Send the original file
Choose the original camera or phone photograph where possible. Screenshots and images copied through several apps can lose useful detail.
Best photo for a personalised pet gift
Choose a pet photo with the details you recognise.
The best source is usually an original, well-lit photograph with the face in focus and the full ears visible. Use this guide for one pet—or when you want separate photos of multiple pets brought into one proposed layout.
Do not worry about removing the background · Terry checks the source · You approve the proof
Seven quick checks
Before you send the photo.
These checks help preserve the shapes and colours that make your pet look like themselves. They are guidance, not a test—Terry can look at the photographs you actually have.
Keep the face and ears visible
A straight-on or gently angled view that shows the whole face, eyes and ears gives Terry the clearest features to work from.
Look for even light
Daylight or a bright room usually preserves fur colour and facial detail better than a very dark image or a harsh flash.
Check the eyes are in focus
Zoom in before sending. If the eyes and face look sharp on your screen, the portrait has a stronger source.
Avoid heavy filters
Colour filters, beauty effects and strong portrait blur can change fur tones or remove whiskers and edges that matter.
Do not crop too tightly
Leave a little room around the head and ears. Terry can crop the artwork after checking which shape suits the product.
Send alternatives if unsure
Two or three possible originals can help Terry choose the clearest source. You will still approve the prepared portrait before print.
Different photos, one proposed group
Using separate photos for one multi-pet personalised gift.
Pets do not need to have posed together. These checks give Terry a better starting point, but every set of sources is assessed before Terry says whether a clear combined portrait can be prepared.
One original for each pet
Send the clearest original file you have for every dog, cat or other pet you want included. Avoid screenshots or heavily compressed copies where possible.
Match the viewpoints
Photographs taken from similar heights and angles are usually easier to group than one close-up face beside one distant full-body picture.
Explain their relative size
If one pet is much larger than another, include a casual group photograph or tell Terry how their sizes compare so the proposed layout does not feel misleading.
Name the group and order
Say which pets belong together and whether you have a preferred left-to-right order. Label each source clearly when their names are not obvious.
Check the combined proof
Terry first checks whether the separate sources can form a clear group, then confirms the proposed layout and any extra portrait cost before payment. You approve the complete proof before print.
Read about personalised gifts with more than one pet →See the personalised pet photo T-shirt option →
For older and memorial photographs
The meaningful photo may not be the technically perfect one.
If a treasured picture is the only photograph you have, send the clearest original version available. Terry will tell you privately what can be prepared before any commitment, and you will see the result as an artwork proof before anything is printed.
Read about pet memorial keepsakes →
Photo questions
Choosing a pet portrait photo.
What is the best photo for a personalised pet portrait?
Use a well-lit original photo with the pet in focus and the whole face and ears visible. A clear eye-level view is usually easier to prepare than a dark, distant or heavily filtered image.
Can I use a phone photo?
Yes. A clear original phone photograph can work well. Send the original file rather than a screenshot where possible.
What if the only memorial photo is old or imperfect?
Send the clearest treasured originals you have. Terry will explain gently what can be prepared before you commit, and you approve the artwork proof before anything is made.
Can separate pet photos be combined into one personalised gift?
Sometimes, yes. Send one clear original for each pet and explain the grouping, preferred order and any important size difference. Terry checks whether the separate sources will work together, then confirms the proposed layout and any extra portrait cost before payment. You approve the combined proof before print.
Should I remove the background first?
You do not need to remove it before ordering. Send the original photograph so Terry can assess it. The free PNG Studio is available if you want to make your own transparent file.
Found a photo you love?
Let Terry check it before you commit.
Choose a gift and send the original. You will approve the portrait, wording, placement and full price before anything is printed.
Start a personalised pet gift request →
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