How to choose the perfect reference photo for your custom pet portrait

So, you've decided to commission a custom pet portrait of your beloved companion from your favourite artist. Exciting times! But now you realise you have to choose a photo for them to paint- where to start?!

My mission when you ask me to paint your pet is to truly encapsulate the essence of the companion you know and love- in painting form. 

Unfortunately, I don't know your pet like you do. I only have what you give me to go off of. So having a really good reference image from you makes the world of difference when painting your pet. It can be the difference between a good portrait and a portrait that's really, really special, so finding the right image/s is worth putting a bit of thought and effort into. 

Choosing the perfect reference photo doesn't have to be stressful though, that's why I've compiled a list of my reference image do's and don'ts below:

Pet Portrait Reference Photo Do's 

1. Choose a photo you adore (This is the most important step)- Chances are, if you send through a photo you adore, you are going to love the final painting 
2. Make sure your pet is clear and in focus- sharp, high resolution photos mean I can see all the finer details that will help bring out the likeness in your pet's portrait. 
3. Natural light is your best friend- taking photos in the daylight will be your best bet for capturing sharp, high quality images. Poor lighting often equates to pixelated, grainy images. 
4. Ensure nothing is cropped out- we want to see their whole head and ideally at least some of their shoulders. Every animal is different, if one of your pup's ears is cut off or out of frame, I'm not going to know how it usually sits and we compromise likeness. 
5. Pose Matters- I will paint your pet however they are positioned in your photo, so make sure you are happy with how they are sitting or where they are looking. 
6. Remember we want to capture their personality- the most fun portraits are the ones with tongues out, tails in the air. Your pet isn't boring and your pet's painting doesn't have to be either!

Pet Portrait Reference Photo Don'ts

1. Love it or leave it- If you don't like the photo, it's not the right image for your pet portrait 
2. No blurry photos- no matter how cute a photo is, if it's blurry, I'm not going to be able to capture all your pet's gorgeous features. 
3. No awkward angles or filters- if possible, get down and take photos on your pet's level- the best portraits are usually based off photos where the camera is held at about eye level with the animal. 
4. Remember they are the main character- we don't want a photo of your kitchen with your cat peeping in from the background

Still feeling stressed? Don't panic! 

Fill out the portrait request form here with the best photos you have and we can discuss what will work best for your artwork. 

Please feel free to reach out via email- contact@colourofoctober.com.au - or send me a DM on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions!

I can't wait to see all those pet pics!  🐶🐱