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How to select the best images for artwork

 

In the following guide, I’ll provide a few examples of high-quality and low-quality reference photographs for creating artwork.

I will explain what makes a great reference so that you achieve the best results for your commissioned portrait.

 
 

Best Guidelines to follow

 

Lighting
The best photos are taken in a well-lighted area. Photos captured near a window or outside will provide fantastic results

Camera AngleAvoid taking photos looking down on your pet, unless you particularly want this type of shot. It helps to crouch down and photograph your pet at their eye level. It will make your photos feel more intimate, which is great for pet portraits!

Detail/QualityCheck that fine details are visible. I like photos of your pet to be up close and personal! A good photo consists of their cute, furry face filling the majority of the image

True Colors Do your photographs represent the actual color of your pet’s fur? Can you distinguish the true color of your pet’s eyes?

Variety The more images you provide, the better! I like to reference multiple photos to ensure fine details and colors are accurate. It also gives me a better sense of your pet’s unique personality.

Gaze
Try to catch your pet looking at the camera.
A great tip is to use toys or treats — Your pet’s favorite toy or treat can help bring out your pet’s best expressions!

 

My cat’s face lights up every time I ask,
“Does the kitty want a treat?”

Those moments are perfect for snapping an amazing photograph.

 
 
 
 
 
 

These guidelines can be a great resource to take better photos of your pet, but are not requirements to produce outstanding results.


We can still achieve an exceptional work of art using the photographs you have available.

 
 
 
 

EXAMPLES OF great REFERENCE PHOTOS

 
 

Great lighting

The natural lighting really makes the details pop! The color of the kitty is true to life, especially her adorable pinkish, orange nose (— and you can even see the tiny freckle on the tip!)

A cLASSIC poRTRAIT

This image would make a great reference for a pet portrait! The photo really showcases the kitty’s character and personality! Her pupils are huge, which I often see when she’s in a playful mood!

Excellent Colors

Another great quality photo — the kitty is looking directly into the camera and the details of her eyes, nose, and whiskers are in focus. (Even the little tufts of fur on the tips of her ears!)

 

This would be a good image to use for artwork.

This would be a great image to use for artwork.

This would be an excellent image to use for artwork.

 

EXAMPLES OF “Acceptable” REFERENCE PHOTOS

 
 

Not ideal lighting

All details of the eyes, nose, and face are clear and visible. While I like the overall photo's quality, the backlighting is not ideal for a portrait. However, with some creative magic, I could modify the lighting to create a masterful portrait.

Great Pose · Muted Colors

In this photo, I love how the kitty is in a seated position looking at the camera — but I do not like that the colors are muted by the shadow and artificial lighting.

It is very difficult to capture a photo of the cat in this seated position. With additional reference photos, I can correct and brighten the eye color and fur details.

Note: I have used this photo for a drawing
View the artwork — “Very Squeaky Kitty”

Shows personality

I like how this photo showcases the kitty’s unique personality. The shadows are slightly dark, but the details remain visible.

This photo could be cropped at the shoulders and used as a reference for a classic head and neck portrait.

For more whimsical types, the entire pose could be used as a reference — The resulting artwork would make a great conversation piece!

 

This photo would be acceptable for a portrait.

This photo would be acceptable for a portrait.

This photo would be acceptable for a portrait.

 

EXAMPLES OF BAD REFERENCE PHOTOS

 
 

Blurry

While I can see that the kitty looks quite adorable in this photo, it is unfortunately too blurry for me to define many of her important features.

BAD lighting

This photo is not good quality. The fluorescent lighting makes everything appear yellow. The cat is also too far from the camera, which decreases the visibility of all details.

hARSH sHADOWS

The details are crisp and clear, but the kitty’s face is fully immersed in shadow. The harsh contrast makes it difficult to determine the true color of the fur, nose, and eyes.

 

This photo is not acceptable to use for artwork.

This photo is not acceptable to use for artwork.

This photo is not acceptable to use for artwork.

 
 

Want to know if your photo is acceptable for a portrait?

 

I would be happy to offer advice and review any photos you have available. Submit your photos using the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

I am looking forward to chatting with you about your pet portrait commission!