A custom pet portrait starts with a photo that clearly shows what makes your dog or cat recognizable: the eyes, ear shape, coat markings, muzzle, expression, and natural proportions. A phone photo can work well when these details are sharp and visible.
Use this guide before uploading your photo for an Artisource watercolor canvas portrait.
Quick photo checklist
- Use one sharp original JPG or PNG.
- Photograph your pet at eye level.
- Choose bright, even window light or open shade.
- Keep the full face and both ears visible.
- Leave room around the head, neck, and upper chest.
- Avoid screenshots, heavy filters, flash glare, and motion blur.
1. Start with the eyes
Zoom in on the original photo. The eyes, muzzle, and coat markings should be clear enough to distinguish. A calm moment near a window often works better than an action photo.
2. Photograph at your pet's eye level
Kneel or sit so the camera is near the face. Photos taken from directly above can exaggerate the head and compress the body. Eye-level photos help preserve natural proportions.
3. Use soft light
Window light or bright shade can show fur detail without harsh shadows. Avoid direct phone flash, which can create glare and unnatural reflections in the eyes.
4. Leave room around the ears and chest
Avoid cropping against the ears or sides of the face. Extra space helps us compose the portrait for your chosen canvas size while keeping important features away from the edges.
5. Choose a familiar expression
Choose the photo that best represents your pet's usual expression, face shape, and markings. If two photos are equally sharp, pick the one that feels most familiar to you.
6. Upload the original file
Filters may alter eye color or smooth fur. Screenshots and messaging-app downloads may lose detail. Whenever possible, upload the original from your camera roll and use only a photo you have permission to share.
What if the only photo is imperfect?
For an older or memorial photo, choose the clearest original available. Contact support@artisourceai.com before ordering if you need advice. If important features are unclear, we may need another photo before preparing your proof.
What happens after you upload?
- Select your canvas size on the product page.
- Upload your JPG or PNG and wait for upload completion.
- Add the portrait to your cart and check the selected size and photo details.
- Complete checkout.
- After receiving a usable photo and confirmed details, we email a watermarked digital proof within 1-2 business days.
- Check the likeness, crop, and any personalization, then reply APPROVED to approve the artwork in writing.
One reasonable revision round is included before production. We do not submit your portrait for printing without your written approval. If a photo needs replacing, your order remains on hold while we request it.
Compare the four canvas sizes, or create your custom watercolor pet portrait canvas.