How to Choose the Best Photo for a Custom Pet Portrait Rug
The photo is the only thing we need from you, so it is worth two minutes of thought. The good news: you probably already have the right one on your phone. Here is how to spot it, or take a new one in five minutes.
The 5-point checklist
- The eyes are sharpZoom in. If you can see the shine in the eyes, the portrait will feel alive. Blurry eyes are the most common reason a photo does not work.
- The whole face is in the frameEars, nose, chin. A cropped ear can be guessed, but a hidden half of the face cannot.
- Soft, even lightDaylight near a window is perfect. Avoid flash, harsh midday sun and the yellow glow of evening lamps.
- Taken at eye levelCrouch down. Photos taken from above make heads look big and bodies tiny.
- Their real expressionThe look your family would recognize instantly. That is what makes people say "that's him!" when the rug arrives.
a photo that ticks every box
Alice is at eye level, both eyes are in focus, her ears are in the frame and the light is soft. Her rug came out looking exactly like her.
Common problems and easy fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Black fur looks like one dark shape | Move closer to a window and turn off the flash. Dark fur needs more light than you think. |
| White fur looks flat | Avoid direct sun. Bright shade shows the texture best. |
| The pet won't look at the camera | Hold a treat or a squeaky toy right above the lens. Burst mode helps. |
| Only old or blurry photos exist | Send the best one anyway. We will tell you honestly what is possible. |
| A collar or toy covers part of the face | We can remove small things like collars. Tell us in the order note. |
How to take a great photo in five minutes
- Choose the brightest room in your home and turn off overhead lights.
- Tire your pet out a little first. A calm pet holds still.
- Get down to their eye level and focus on the eyes (tap the screen on them).
- Use portrait mode if your phone has it, and take a burst of shots.
- Pick the frame with the sharpest eyes and the most "them" expression.
Photos of a pet who has passed
Many of our rugs are memorials, and we know the perfect photo often does not exist. Send the photo that feels most like them, even if it is old, small or a little blurry. We can sometimes combine details from two photos, for example the face from one and the ears from another.
Still unsure? Upload your favorite photo when you create your rug. You get a free preview within 24 hours, and if the photo holds the design back, we will say so before anything is made.
Questions
Does the photo need to be high resolution?
A normal phone photo is enough. What matters more is focus and light. Screenshots and photos sent through messaging apps lose quality, so use the original file when you can.
Can I use a photo with two pets?
Yes, if both faces are clear. Separate photos of each pet work even better.
Do you remove the background?
Always. Only your pet goes on the rug design you choose.
Ready to see your pet on a rug?
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