Pinch to zoom and inspect your pet’s face before you upload. For the clearest Perkie Print, choose a photo that remains sharp when zoomed in — especially around the eyes and nose. If it softens, try a higher-resolution original rather than a screenshot or heavily compressed image.

The best reference photos show your pet’s head, shoulders, eyes, and ears — all four help our artists capture a faithful and expressive portrait. Aim for a shot where the face is well-lit and the eyes are sharp; including the shoulders provides natural framing so the final artwork looks balanced and natural. If you’re unsure, upload 2–3 candidates and we’ll recommend the best one in your preview.

Soft, diffused lighting is the most flattering for pet portraits. Natural light from a window or open shade produces even tones and preserves fur texture and eye detail—exactly what our artists need to capture your pet’s personality. If you must shoot outdoors, pick cloudy days or shaded areas to avoid harsh shadows and blown highlights.