The following tips are designed to provide the artist with a clear picture of your pet. Lighting and print quality are especially important. The more I can see in your photo, the closer a likeness to your pet's features the artwork will be!

• Take the pictures in daylight, preferably outdoors, in bright or hazy light. The best times are mornings and late afternoons.
• Either a film or digital camera is fine. If film is used, ISO 400 speed is recommended when shooting indoors.
• Stand with your back to the sun (or sunny window), and with your pet(s) facing you toward the light.
• Take care to focus the camera as sharply as possible.
• If you have a setting to avoid red-eye, it's helpful to do so.
• Be sure to take close-ups of your pet's face. The best portrait angle is usually at eye-level with your pet.
• Keep in mind that the animal's eyes and special expressions are important features in a portrait.
• Take several shots from different angles. This can be helpful for the final portrait because:
  1. You are more likely to capture a pose you like.
  2. You give the artist a chance to see what the eyes look like! (The eyes are easily hidden by light reflections.)
  3. You give the artist more chances to see your pet's personality.
  4. If you want two animals in the same portrait, you have a better chance of getting poses that “go together” well, and show both their personalities.
• If possible, ask someone to help by keeping the animal’s attention during the photo session.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN WITH IT. YOU ARE ALWAYS FREE TO TRY THESE TIPS AND EXPERIMENT, TOO.