A guide by Marko Ivancevic | IvancevicArt

You've decided to have your dog immortalized in a hand-painted portrait — wonderful choice! The photo you provide as a reference is the single most important step in the entire process. A great photo leads to an exceptional painting. Here are my most important tips as an animal artist with years of experience.

1. Natural light is everything

Never photograph your dog using a flash. Flash creates harsh shadows, causes red-eye, and destroys the natural texture of the fur. The best light can be found:

• Early morning or late afternoon outdoors
• Near a large window indoors
• On an overcast day outside — the soft, diffused light is ideal

Your dog's eyes should look clear and bright. If they appear dull or dark, the lighting isn't good enough.

2. Eye level is everything

Get on your knees. Lie on the floor if you have to. Always photograph at your dog's eye level — never from above. Photos taken from above distort proportions, making the head look too large and the body too small. A portrait taken at eye level captures your dog's true personality.

3. Sharpness and resolution

The photo must be sharp — especially the eyes. The eyes are the soul of any portrait. A blurry eye simply cannot be painted well, no matter how skilled the artist. Tips for sharp photos:

• Use your smartphone's portrait mode
• Tap directly on your dog's eyes on the screen to set the focus there
• Take many photos — at least 20 to 30 — then choose the sharpest one
• Avoid using zoom — move closer instead

4. The background matters

A simple, clean background keeps the focus on your dog. Ideal backgrounds include:

• A plain-coloured wall
• A green lawn or softly blurred garden
• A neutral floor

Avoid cluttered backgrounds with many objects, other people, or other animals in the frame.

5. The expression — the most important point of all

Capture the moment that best describes your dog. Is he playful? Calm and dignified? Always curious? The portrait should not just look like your dog — it should feel like your dog.

Tricks for capturing the perfect expression:

• Hold a treat or favourite toy next to the camera
• Call his name just before taking the shot
• Photograph after a long walk when your dog is relaxed
• Ask someone to engage your dog while you take the photos

6. Sending multiple photos is always better

Feel free to send me 10 to 20 photos. We can choose the best one together, or I can sometimes combine elements from several photos — for example the eyes from one shot and the body posture from another.

Ready to immortalize your dog?

Get in touch at ivancevicart.com or email me at ivancevic.1974@gmail.com. I look forward to transforming your loyal companion into a unique work of art.