Pet Portrait Tattoo

REFERENCE PHOTO SHOOT GUIDE

The most important part of every tattoo is having the right reference image. The photo you currently have of your pet might not be suitable for tattoo reference. In this case, I may ask you for new photos.

On this page, I'll try to summarize what to pay attention to when shooting with your mobile phone camera. By following these suggestions, we can either select one from the photos you take or combine several photos to create our reference image.

From this perspective, having about 10-15 photos will help us achieve better results.

1. Shoot Directly Facing Forward

Extreme angles make the pose harder to perceive, so for portrait works especially, photos taken directly from the front will yield the best results.

The face and eyes should look directly at the camera. Slightly turned or upward/downward looking poses can be used as alternatives.

2. Shoot in High Quality

For the photo to be usable as reference, it needs to be sharp, well-lit, and high resolution.


  • Clean your lens
  • Hold the camera steady
  • Use portrait mode (depth effect should not be too strong)

3. Use Natural Light

The best light comes from a window during the day or outdoors.                            


  • Do not use flash
  • Position the light behind you
  • Ensure no shadows fall on it

4. Focus on the Face

All facial details should be clearly visible, and ears should be included in the frame. If only a portrait will be worked on; don't focus on the body, just make sure the head and face are sharp. The body can be out of frame.

If a full body tattoo is desired, it's crucial that no limbs are cut off from the frame and that they're clearly visible.

5. Do Not Use Filters

Colors should remain in their original state, no filters should be applied or any photo editing should be done.

6. Favorite Toys

We can also include your pet's favorite toy to the tattoo design.

One or two photos with the toy will be useful. (or the photo of the toy itself would help)

BONUS TIP: Use Treats

If they just won't stay still or look at the camera, don't wear yourself out; use your "treat card" to get the pose you want.

Check the photo before sending:

  • Are the eyes clear and bright?
  • Are the fur details visible?
  • Is the photo dark or overexposed?