How to Choose the Best Photo for an Oil Portrait
The photo you send is what the artist paints from, so a good one gives a more faithful portrait. You don't need a professional shot — just a clear, well-lit picture. Here is what helps most, and what to avoid.
Best photo: sharp focus on the face, soft natural light, taken at eye level.
Higher resolution is better — more detail for the artist to work from.
Send up to three photos for a custom piece. The digital preview is always free.
What makes a great photo
- Sharp focus on the face. The eyes and face should be crisp, not blurry.
- Good, even light. Soft daylight near a window is ideal. Avoid harsh shadows or strong colour casts.
- Eye level. Photograph a pet or child at their eye level, not looking down at them — it captures a truer expression.
- High resolution. A larger, clearer file gives the artist more detail to paint. Straight from your phone's camera is usually plenty.
- One clear subject. The main subject should stand out from the background.
What to avoid
- Heavy filters or beauty smoothing — they hide the real features the artist needs.
- Very dark or backlit shots where the face is in shadow.
- Tiny, zoomed-in or screenshotted images that are low resolution.
- Sunglasses or hats covering the eyes, unless that's the look you want.
How many photos to send
One strong photo is enough for most portraits. For custom pieces you can upload up to three — a main photo for the likeness, plus an extra angle or a clearer close-up of the face. If you're combining people or pets who were never photographed together, send a clear individual photo of each.
Old, blurry or memorial photos
Because a real artist paints by hand, an imperfect photo can still become a beautiful portrait — which is exactly why hand-painted portraits suit memorial pet keepsakes and old family pictures so well. And whatever you send, you see a free digital preview before you decide, so there's no risk in trying.
FAQ
What makes a good photo for an oil portrait?
A clear, well-lit photo with the face in sharp focus, taken at eye level. Soft natural daylight and a high-resolution image give the best result.
Can I send more than one photo?
Yes — up to three for custom pieces. A main photo plus an extra angle helps capture details like eye colour and markings.
Will a slightly blurry or old photo work?
Often yes. A real artist can paint from an imperfect photo, which is why hand-painted portraits are ideal for memorial and old family photos. You approve a free preview first.
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