Reference Photo Guide
Let me help you choose the best reference photo!
Photo by Cheryl GoetzmanA great drawing starts with a great photo.
To help me capture your pet’s true likeness, please send over a few of your favorites! I’ll help you pick the one that will translate best into a portrait. If a photo isn't quite right for a drawing, I’ll let you know—I want your custom art to be absolutely perfect.
A Good Reference Photo Includes…
Dynamic Lighting
The Goal: Depth and Dimension.
Light from a single side usually works best because it creates the highlights and shadows I need to make your pet look 3D. Drawings turn out best when the reference has both shadows and highlights.
Avoid the Flash: On-camera flash often flattens features and creates harsh glare.
Watch the Shadows: Try to avoid harsh, "weird" shadows that cut across the face in a distracting way.
Pro Tip: Try turning the Saturation to zero in your phone’s photo editor for a better representation of what the finished piece will look like; doing so can also help you identify undesirable shadows or glare. If the black-and-white version looks blurry or "flat," it might not have enough detail for a drawing.
Focus on the Face
The Goal: Clear Expression.
I specialize in head-and-shoulder portraits to really capture your pet's personality.
Keep it Clear: Ensure there are no hands, blankets, or toys obscuring the chin, ears, or eyes.
The Small Animal Exception: I’m more likely to accommodate full-body shots for some smaller animals—we’ll decide together!
Unsure about the crop? Send over the full photo! I’m happy to chat about how we can crop the photo to make it look best on paper.
Crystal Clear Detail
The Goal: Texture and Soul.
To capture those tiny details—like the texture of the fur or the sparkle in their eyes—I need to be able to zoom in without the photo blurring.
Portrait Mode Warning: While it looks pretty, "Portrait Mode" can sometimes accidentally blur the edges of ears or noses. Make sure the entire face is in sharp focus.
The Zoom Test: Zoom in on your pet’s eyes on your screen. If they look grainy or pixelated, the photo might not have enough detail for a high-quality drawing.