How to Choose the Best Photo for a Pet Portrait

Choosing the best photo for a pet portrait can make a big difference in the final artwork.

A custom pet portrait is a meaningful way to celebrate the animals who share our lives. Whether you’re commissioning artwork for a beloved companion or creating a memorial portrait, the quality of the reference photo plays an important role in the final drawing.

As a charcoal pet portrait artist based in Toronto, I work from client photographs to create detailed hand-drawn portraits. While many photos can work beautifully, some images translate better into artwork than others. If you're considering commissioning a portrait, here are a few simple tips for choosing the best photo.

"King Sanji" charcoal on bristol, 17" x 14" (with crown special request)

1. Choose a Photo with Clear Lighting

Good lighting is one of the most important elements in a successful portrait.

Natural light works best because it reveals the subtle details of your pet’s fur, eyes, and expression. Photos taken outdoors or near a window usually produce the clearest reference images.

Try to avoid:

• Photos taken in very dim lighting

• Strong flash photography

• Harsh shadows across the face

Soft, even lighting allows the character of your pet to come through more naturally in the final charcoal drawing.

2. Make Sure the Eyes Are Sharp and Visible

The eyes are often the most expressive part of any portrait. A clear photo with sharp focus on your pet’s eyes allows an artist to capture their personality more accurately.

Look for a photo where:

• The eyes are in focus

• Catchlights (small reflections of light) are visible

• The expression feels natural and relaxed

Even a simple snapshot can work beautifully if the eyes are clear and expressive.

3. Choose a Natural Angle

Photos taken at your pet’s eye level often make the most engaging portraits.

Images taken from very far away or from directly above the head can sometimes distort proportions. A slightly angled view or a straight-on portrait usually works best for capturing facial features and personality.

Close-up photos where the face fills much of the frame are especially helpful for detailed charcoal drawings.

"Rosie" charcoal on bristol, 14" x 17" (being a silly dog)

4. Capture Your Pet’s Personality

A great portrait isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about capturing what makes your pet unique.

Some clients choose photos where their pet looks alert and curious, while others prefer a calm or gentle expression. Think about the moment that best reflects your pet’s character.

Playful ears, a thoughtful gaze, or a relaxed pose can all make a portrait feel more personal.

5. High Resolution Photos Work Best

Whenever possible, send the highest resolution version of your photo. Larger images allow more detail to be seen in the fur, whiskers, and facial features.

Photos taken on modern smartphones are usually perfectly suitable, as long as the image isn’t heavily cropped or blurry.

"Brady"in progress, charcoal on bristol, 17" x 14"

Not Sure if Your Photo Will Work?

If you're unsure whether your photo is suitable for a portrait, you're always welcome to ask. I’m happy to look at photos and let you know if they will work well for a charcoal drawing.

If you'd like to inquire about your own custom charcoal pet portrait, visit charcoalpetportraits.com. You can also view a gallery of my previous commissions. I'd love to capture your special friend in a drawing!