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Photo Tips

Not sure which photos to send? These simple tips will help you choose reference images that bring out your dog’s personality and create the strongest possible portrait.

Dog photographed at eye level with natural expression, showing a strong reference photo for a custom portrait.
What Works Best

Natural daylight rather than flash

Clear, sharp photographs

Eye-level photos where possible

Images that show your dog’s expression and personality

Several photos from different angles

Helpful Extras

Favourite toys, blankets or accessories can be included

Tell me about any quirks, habits or expressions you love

Let me know if there are particular features you’d like highlighted

Dachshund photographed naturally outdoors with coffee and bacon, showing character for reference photo.
Whippet running along a sunny beach near the sea, far away shot
Try to Avoid

Photos taken from a long distance

Heavy filters or edited images

Very dark or blurry photographs

Cropped ears, or important features

Great Reference Photos

Don’t worry about having professional photographs. The best portraits usually start with one strong reference photo that captures the pose and expression you’d like me to work from. Additional photos are always welcome and can help me better understand your dog’s colouring, features and personality.

Dachshund wearing a red bandana, showing how favourite accessories can be included in a portrait.

Add personal details - accessories, Toys & keepsakes

Clear side profile of a Dachshund showing facial features, coat colour and expression for portrait reference.

Supporting photos help show markings, colouring and unique details.

Clear side profile of a Dachshund showing facial features, coat colour and expression for portrait reference.

Shot of your dog facing the camera at eye level

Close-up detail photograph of a Dachshund’s collar and tags, showing personal details that can be included in custom artwork.

Well-lit photographs make it easier to see colouring, features and texture.

Dachshund sitting on a beach in natural light, demonstrating a strong full-body reference photo for a pet portrait.

Choose one image that best captures the pose and expression you’d like in the finished portrait.

Full-body Dachshund portrait showing posture, coat colour and body shape for portrait reference.

Shot of your dog facing the camera at eye level

Photos to Avoid

These types of photographs can make it harder to see important details such as expression, colouring and facial features. Whenever possible, choose clear, natural images instead.

Example of a blurry photograph from above, which can distort proportions and hide important facial features

Blurred

Example of a distant action photograph that does not clearly show the dog’s facial features for portrait referenc

Far away shots

Example of a low-light indoor dog photograph where facial details and coat colour are difficult to see clearly.

Dark shots

Example of a photograph with strong shadows and directional light, making facial details and coat colours difficult to see

Angles where your dogs features are hidden

Studio notes, new releases & first access to original works

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Black Velvet original whippet portrait by Carla Tracy, featured artwork from the Poochini collection and mailing list updates.
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