Every portrait starts with a photo, in fact not just one, but several!

Send me your favourite photos, the higher the resolution the better as they need to be sharp and in focus. This will enable me to capture the finest details for the portrait including eye reflections etc.

The best photographs usually feature the subject looking directly at the viewer. Therefore the best photos will be those taken at your pet's own eye level - yes you may have to get on the ground for this.

Try to get a simple background that does not compete with the animal. Natural outdoor lighting is nearly always better than indoor. If it has to be taken indoors, be sure there is good light from a window or door with natural light flooding in. Avoid using flash as this can cause red eye!

Make sure you capture the desired look and stance of your pet. Do you prefer mouth open/closed, ears up/down, tilted head etc? Remember to take close-up photos of the eyes, nose and ears as this can help with getting the finer details into the finished artwork.

In summary - take lots of photos!

Examples of good photographs

Not such good photographs