Heartwork
by Jasmine
THE REFERENCE GUIDE
Choosing the Perfect Photo
A short guide to getting the most lifelike portrait possible
Everything I create starts with your photographs. A pastel portrait can only be as detailed as the reference behind it — so the photos you send genuinely shape the final piece. The good news: you don't need a professional camera. A clear, well-lit phone photo is often all it takes.
A portrait can only be as honest as the photograph behind it.
WHAT HELPS MOST
What Makes a Great Photo?
01 · LIGHT
Natural Light
Photos taken near a window, or outdoors on an overcast day, are ideal. Soft daylight reveals the true colours in your animal's coat and the catchlights that bring their eyes to life.
02 · FOCUS
Sharp & at Eye Level
Get down to your pet's height rather than shooting from above — it feels personal, and it lets me read their expression. Make sure the eyes especially are crisp and in focus.
03 · DETAIL
Close Enough to See
I work from the texture in the fur and the depth in the eyes. The closer and clearer the photo, the more precise detail I can carry into the finished portrait.
04 · THEM
Their Real Personality
A photo where they look like them — the head tilt, the soft eyes, the alert ears — will always make a stronger portrait than a posed one that doesn’t quite capture who they are.
AT A GLANCE
Lovely to see
• Soft, natural daylight
• Sharp focus, especially the eyes
• Taken at your pet’s eye level
• Close enough to see fur detail
• A few options to choose from
Best avoided
- Blurry or low-resolution images
- Screenshots or photos of a screen
- Heavy filters that shift colours
- Shot from far away or above
- Harsh flash or strong shadows
A NOTE ON MEMORIAL PORTRAITS
If your animal has already passed. I know the photos you have are precious and limited. Send whatever you've got — I’ll work with it with all the care it deserves, and we’ll find the right one together.🤍