Photo Guide
A great portrait starts with a great photo. Here's everything you need to know to get stunning results every time.
Upload Your Photo Free
The Short Version
If your photo checks these boxes, it'll make a beautiful portrait.
Zoom in on the face. If it stays crisp, you're golden.
Head, eyes, ears, and shoulders. No need for a full body.
Natural light or soft indoor light. No flash, no harsh shadows.
No pro camera needed. Some of our best portraits came from casual phone shots.
The Full Guide
Each tip includes a side-by-side comparison so you can see exactly what works and what to avoid.
Avoid
Ideal
Pinch to zoom on your pet's face before uploading. If the eyes, nose, and fur stay crisp, you have a great candidate. If it gets grainy or soft, try another photo. Original files from your camera roll always work better than screenshots or heavily compressed images.
Avoid
Ideal
The best photos show your pet's head, shoulders, eyes, and ears. All four help create a portrait that looks natural and expressive. You don't need a full-body shot. We handle background removal and composition on our end.
Avoid
Ideal
Soft, diffused lighting is the most flattering. Natural light from a window or open shade produces even tones and preserves fur texture and eye detail. If you shoot outdoors, cloudy days or shaded areas work best. Avoid direct flash, which flattens features and creates red-eye.
See your pet as a portrait in under 30 seconds
Avoid
Ideal
A relaxed, natural expression makes the most striking portrait. Action shots, mid-bark, and tongue-out photos are fun but they don't translate well to artwork. Try calling your pet's name softly, or catch them during a quiet moment.
Avoid
Ideal
Don't worry about what's behind your pet. Messy room, backyard, car seat, it's all fine. We remove the background entirely. As long as your pet's face is clear and well-lit, the surroundings don't matter at all.
Avoid
Ideal
If you want a multi-pet portrait, you don't need a group photo. Individual photos of each pet work perfectly. We combine them into one composition. Just make sure each photo follows the same guidelines: clear face, good lighting, sharp detail.
Don't stress about finding the perfect shot. Upload what you have and preview how it looks as a portrait instantly. If it doesn't work, you'll know right away and can try a different photo. No commitment, no pressure.
Common Questions
Absolutely. Any clear photo works, even older ones. Memorial portraits are some of our most meaningful orders. Just make sure the face is visible and the photo isn't too blurry when zoomed in.
Upload it and try the free preview. You'll see exactly how it looks as a portrait in seconds. No commitment, no account required. If it doesn't look right, try a different photo.
The original photo from your phone camera roll is usually perfect. Avoid screenshots, cropped versions from social media, or images that have been compressed multiple times. The more detail in the original, the better the portrait.
Yes! Upload a couple of candidates and preview all of them. Compare the results and go with the one you like best.
We accept JPG, PNG, HEIC, and WebP files. There's no strict size limit, but photos from your camera roll (not screenshots) give the best results.
We do! Dogs and cats are our most popular subjects, but we've made beautiful portraits of rabbits, horses, birds, and more. The same photo tips apply: clear face, good lighting, sharp detail.
Upload your photo and preview every portrait style instantly. If it works, you'll know in seconds.
See Your Free PreviewNo account needed · Takes less than 30 seconds · 100% free
