3 Things that make a Fabulous Reference Photo

Here’s a Question I get alot: What makes a great reference photo for my dog’s portrait?

So here you go:

1️⃣Great Lighting: (outside if you can but bright lighting is key!)

2️⃣Face-On (not looking to the side unless that’s how you want me to draw your portrait)

3️⃣On their Level (squat down so you aren’t looking down on them, but looking them in the eye)

If you’re wondering if a photo you already have would do the trick, feel free to ask! You can fill out my Contact Page to touch base, and when I answer you can include it in the email!

Remembering Bentley 💜

Bentley was the kind of dog who left a mark — not just on the couch or the yard, but on the heart of everyone who knew him.

As Bentley got older, stairs became harder for him. His dad, completely devoted to his boy, made the decision to move to a different home just to make Bentley’s life more comfortable. That kind of love is quiet, fierce, and deeply human. It's the kind of love that says, "Whatever you need, I’ll make it happen."

But before the move was complete, Bentley had a medical emergency — and he passed.

This portrait was commissioned in his memory.

It was drawn slowly, carefully, by hand. Every pencil stroke was a way to honor the bond they shared. Bentley’s dad wanted something to hold onto — something more meaningful than a snapshot. Something that felt like Bentley.

And that’s what I try to create every time I sit down to draw: not just a likeness, but a presence. A way to keep a beloved companion close, even when they're gone.

I don’t use filters or shortcuts. My portraits are hand-drawn from your photos, one detail at a time. They take hours — sometimes days — because the love you shared deserves that kind of care.

If you’ve ever loved a dog like this — the kind of love that rearranges your life without question — I hope this story speaks to you.

And if you’re looking for a way to remember them… I’d be honored to help.

Why a Hand-Drawn Pet Portrait is the Perfect Memorial Gift

I draw a lot of memorial portraits, and it’s an honor every time.

Every time I sit down to a pet memorial drawing, I read back over all the notes you’ve sent to make sure I’ve got a sense of what made them truly special. Then I pull up all the photos you sent me so I can reference all the little details that made them unique. I want to capture each one of those.

My portraits are more than a tribute pet sketch. They’re a full-color, highly realistic drawing of your pet that captures who they were. So you can see and remember them each time you see your portrait hanging on the wall in your home.

Are you ready to have yours? Click below to get started.