Custom Pet Portrait from a Photo: How to Take a Photo That Works

A custom pet portrait is one of the most loved gifts for dog and cat owners. Whether it is for your own wall, a friend's birthday or a memorial for a pet who has passed away, the result depends on one thing more than anything else: the photo.

Here is how to take or choose a photo of your pet that works for a hand-cut paper portrait.

What makes a good photo for a pet portrait?

A good photo for a pet portrait is sharp, taken in natural light at your pet's eye level, and shows the whole face with both eyes in focus. Nothing should cover the face, such as toys, leads or hands. Use the original photo file, not a screenshot, because small details like fur and whiskers get lost.

7 tips for taking a great photo of your pet

1. Get down to eye level. Kneel or sit so the camera is level with your pet's eyes, not looking down from above.
2. Use daylight. Take the photo near a window or outside in the shade. Turn off the flash: it causes glare in the eyes.
3. Focus on the eyes. Tap on your pet's eyes on your phone screen to focus there. Both eyes should be visible and sharp.
4. Keep the face clear. Move toys, leads, blankets and hands out of the way.
5. Get their attention. Hold a treat or a toy just above the camera, or make a sound, so your pet looks towards you.
6. Take lots of photos. Use burst mode and pick the sharpest one later. Pets rarely sit still for the first shot.
7. Upload the original. Use the largest file you have, ideally above 1080 x 1920 px, not a screenshot or a photo sent through a messaging app.

Our pet photo guide has the full checklist.

Can you make a portrait of a pet who has passed away?

Yes. Many people order a pet portrait as a memorial. Look through your old photos for the sharpest one where the face and both eyes are clearly visible. You can upload up to 5 photos, and we will choose the one that will cut best and tell you which one we picked.

Dogs, cats and other pets

Dogs and cats are the most common pet portraits, but any pet with a clearly visible face can work. Very dark fur in dim light, or fluffy fur with no visible eyes, is harder to cut, so good light helps even more with these pets.

Is a pet portrait a good gift?

A pet portrait is a thoughtful gift for anyone whose pet is part of the family: for a birthday, for Christmas, for a new puppy or as a memorial. Because it is made from a photo of their own pet, it feels far more personal than a general pet-themed gift. Planning a Christmas gift? Check our Christmas order-by dates.

How does ordering a pet portrait work?

1. Choose a frame colour on the Pet Portrait page and upload up to 5 photos.
2. We check your photos, usually within a few hours and always within 2 working days.
3. We make the portrait by hand in 7 to 10 working days after approval.
4. It is framed (50 x 40 cm) and shipped by tracked courier from Kraków.

Want to know more about the craft? Read what a paper-cut portrait is and how it is made.