The Perfect Reference Photo

I've been blessed with a dog that loves to pose" — Christina Crook "Life is a dogwalk and the world is your runway" —Toffee Crook

If you are anything like me you'll have too many beautiful photos to choose from on your phone so please allow me to offer some guidance.

A great reference photo enables me to capture the beauty of your pet. Important factors are good lighting, clear details, and that you love the picture.

It can feel like a daunting task to select the perfect picture from your camera roll or to specifically take a new photo. Here is a checklist to help:

• Take the photo in bright, natural lighting.

• Is it in focus? — your pet’s facial features should look nice, sharp and clear. 

• Have you considered the Composition? Do you like your pet’s expression, their position?

• Colour — Do you like the way the light falls? Is this photo showing off the colour of your dogs fur and eyes? Please be mindful that I will incorporate shading and shadows

The example I have included above I personally love, I think the composition is fabulous, the lighting dramatic, and there is lots of lovely visible detail that I can work with. However, if you are not a fan of lots of shadows or dynamic lighting then please bear that in mind when making your choice. Additionally, if you want a full body portrait — I focus on the face — you will need to specify within your order form, under custom requests and this will incur an additional fee.

Are you still having trouble?

Perhaps we are neighbours? If you are local to Tooting common, you are welcome to book a private photo session with the artist for just £50. With the help and determination of myself — and treats— I pride myself on getting good pictures.

If you do feel it necessary to send multiple reference photos, please keep it to a limit of three, specify under custom requests or via email which elements of each photo you love and bear in mind this may slow down the creation process.

Some great Reference Photo examples: