Photo Guidelines
Let’s look at what makes a photo great for embroidery, and which ones might be harder to stitch from. It’s not about “good” or “bad” photos, just what helps capture your pet best in thread.
Please keep in mind that I can only work from photos that clearly show your pet’s features and personality. If your photos are older or limited, that’s absolutely okay, I’ll always do my best to capture your pet as accurately as possible. The clearer the photo, the more lifelike your embroidery will be.
If we can’t find a photo that’s clear enough to work from, I may need to cancel the commission, but I’ll always check in first to see if there’s a way we can make it work.
Lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo! I can fix small exposure issues, but strong yellow tones, shadows, or washed-out spots make it hard to match your pet’s real colors. Aim for soft, natural light whenever possible.
Photo Clarity Matters
I can only embroider what I see, so tiny or low-resolution photos make it hard to capture your pet’s details. The clearer the photo, the more true-to-life your embroidery will be.
Filters
It’s best to skip filters! Filters make colors tricky to match, especially on multi-colored pets. I want your embroidery to reflect your pet’s true colors, so natural, unfiltered photos work best
Angles
Angles really matter when choosing a reference photo! The best results usually come from photos taken at your pet’s eye level while they’re sitting up.
Ears & Grooming
Ears and grooming matter! Make sure your photos show your pet’s usual ear stance and fur style so the embroidery feels like them. If your pet gets groomed and you love how they look with a fresh cut, those are the photos you should choose.
Expressions That Show Who They Are
Facial expressions are my absolute favorite part of creating a pet portrait! They really bring out your pet’s personality and spirit. Some photos capture them perfectly, while others might not show their best side. I love stitching happy smiles, playful looks, and floppy tongues, but if your pet’s mouth is open in the photo, I can’t close it, so it’s best to choose a photo that shows the expression you love most.
Examples of Clear Reference Photos
These photos are just perfect to work from!
Bring on the Bonus Photos!
The More, the Merrier! Sometimes your favorite photo isn’t quite enough on its own — extra shots can really help! A few photos showing details like eye color, unique markings, or expressions make it easier to capture your pet’s true personality. Even if no single photo is perfect, sending a few together helps me create the most accurate and heartfelt portrait.
In a Nutshell: Making Your Pet Shine
Take these tips as friendly guidance, they’re just my ideas for what makes a great reference photo. Following these tips makes it easier for me to capture your pet beautifully, but the most important thing is showing their personality. Every little detail helps me create a portrait that’s truly YOUR pet, not a generic version. Let their quirks, expressions, and unique traits shine! I hope these tips help you choose the best photos for your portrait. And if you’re ever unsure whether a photo will work, just send it my way, I’m happy to take a look!
