The Perfect Pet Portrait Starts with a Good Photo
This is, without question, the most important part of the process. Your painting will only be as good as the reference photos we have to work from. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a professional photographer! The best photos are often the simple ones you take yourself.
Here are our top tips for getting that perfect shot:
Get on Their Level: Don’t shoot from above (the “human’s eye view”). Crouch down to their level to capture their face and posture as they naturally are.
Natural Light is Your Best Friend: Avoid the harsh, red-eye-causing flash. The best light is outdoors on a slightly overcast day or indoors near a bright window. This brings out the true colours of their fur and eyes.
Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the soul of the portrait. Make sure they are sharp, clear, and in focus. This is where the personality shines through.
Send Us Everything! Don’t just send one photo. Send us your top 5 or 10. Send us videos! The more we see, the better we can understand their personality, colouring, and common expressions. We can help you choose the one that will make the best painting.
Step 2: The Consultation & Collaboration
Once you’ve sent your photos, we’ll schedule a consultation. This is where we get to know you and your pet. We’ll ask about their personality, their quirks, and the stories that make you laugh.
This is also where we discuss the artistic details:
Size & Scale: Do you want a small, intimate study or a large “statement piece” for over the fireplace?
Background: Do you prefer a simple, modern studio background that makes your pet “pop,” or a more detailed scene?
Style: We’ll discuss the overall feel you want—vibrant and modern, or classic and soulful.
This conversation is the key to ensuring the final piece feels 100% like your pet.
Step 3: The Creation
This is where the magic happens! Once we have a clear plan, we get to work in the studio. We use professional, archival-quality paints and canvases to ensure your portrait is not only beautiful but will last for generations. A hand-painted portrait takes time—this isn’t a digital filter. It’s a meticulous process of layering, blending, and capturing detail, all done by hand.
Step 4: The Review & Approval
We believe in a “no-surprises” process. When the painting is nearing completion, we will send you a high-quality photo for your review. This is your chance to see the portrait and give your final approval. We want you to be absolutely thrilled, and this step ensures you are completely happy before the painting is finalized and sealed.
Step 5: Your Painting Comes Home
Once approved and fully dry, your portrait is securely packaged and shipped to you, ready to be framed, hung, and cherished.
Commissioning a portrait isn’t a complicated task; it’s a simple, personal journey between you, your artist, and the story of your best friend.
A pet portrait is more than just paint on a canvas. It’s a story, a memorial, a celebration, and a testament to one of the purest forms of love we can experience.