Tips for great reference photos

A quality reference photo is key to producing a great drawing. Whether you are using a traditional camera, the latest smartphone, or an older smartphone there are a few things you can do as the photographer to achieve the best photo. 

These tips should help you take or find a quality reference photo

  • Set the camera for High Resolution.
  • Make sure the lighting isn’t too bright or too dark.
  • Get on the same level as your pet and be patient.
  • Fit all of your pet within the frame.
  • Let your pet look around and take lots of pictures in those different poses. 
  • Try to capture the personality of your pet whether that’s playful or relaxed.
  • Have treats handy but if your pet isn’t cooperating or you are not enjoying the process then take a break and try again later. 

  • Be sure the photo is in focus.

  • Send the raw photo without any filters.

The most important (and sometimes hardest) part of getting good reference photos of your pet is going to be getting the right pose.Think of your pet portrait as you would a human portrait which generally puts everyone on the same viewing level. Because of this it is best to be on the same level as your pet so that the camera is equal to her instead of drastically above or below which may cause her head to move in some unflattering manner.

Plan the photo shoot with your pet in the most balanced lighting you can manage. The key is to avoid a harshly bright, direct light or even a dim light setting which will cause the camera to lose valuable detail in your photo resulting in a blurry, unfocused or pixelated image.

Be mindful of any key body parts that may be out of frame such as an ear for a head portrait or a paw and tail for full portraits. Also make sure that you are close enough that you do not need to zoom into the image to see her. 


Unless your pet is used to being a model she’s probably not going to hold a pose for long.  It’s not necessary that she looks directly at the camera. Let her look around while you keep snapping pictures though it is important that the photo is in focus. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get a good picture on the first try. Plan to take several photos in a row and look back at them to see which you like the best. You may get a great one that you weren’t anticipating just by snapping away. This helps capture her personality. 

Reference photos like these will make a better portrait.

I may alter the photo slightly to enhance some detail or make the lighting slightly more dynamic. However it is important that you send the raw photo without editing or applying a filter so that no detail is lost in the process. 

I reserve the right to turn down a commission in the unfortunate event that a high quality reference cannot be achieved or agreed upon. I prefer not to use any photo from a professional photographer for pet portraits so that the work and expression of that artist or firm may stand alone in its own right. If, however, you intend to use a photo from a professional photographer we must have written permission from that photographer to proceed.