Essentials (the big 5)

1. Sharp focus – eyes and facial features must be crisp (no motion blur).

2. Good light – bright natural light, no harsh shadows, no flash glare.

3. True colour – no heavy filters; accurate skin/fur/eye colour.

4. Clear view – face unobstructed; eyes visible; no heavy sunglasses.

5. High resolution – original file, not a screenshot: ≥ 2000 px on the long side (3000–4000 px ideal).

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People photos — what works best

• Lighting: Window light or open shade; avoid overhead sun and on-camera flash.

• Angle & distance: Eye level, head-and-shoulders or ¾ view; don’t shoot from far away then crop.

• Expression: Natural or gentle smile; relaxed jaw; no extreme distortions (e.g., ultra-wide lenses).

• Clothing & background: Simple tops; avoid busy patterns; plain or softly blurred background.

• Multiple people: Send individual close-ups of each person plus a group photo to show how they relate.

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Pet photos — what works best

• Get on their level: Kneel or lie down so eyes are level with the lens.

• Catchlight in eyes: Face them toward the light source to get a sparkle.

• Avoid flash: It causes glowing eyes and flat fur texture.

• Distance & angle: Fill the frame with the head/upper body; slight ¾ angle is flattering.

• Personality shot: Choose the look that feels like them (curious tilt, dignified sit, playful grin).

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File tips

• Formats: JPG/JPEG or PNG (originals preferred).

• Size: Usually 1–8 MB per photo; bigger is fine.

• Don’t: send screenshots (quality drops), heavily compressed WhatsApp images, or filtered social posts.

• Do: send via our form or email as attachments or a shared folder (Drive/Dropbox); name files clearly (e.g., Emma_final.jpg).

 

If the subject has passed away (or only older photos exist)

• Send the highest resolution images you have (even if older).

• Provide 2–5 different angles of the face and any colour notes (eye/hair/fur colour).

• I can try to combine references when needed, but ultra-low-res or blurry photos limit detail.

 

How many photos to send

• Best: 3–5 options of the same pose/session (slight variations).

• Include your favourite shot by marking “Use this one” and include any alternates for details.

 

Quick DOs & DON’Ts

DO

• Use daylight (window or shade).

• Keep eyes sharp and well lit.

• Send the original file.

• Add notes: eye colour, preferred expression, crop (bust/waist up), remove background? include collar/bow?

 

DON’T

• Crop aggressively (it kills detail).

• Use strong filters/beauty modes.

• Shoot from too high/low (distorts features).

• Rely on screenshots or tiny social thumbnails.

 

Extra notes for colour portraits

• Include one neutral-light photo (near a window) for true colour.

• Tell me about eye colour, skin tone/undertone, and any distinct markings (pets).

• If indoor lighting is warm/yellow, add a daylight photo for accuracy.

 

Permission & copyrights

• Please confirm you own the photo or have written permission from the photographer.

• For children’s portraits, a parent/guardian must be the client and give consent.