Taking a beautiful photo of your pet doesn’t require a professional camera. Your phone, a bit of patience, and a few simple tricks are all you need to capture the heart and personality of your furry friend—especially if you’re preparing a photo for a custom pet portrait.
Whether your pet is playful, shy, or full of attitude, these 6 tips will help you take photos that feel just like them.
1. Find the Right Light (Natural is Best!)
Why it matters:
Lighting can make or break a photo—especially when using your phone. Natural light helps bring out your pet’s features, from the sparkle in their eyes to the texture of their fur. Artificial lights often cast shadows or create weird tones, and flash can startle pets or make their eyes glow unnaturally.
That soft glow? Just the sun doing its thing.
What to do:
Try to take photos in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is soft and golden. Indoors, position your pet near a large window. Outside, choose a shady spot or shoot on an overcast day to avoid harsh shadows. Avoid flash at all costs—your pet (and your photo) will thank you.
2. Get on Their Level
Why it matters:
We’re used to snapping quick photos from above, but when you photograph your pet from their eye level, the entire image feels more personal and connected. It’s the difference between looking at your pet and being with them in the moment.
One look at those eyes and you know why eye-level photos just hit differently.
What to do:
Sit, kneel, or even lie down to bring your phone to their eye level. Try different angles: straight on for a classic portrait look, or from the side to catch a more candid moment. Getting low creates a sense of intimacy and helps your pet’s personality shine through.
3. Use Portrait Mode (If Available)
Why it matters:
Portrait mode is your best friend when taking close-ups with your phone. It softly blurs the background, bringing attention to your pet’s face, and adds a sense of depth and polish to your photo—even if it only took you 30 seconds to snap it.
This is what portrait mode does best—clear details up front, soft background in the back. Simple and beautiful!
What to do:
If your phone has a portrait mode (iPhone or Android), switch to it and make sure your pet’s face (especially the eyes) is in focus. Tap on their face to adjust the exposure and make sure they’re centered. If you don’t have portrait mode, no worries—just tap on their face to focus and play with distance to soften the background manually.
4. Grab Their Attention with Sounds or Treats
Why it matters:
Pets are naturally curious, but getting them to look right at the camera at the right moment? That takes a little strategy. A strong expression—alert ears, soft eyes, a tilted head—can turn an ordinary photo into a portrait that feels alive.
A favorite toy or treat is the easiest way to get your pet looking right at the camera
What to do:
Use a squeaky toy, a bag of treats, or a soft clicking sound to grab their attention. Hold the item just above your phone so their gaze is focused toward the lens. Keep the moment short—most pets will only hold the pose for a few seconds before getting distracted. Be ready to snap quickly!
5. Add Accessories That Reflect Their Personality
Why it matters:
The little things your pet loves can help show who they are in a photo. Whether it’s their favorite toy, a bandana that makes them look extra dapper, or a cozy blanket they always curl up on—accessories can add personality and warmth to your portraits.
A tutu, a pearl necklace, and a whole lot of charm—accessories can say so much without a word.
What to do:
Think about what makes your pet them. Is your dog a bowtie-wearer? Does your cat have a sparkly collar? Use props or accessories that are familiar and comfortable for them. Just avoid anything that might make them anxious or interfere with the photo. Keep it natural and fun!
6. Be Patient & Take LOTS of Photos
Why it matters:
Pets don’t follow directions like people do, which means getting that perfect shot may take time. But don’t worry—their spontaneity is part of what makes the process fun!
You might take 20 photos—and your favorite one is the messy, goofy surprise at the end.
What to do:
Take a relaxed approach. Let your pet get comfortable first, then start snapping. Use burst mode or take a bunch of photos in a row to increase your chances of catching “the one.” Often, the best expressions happen when you least expect them. Keep the mood light, take breaks if they get tired or distracted, and reward them with a treat afterward.
Planning to Turn Your Photo into a Painting?
These photo tips are exactly what I use when preparing a reference for a Paint Your Pet Portrait Kit. A well-lit, focused photo helps me create a pre-sketched canvas that truly captures your pet’s look and spirit.
Right now, you can join my Beta Club and get the kit FREE in exchange for feedback and a photo of your finished portrait!
👉 [Click here to join the Beta Club]
Let’s capture that wag, purr, or proud pose—and turn it into something you’ll treasure forever. 🐾💛
