How to Take the Best Reference Photos for Your Pet Portrait

High-quality photo tips

Your phone is enough. Your photos should be:

  • Example of good lighting for a custom pet portrait commission: cow calf face well lit with clear eyes and contrast — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.
  • Example of good lighting for pet portrait: cow calf face well lit with clear eyes and contrast — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.

  • 1. Well-lit & contrasted

    Natural light. Good balance between highlights and shadows.

    NOTE: flash photos work beautifully for white pencil on black paper portraits, if that's the style you want to go with!
  • Example of poor eye visibility for pet portrait: dog photo taken from above, eye color and expression not visible — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.
  • Example of clear, in-focus eyes for pet portrait: close-up of cat face with detailed, well-contrasted eyes — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.

  • 2. Eyes visible & in focus

    Because that's where their unique spark is.
  • Example of poor focus for pet portrait: two sheep facing each other, out of focus — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.
  • Example of proper focus for pet portrait: two sheep facing each other, in clear focus — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.

  • 3. No pixelation or blurriness

    Every detail counts. Blur is my enemy (unless we have no other choice).
  • Example of obstructed view for pet portrait: bird perched on branch partially blocked by another branch — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.
  • Example of unobstructed view for pet portrait: bird perched on branch fully visible with no obstructions — photo guide by artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.

  • 4. No obstruction

    No filters. No objects blocking the view.

Choose your size, your technique. One original piece, handmade. No two the same.

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