Selecting the right picture of your pet may seem like a no-brainer. You just pick the one you like the best, right? Well, not necessarily. There are a few things to consider when taking a picture of your pet and turning it into art. Obviously, the better the details appear in the picture, the better your portrait will turn out. If Pet Picassos feels that your submitted photo won’t work, a representative will contact you. See below for other tips on selecting the right photo:

Choosing a Photo

For best results, choose a picture that:

Has a close-up of your pet’s face. (Their head should appear at least 2” tall in the picture.)
Shows both eyes clearly without shadows. Portraits get better results when your pet’s eyes are looking directly at the camera. Don’t worry about “red eyes.” Pet Picassos can fix that. Try and shoot against a solid background.
Has a clear focus without harsh shadows or blurriness.
The files/images you upload to us can vary in size greatly, from a very small 16kb file to a large 10mb file. Over the years, we have discovered that the ideal file size is between 500kb and 2mb. If your file size falls between 500kb and 2mb, your image should work fine. To determine the file size or file type (JPEG, TIFF, PSD), the easiest thing to do would be to find the file on your computer, then Right on the file/image and select Properties (Mac uses CTL click, select More Info). In the new box that opens, you can find the File Type and File Size.
Allow for the frame. For example, if Pet Picassos is framing your photo, once printed, we will trim 2.75 inches around the photo for the sides and the back. If your submitted photo does not allow for cropping, there are a few options we can discuss and try. (The image on the right demonstrates the fold over area of the image.)

Taking a Digital Photo

Use a good quality camera (4 mega pixels or higher). Inexpensive cameras and cell phones do not produce quality results.
Set your camera to the highest quality setting ("fine" or "superfine," for example).
Take photos in natural light, but not in direct sunlight. Try taking snapshots outdoors in the shade on an overcast day, or indoors near a window on an overcast day. Use a flash, even when outside, to balance shadows and brighten your pet’s face. Dark animals photograph better when lit from the front.
Use optical, rather than digital, zoom and keep the camera steady to avoid blurriness.
Shoot a close-up of your pet’s face, with eyes looking at the camera.

Sending a Digital Photo

Upload the original image that was saved on the camera. Do not crop or alter the original file before sending.
If you have problems uploading your digital images, e-mail them to info@petpicassos.com. Please include your name in the e-mail.
Please note that we cannot accept photos taken professionally without the photographer’s permission.

Taking a Photo with Film

Use a good quality camera (35mm).
Take photos in natural light, but not in direct sunlight. Try taking snapshots outdoors in the shade on an overcast day, or indoors near a window on an overcast day. Use a flash, even when outside, to balance shadows and brighten your pet's face. Dark animals photograph better when lit from the front.
Keep the camera steady to avoid blurriness.
Shoot a close-up of your pet's face, with eyes looking at the camera.

Mailing a Photograph

Please include a copy of your order (or your name, address, e-mail address and telephone number) with your photos.
Your photographs will be returned in their original condition with your completed portrait. Send photos to: info@petpicassos.com.
Please note, we cannot accept photos taken professionally without the photographer’s permission.

Scanning a Photograph

Begin with the original photograph. (Pictures printed on a copier, inkjet or laser printer will not work.)
Scan your photo at 300 dpi (dots per inch) or higher with a minimum size of 5” x 7”.
Save your file in a "JPEG" or "TIFF" format.
For best results, send us the original photo, and we will scan it for you at no extra charge. Your photograph will be returned in its original condition with your completed portrait.
Mailing address for 'Scanning a Photo':
Pet Picassos
P.O. Box 861135
Shawnee, KS 66286