Photo Guidelines | Finnley Place Artwork

Photograph Guidelines

What I require in a photo...

Please read through these photograph guidelines carefully and take into consideration when selecting reference imagery. The better the photos, the better the painting!

I require high resolution photographs. Most camera phones take excellent quality images these days. Make sure you email me the original image and the largest file size possible as an email attachment to finnleyplaceartwork@outlook.com. Please feel free to send over lots of images. The more I have to choose from the better!
They must to be taken in good, natural light and clearly show the pets face, features and colouring accurately. By a window or outside on a clear day is usually best. This is especially important with black or white animals.
Photos must be taken at the pets eye level, photos taken from directly above will not be suitable. Raise them up on a seat, table or steps where possible if the pet is small!
Screenshots or images with filters taken from Instagram are often low resolution and don't show the colouring accurately.
If there is something particularly important I capture make sure the photos accurately display this. For example, if the animal has a distinctive marking, eye colour or facial expression unique to them!
If you are looking to order a double Portrait, I can work from separate photos of each subject but they need to be taken at roughly the same angle. Double portraits are currently only available in the classic style format as standard.
I require photos depicting the whole body for classic style Portraits. Patterned Background paintings require head and shoulders shots.

what to avoid

Please avoid harsh sunlight or lamplight. This bleaches out the fur and changes the appearance and colour of the fur.

They must clearly show the whole shape of the pets head i.e not cropped so the pets ears aren't in frame or close ups of the face.

Photos that are blurry or out of focus mean I can't pick up detail or create an accurate depiction of what your pet looks like.
Avoid photos taken from too far away, or where their faces are obscured by toys, sticks, blankets or food.

Remember these photos are the only way I get to know your pet! The closer you follow these guidelines the more accurate and lifelike your painting will be. If you are unsure feel free to ask. I am happy to help.