The photo you send us is the starting point for everything. A clear, well-lit picture gives our designers and embroiderers the details they need to capture your pet's face, from the shape of the eyes to the colour of the fur around the nose.
You don't need a professional camera. A phone photo works well when it follows a few simple rules. Here is what we look for when a photo arrives, and how to take one at home in a few minutes.
What makes a good photo for a custom pet portrait
1. The face is clear and in focus
Zoom in on the photo before you send it. If you can see individual whiskers, eyelashes and fur texture, it's sharp enough. Blurry photos lose the small details that make your pet look like your pet.
2. Soft, natural light
Daylight from a window is the easiest way to get true colours. Avoid the camera flash, which flattens the face and can turn eyes white or green. Very dark rooms and strong yellow lamps also change your pet's real fur colour.
3. Eye level, facing the camera
Get down to your pet's height and shoot straight on or at a slight angle. Photos taken from above make the head look bigger and the body smaller. A front-facing photo with both eyes visible gives the most recognisable result.
4. Nothing covering the face
Hats, glasses, hands, toys and leashes in front of the face hide details we need. Collars and bandanas are fine if you'd like them included, just tell us.
5. Send the original file
Screenshots and photos forwarded many times get compressed and lose quality. Send the original from your camera roll when you can.
Common problems we see
- Too far away. The pet is a small part of a big scene. Cropping in afterwards makes the face blurry.
- Backlit photos. The pet is standing in front of a bright window, so the face is in shadow.
- Motion blur. Pets move. Take a burst of photos and pick the sharpest one.
- Filters and beauty effects. They change fur colour and smooth out texture. Send the photo without filters.
Quick tips for taking the photo at home
- Sit near a window during the day and turn off the flash.
- Hold a treat or a squeaky toy just above your phone so your pet looks toward the lens.
- Take 10 to 20 photos in a row, then choose the clearest one.
- Ask someone to help hold your pet's attention while you shoot.
Two pets, or a pet who has passed away
For a design with two pets, send a separate clear photo of each one. They don't need to be in the same picture. Our designers can place them side by side.
For a memorial piece, we understand you may only have older photos. Send the clearest ones you have, even if there are several, and tell us which features matter most to you, such as a favourite expression or a special marking. We'll let you know what's possible before we start.
What happens after you send your photo
- Place your order and choose your product's colour or size.
- Send us your photo by WhatsApp or through the contact details on our website.
- We create the design and send it to you for approval. Production starts only after you confirm it.
Not sure if your photo will work? Send it to us before you order and we'll take a look.
Ready to start? Browse our custom pet portrait gifts, or see our embroidered pet portrait cap and embroidered pet portrait T-shirt.
