Do You Need a Professional Photo for a Pet Portrait?
You do not need a professional photo to order a custom pet portrait. Most of the time, a clear, well-lit photo taken with your phone works perfectly. The better the photo, the more detail I can capture in your painting, but you don’t need anything fancy.
One of the most common questions I get is whether buyers need professional photos for their custom pet painting. The short answer is no. You don’t need to hire a photographer or have studio lighting. Most people simply use everyday photos of their pets, and as long as they meet a few simple guidelines, I can usually paint from them with no problem.
Russian desert tortoise Tank with the custom portrait I painted of him.
What Makes a Good Photo for a Pet Portrait?
You don’t need a perfect photo, but here’s what helps the most:
- A close-up of your pet’s face
- Good lighting so I can see their eyes and markings
- Sharp focus (not blurry or pixelated)
- Taken at eye level, not from above or far away
- No filters, flash glare, or strong shadows
If you're not sure whether your photo will work, you can always send it to me. I’ll review it and let you know before you ever place an order.
What to Do If You Only Have One Photo
If your pet has passed and you only have one or two photos, I understand. I will work with what you have and do my best to create a portrait that feels true to them. If possible, send all versions of the photos you have, even if they aren’t ideal. Sometimes having multiple angles or lighting conditions helps me get a better sense of their features.
Using Old Printed Photos for a Pet Portrait
If your only photo is a printed picture from years ago (like the kind developed from film) it may or may not work. These photos are often blurry or lack enough detail. You’re welcome to scan the photo and email it to me. I’ll take a look and let you know if I can create a painting from it. If not, I’ll let you know before you place an order.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a professional photo to get a custom pet painting — just a clear, close-up image that shows your pet’s face in detail. I review every photo before starting so you’ll always know whether I can work from what you send. If you’re unsure, feel free to email your pictures and I’ll let you know what’s possible.
Ready to See If Your Photo Will Work?
Every custom pet portrait I create is hand painted with acrylic on canvas. If you have a photo you love, just send it over—I’ll let you know if I can use it, and we’ll take the next step from there.