, I need a great photo to work from — the better the photo, the better the final artwork!

Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through each step. It’s easier than you think, and I promise you don’t need to be a professional photographer.

Scroll down to the base of the page and you’ll see some examples:

Find the Right Light

Natural light is your best friend.

Lighting can make or break a photo. The goal is soft, even lighting that shows off your pet’s features clearly.

• Take your photo during the day in natural light

• If you’re indoors, position your pet near a large window with the light facing them (not behind them)

• Avoid using the flash or indoor lamps — they can cause strange shadows or make colours look off

• Bright but cloudy (overcast) days are perfect. If it’s too sunny, try moving into a slightly shaded spot to avoid harsh shadows

Get Down to Their Level

Eye-level is the sweet spot.

Photos taken from above or below distort your pet’s proportions. Getting on their level creates a more natural, detailed portrait.

• Crouch or lie on the ground to match their eye level

• Or, raise your pet up onto a bench, chair or table so you’re face-to-face

• Make sure their eyes are clearly visible from this position

Choose the Right Angle

Slightly side-on is a must.

A straight-on shot can work providing the detail is there but usually looks odd. A three-quarter angle adds character and depth, as you’ll see from the majority of my portraits.

• Position your pet at a slight angle to the camera (not completely side-on or straight ahead)

• Use treats or toys to direct their attention where you want them to look

• Aim to catch their eyes looking just off-centre — it creates a more engaging photo

Fill the Frame with the Head

Zoom with your feet, not your fingers.

You want your pet’s head to fill most (or all) of the photo frame:

• For a head-only portrait: zoom in or move close so the head fills the photo.

• Don’t use your phone’s zoom — it reduces the quality. Instead, get physically closer

Keep It Sharp

Focus is everything and is a must!

I won’t work from a blurry photo = lost detail = less accurate portrait and you won’t be happy…

• For Phones - Tap the screen to focus on your pet’s face

• For cameras - Half-press the shutter before fully taking the shot to focus

• Hold your phone/camera steady – or better yet, and if you have one use a tripod or rest it on something stable

• Take several shots — animals move a lot, and the perfect moment might be in the next frame!

Use Treats, Toys & Noises

Catch their attention for a lively expression.

Some pets need a little encouragement to perk up for the camera.

• Hold a treat or favourite toy near the camera lens.

• Rustle a plastic bag, squeak a toy, or make a funny noise — just don’t scare them!

• This can help bring ears forward, open up the eyes, and capture a curious, alert look

• That said, if your pet has a calm or serious personality, don’t force it — a gentle expression may suit them better

Take Loads of Photos

More is better.

You only need one perfect photo — but you might need to take 20, 30, or even 60 to get it!

• Try different angles, lighting spots, and expressions

• Shoot from both sides of the face if you can

• I recommend sending your favourite 3–5 photos so we can pick the best one together

• Above all - Make sure you are happy!

- Before Sending -

Photo Checklist

Use this quick checklist before sending me your photos:

• ✅ Is the lighting natural and even?

• ✅ Can I clearly see your pet’s fur colour and eye colour?

• ✅ IMPORTANT - Can I see the direction the fur lies?

• ✅ Does your pet fill the frame appropriately?

• ✅ Are any collars, accessories, or harnesses you don’t want included removed?

• ✅ Is the image in full quality, not a screenshot or Facebook download?

What Not to Do

To make sure I can work from your image:

• ❌ Don’t send screenshots — always send the original photo.

• ❌ Don’t use photos downloaded from Facebook or Instagram — they lose too much detail.

• ❌ Don’t resize the photo when emailing it — send it in full/original size.

Still Not Sure?

If you’re unsure about your photos, feel free to email me your Top 3 - Address is below.

I’m more than happy to take a look and help you pick the best one before we get started.

Thanks for reading, this is the single most important step to achieving a portrait that you’ll love!

Now you’ve got the specs do go back to the Commissions page.

Mark Mannering Barton