Photo Tips
The level of realism and capturing the likeness of your pet in their portrait, greatly depends on the quality of the photo. Every pet, even of the same breed, can have very different direction of the hair tracts, shape of the eye, curve of the face, all are very unique to every pet. Since I don't know your pet, I have to rely on as good of a photo as possible (multiple photos are helpful also as long as there is one that is quite clear showing detail.)
TIPS:
I realize this isn't always possible and often the pet has already passed in which case please send as many of the best photos you have.
Regrettably, if a clear enough photo showing me details isn't possible, I may not be able to do the portrait. I used to try and work with every photo, but if I couldn't see much of the detail, I would have to do a lot of research using my own photos of pets and guess in areas that the photo didn't show well. It would take much longer to complete the painting and it was never as accurate. I know a custom portrait is an investment and I don’t want to send you a portrait that doesn’t truly capture your pet. But this rarely happens.
TIPS:
- Having your pet sitting and facing you is most flattering.
- Take the photo close up but be sure to include down to the bottom of the chest and avoid cutting anything off on the sides.
- Try to avoid flash or harsh sunlight. A photo taken is natural light on a lightly overcast day works well if possible, or inside near a large window.
- Also get down on eye level with your pet if you can, rather than above looking down, and have someone behind you with a treat or toy to get ears and good expression.
I realize this isn't always possible and often the pet has already passed in which case please send as many of the best photos you have.
Regrettably, if a clear enough photo showing me details isn't possible, I may not be able to do the portrait. I used to try and work with every photo, but if I couldn't see much of the detail, I would have to do a lot of research using my own photos of pets and guess in areas that the photo didn't show well. It would take much longer to complete the painting and it was never as accurate. I know a custom portrait is an investment and I don’t want to send you a portrait that doesn’t truly capture your pet. But this rarely happens.
Poor Quality Photo
Even though this is a cute picture for a photo, I would not be able to paint from this image. I can't see any of the eye area and very little fur detail on the right side. This also would have been better if it were taken on eye level with the dog.
Good Quality Photo
This is the same dog but in much better lighting. I can see every detail I need to see including clear eyes and eye rims, nose detail is great, I can see every hair easily on this dog. She also has a more pleasing expression and the photo is taken from eye level with her.
As you can see here, if I had tried to paint her from the above poor quality photo, I would not have known she has brown eyes or the stripe of white hairs going up her forehead.