What Photos Do You Need for a Custom Pet Figurine?
Good reference photos are one of the most important parts of creating a custom pet figurine.
The clearer the photos are, the easier it is for an artist to understand your pet’s face shape, coat colors, markings, ears, expression, body proportions, and other distinctive features.
You do not need professional photography. Clear everyday photos are usually enough.
How Many Photos Should You Upload?
For the best results, we recommend providing 2–4 clear photos of your dog or cat from different angles.
Ideally, include:
- One clear front-facing photo
- One side or 45° angle photo
- One full-body photo whenever possible
- One additional photo showing important markings or distinctive features
More photos do not always mean a better result, but having clear images from different angles gives the artist more useful information.
1. Front-Facing Photo
A clear front-facing photo helps show:
- Face shape
- Eyes
- Nose
- Ear position
- Facial markings
- Overall expression
Choose a photo where your pet’s face is clearly visible and not heavily covered by objects, clothing, or shadows.
2. Side or 45° Angle Photo
A side-angle photo helps show details that may be difficult to understand from the front.
This includes:
- Muzzle length
- Head shape
- Ear shape
- Coat texture
- Facial profile
For pets with distinctive side profiles, this type of photo can be especially useful.
3. Full-Body Photo
A full-body photo helps the artist understand:
- Body proportions
- Leg length
- Tail
- Coat pattern
- Natural posture
- Overall shape
If you are ordering a full-body pet figurine, this photo is especially important.
4. Photos Showing Unique Features
If your pet has distinctive characteristics, include photos that clearly show them.
Examples include:
- Unique coat markings
- Spots or patches
- Different-colored eyes
- Unusual ear shapes
- Tail patterns
- Facial markings
- A distinctive collar or accessory
Small details are often what make a pet instantly recognizable.
What Makes a Good Reference Photo?
Good reference photos should be:
- Clear and in focus
- Taken in natural or bright lighting
- Close enough to see important details
- Accurate in color
- Free from heavy filters
- Taken from useful angles
Photos do not need to be professionally staged.
A clear phone photo in good lighting can often be more useful than a highly edited portrait.
What Photos Should You Avoid?
Whenever possible, avoid:
- Blurry photos
- Very dark photos
- Heavy filters
- Screenshots with poor image quality
- Photos taken from very far away
- Photos where the face is covered
- Photos where important markings cannot be seen
- Strong colored lighting that changes your pet’s natural coat color
Can You Make a Custom Pet Figurine From One Photo?
Sometimes, yes.
If the photo is clear and shows enough of your pet’s appearance, an artist may still be able to create a custom figurine from one image.
However, multiple photos are strongly recommended because one image may not show:
- Both sides of the face
- Full coat markings
- Body proportions
- Tail shape
- Ear shape from different angles
Providing additional reference photos reduces uncertainty.
What If Your Pet Has Passed Away?
Many memorial orders are created from older or limited photos.
If your pet has passed away and you only have a few images, use the clearest photos available.
Photos taken at different times can still be helpful if they show:
- Different angles
- Coat colors
- Facial markings
- Body shape
- Distinctive features
Even if the photos are not perfect, they may still provide enough reference information for a meaningful handmade interpretation.
Should You Use Filtered Photos?
Try to avoid heavily filtered photos.
Filters can change:
- Coat colors
- Eye colors
- Skin tones
- Contrast
- Facial details
If you have both filtered and unfiltered versions, upload the unfiltered images whenever possible.
Do Photos Need to Show the Exact Pose You Want?
Not always.
Reference photos mainly help the artist understand what your pet looks like.
If you want a specific pose, provide a photo showing that pose if possible, or clearly explain your request when ordering.
What About Long-Haired Pets?
For long-haired dogs and cats, choose photos that clearly show:
- Face shape beneath the fur
- Ear position
- Coat length
- Coat direction
- Tail shape
- Important color patterns
Side-angle photos can be particularly useful for long-haired pets.
What If My Pet Has Very Dark Fur?
Dark-coated pets can be harder to photograph clearly.
For black or very dark pets, use photos taken in:
- Bright natural light
- Indirect daylight
- A well-lit indoor space
Avoid photos where the face blends into the background or where details are hidden in shadow.
Before Uploading Your Photos
Check whether the photos clearly show:
- Your pet’s face
- Main coat colors
- Important markings
- Ears
- Eyes
- Body shape
- Any features you especially want captured
If the answer is yes, you probably have enough useful reference material.
Ready to Create Your Custom Pet Figurine?
You can review our full Pet Photo Requirements guide or explore the ToutouPets Custom Pet Figurine From Photo to begin creating your personalized keepsake.