# 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Pet Photos (And How to Get the Perfect Portrait Reference)

Let’s be honest – snapping the perfect photo of your pet for a custom portrait can be tricky. At Bancroftio Draws, I know that great reference photos create great art portraits full of personality and detail. Want to get the best out of your photos? Avoid these seven common mistakes, and use my tips to nail that perfect reference shot every time.

1. Using the Wrong Camera Settings

Pets move. A lot. Using your phone or camera’s automatic mode might seem easy, but often leads to blurry or poorly lit photos: especially with wiggly pups and curious cats.

How to fix it:

• Use a fast shutter speed (1/500th of a second or quicker) to freeze motion.

• Preferably, shoot in daylight for natural clarity.

• If you’re using a smartphone, tap your pet’s face to focus, and enable the “burst” or “live” photo mode to catch the sharpest moment.

2. Shooting From Way Too High

We’ve all done it: snapping a pic of our pet from above as they look up at us. But photos taken from your standing height create a distant, disconnected feel, and don’t show off your pet’s best features.

How to fix it:

• Crouch, kneel, or lay on the ground to take the photo at your pet’s eye level.

• This perspective draws viewers in and captures the personality in their eyes and face.

Bonus: you’ll often get more engaging expressions when you’re interacting up close!

3. Letting the Eyes Go Out of Focus

The eyes are the heart of your pet’s portrait. A picture where the eyes are blurry or dull just doesn’t carry the same connection or “aww” factor.

How to fix it:

• Always make sure your pet’s eyes are the sharpest point in your photo.

• Use your camera’s autofocus and tap or select the eye area before snapping.

• If your pet is moving a lot, use “continuous autofocus” or “tracking focus” so the eyes stay crisp.

4. Ignoring the Lighting

Bad lighting is the enemy of all photos - whether that's human portraits, pet portraits or Vinted listings! Too much direct sun can cause harsh shadows; indoor lamps can leave colors looking yellow or blue. 

How to fix it:

• Take photos during soft daylight hours – early morning or late afternoon is best.

• If outside, aim for open shade or an overcast day for even, gentle light.

• Inside, try to use spaces with lots of natural window light. Avoid using flash: it’s unflattering and can create glowing “alien” eyes!

5. Uncomfortable Pet

A tense, anxious pet isn’t going to pose naturally. A surprise phone in their face, uncomfy costumes, or noisy environments show up in the final image: think wide eyes, tucked tails, or ears down.

How to fix it:

• Photograph your pet in a spot they know and love.

• Let them move, sniff, or sit as they please. Natural poses look best.

• Don’t worry about making them wear anything they’re not used to: I can always add details later!

6. A Distracting Background

I can always tone down a background in a drawing but for photos that you share online, chaos in the background can be embarrassing. Messy rooms, bright toys, or other pets can pull attention away from your main subject.

How to fix it:

• Choose a clean, simple background whenever possible.

• Solid-colored walls, a stretch of grass, or a neutral blanket work well.

• If the background is busy, move your pet a little further away from it and use portrait mode to create a bit of blur.

7. Over-Editing Your Photos

It’s tempting to use filters or crank up the “sharpen” slider. But heavy edits are unnecessary. I will know if shadows or saturations need tweaking. 

How to fix it:

• Keep things as natural as possible. Adjust brightness if you need to, but don’t go overboard.

• Skip the dramatic filters and let your pet’s personality speak for itself.

• Remember: I can tidy up, crop, or fine-tune your photo before painting: that’s my job!

Quick Tips for the Perfect Portrait Reference

• Capture their true colouring: bright sunlight or natural indoor light works best.

• Multiple photos help! Send several clear shots from different angles so I can see everything.

• Don’t panic if your pet won’t sit still: some of my favourite portraits come from candid, playful snaps.

Ready to turn your best snaps into art? At Bancroftio Draws, I use your photos as the heartbeat of every custom pet portrait. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll get a keepsake that’s as vibrant and lively as your furry friend themselves!

New Year's Resolution: Make 2026 the Year You Embrace More Art (Here's How)

Let's be honest, most New Year's resolutions are about giving something up. No more junk food, less screen time, fewer late nights. But what if this year, you focused on adding something beautiful and nourishing to your life instead?

My resolution for 2025 was to draw every day and it has been an incredibly rewarding endeavour. If I can help bring that same satisfaction and joy to you by helping you with an art based 2026 resolution, I'd be thrilled. 

Art doesn't have to be intimidating or expensive. It doesn't require years of training or a fancy studio. In 2026, embracing more art can be as simple as a daily sketch exercise, hanging a meaningful print in your hallway or commissioning a portrait of your dog. The key is...just start. Like Nike: just do it. Don't wait to feel ready.

Here's how to make art a genuine part of your life this year, no art degree required.

Start With What You Already Love

You know you like lilies or pencil sketches or pet portraits. That's perfect. Start with that.

The beauty of starting with pet art, in particular, is that it's personal and meaningful from day one. You don't need to "understand" anything lofty. You just need to love your pet, and that emotional connection is what makes art powerful.

Why not start a pinterest board of pieces that inspire you? Or get up a little earlier and sketch something each morning?

Support Real Artists (It's Easier Than You Think)

One of the best ways to embrace more art is to support the humans creating it. When you buy directly from artists, you're not just getting a piece for your wall, you're helping someone pursue their passion and keep handmade creativity alive.

It's really easy to get started. There are so many talented artists sharing their work on instagram and tiktok. Many artists offer affordable prints (or postcards or even stickers) of their work, making original art accessible without the commitment of a full commission. You can rotate pieces seasonally, try different styles, and gradually discover what speaks to you. Some artists even have monthly print clubs, where they send you a new piece every month. How fun is that?!

When you're ready for something more personal, you could always consider commissioning a piece. Yes, it costs more than mass-produced wall art, but you're investing in something completely unique. Plus, working with an artist on a custom piece: whether it's a portrait of your dog or a landscape from your favorite vacation: creates a connection to the artwork that you'll never get from buying something off a shelf.

Explore Different Art Forms

Art isn't just paintings and sculptures. In 2026, embrace the full spectrum of creative expression.

• Digital art is having a major moment, and for good reason. Digital artists can capture incredible detail and experiment with styles that would be impossible with traditional media. Don't dismiss it as "not real art": the skill, creativity, and time investment are just as valuable as any traditional piece.

• Photography is another accessible entry point. Start paying attention to the photographers whose work you admire on social media. Support them by purchasing prints or commissioning family photos that go beyond the standard posed shots. Attend photography exhibitions in your local town. There's so much to see!

• Handmade crafts from local artisans are so important too. That ceramic bowl from the farmers market or the hand-knitted scarf from Etsy: these are all amazing ways to surround yourself with one of a kind, meaningful art pieces.

Make Small Creative Habits

You don't have to become an artist to embrace more art in your life, but honestly - creating is like nothing else for me when it comes to de-stressing. Getting into that 'flow state' completely takes me out of whatever I'm worrying about. It's such a peaceful and nourishing thing; you have to try it!

Set aside some time to try a  youtube life drawing session. Download a drawing app and experiment with digital art during your commute. Try watercolor pencils: they're forgiving and don't require a lot of setup.

The goal isn't to become the next Picasso. Far from it. It's about letting go of perfectionism and making. Enjoy the process.

Visit Galleries and Art Spaces

Make a resolution to visit one new art space per month. This doesn't mean expensive museum admissions: seek out local galleries, art fairs, coffee shops that showcase local artists, and pop-up exhibitions.

Most cities have free gallery nights or art walks where multiple venues stay open late and often serve snacks and drinks. These events are perfect for casual art exploration without the pressure of a formal museum visit.

Enjoy the way someone uses light or colour in their work. Think about why someone has added something to a piece. Pay attention to what draws you in. Do you gravitate toward bold, colorful pieces or subtle, minimalist work? Are you drawn to realistic representations or abstract concepts? There's no right answer: just start noticing your preferences.

Transform Your Home Into a Gallery

Your walls are blank canvases waiting for personality. Instead of buying whatever matches your couch, choose pieces that make you smile every time you see them.

Create a gallery wall with a mix of art styles, sizes, and price points. Combine a commissioned pet portrait with a vintage print, a photograph from a local artist, and maybe something you created yourself. The eclectic mix tells the story of your artistic journey.

Don't forget about unconventional spaces: bathrooms, hallways, and even closets can showcase smaller pieces. Art doesn't have to live only in your living room.

Consider the lighting too. Good lighting can make a $30 print look like a museum piece.

Invest in Custom Commissions

If you've never commissioned a piece of art, 2026 is the year to try it. Start with something meaningful: a portrait of your dog, your home, or a special place. I commissioned a portrait from my wedding day for mother's day once and a watercolour of our home for my partner.

The commission process is part of the art experience. Working with an artist to bring your vision to life creates a connection to the finished piece that you can't get any other way. You'll understand the choices that went into every element, from the color palette to the composition.

Don't assume commissions are only for the wealthy. Many artists offer different price points and payment plans. A simple digital portrait might cost less than a nice dinner out, while a detailed piece might be a special occasion investment. The delight when you first see your commissioned piece is indescribable! 

Connect Art to Your Daily Life

It is so easy to make art appreciation part of your routine. Follow artists on social media whose work you enjoy. Find youtube creators who explain art history is short segments. Read artists' processes, their inspiration, their struggles . Understanding the story behind artwork makes it more meaningful.

Follow podcasts that introduce you to new artists and movements. Set up Google alerts for art events in your area. The more art becomes part of your daily information diet, the more naturally you'll seek it out in person.

Consider taking a class: not to become an artist, but to understand the medium better. A pottery class, a watercolor workshop, or even an art history course can deepen your appreciation for the skill and thought that goes into creative work.

Start Small, Think Big

The best part about making art your 2026 resolution is that every small step counts. Buying one print supports an artist. Spending an afternoon at a gallery expands your perspective. Commissioning a portrait of your dog brings daily joy to your home.

You don't need to overhaul your entire life or spend thousands of dollars. You just need to start paying attention to the art already around you and make intentional choices to bring more of it into your world.

By the end of 2026, you might find that your home feels more personal, your daily routine includes creative moments, and you've developed relationships with local artists whose work you genuinely love. That's a resolution worth keeping.

Art isn't a luxury; it's a way of seeing the world with more appreciation, wonder, and connection. This year, give yourself permission to embrace that perspective. Your walls, your dog, and your daily life will be better for it.

Custom Dog Portraits vs AI-Generated Art: Which Is Better For Your Home?

You love your dog. When you’re choosing wall art that looks like them, you have a few options: a custom dog portrait by a real artist, prints of work by a real artist or AI-generated images. If you ask me: anyone who cares about personality, likeness, and long-term value, custom art pieces win. 

Why Custom Dog Portraits Are Worth It

• This is about your dog and your dog only. I study reference photos in miniscule detail.​ I'll carefully refer to your photos for hours on end (upwards of nine hours usually) and picks up the little things—wonky ear, a scar from puppy days, that cheeky glint.

• It’s a collaboration. You share stories and quirks, and we build a portrait that feels like them together.

• You support independent artists. Your commission funds real creativity and craft. The picture you take home carries a little piece of me in it. ​

  At Bancroftio Draws, my goal is to hand-drawn digital portraits that capture the spirit of your pet, not just their outline.

At Bancroftio Draws, my goal is to hand-draw digital portraits that capture the spirit of your pet, not just a vague likeness.

The Reality of AI-Generated Dog Art

• It's fast and cheap, because it’s generic. AI outputs what it thinks it ought to based on huge data sets it has been trained on. What's produced isn't your actual dog, even when someone "feeds in" a photo of your dog to begin with. It's just a mish-mash of art from the data set.

• These data sets contain the art and images from artists who haven’t consented to their work being used in this way. Illustrators, painters, and photographers have had their styles and finished pieces scraped from the internet and fed into training models without permission, credit, or compensation. When AI generates an image, it’s not creating in a vacuum — it’s helping itself to the efforts, ideas and emotions of real people.

• Often, the results feel uncanny. Details get smoothed away or become the victim of AI peculiarities, expressions are flattened, and the spark that makes a portrait feel alive is missing. The output might (sometimes) be polished or cute, but emotionally hollow.

• There’s also no story behind the image. No relationship, no intention, no time spent noticing. AI portraits can be fun for a moment, but they rarely earn a permanent place on a wall.

• The people who sell products using AI images often pump out extraordinarily amounts of images because their game plan is "chuck everything at a wall and see what sticks" i.e. what customers will buy. Items for sale thrown together quickly and with little care because the seller is focused on quantity to sale not quality. AI images on these products of contain errors such as missing or too many limbs/digits/tails, strange mouths or teeth, background features that don't make sense.

Key Differences (Real-World Stuff)

Time

• Custom portraits: weeks (care takes time)

• AI: minutes to hours

Cost

• Custom: size dependent but around £70-150 for an A4 piece

• AI: under £30

Personalisation

• Custom: entirely custom - built from your photos and stories and incorporating your feedback

• AI: generic interpretation with little to no customisation

Emotional value

• Custom: made with you in mind, emotional value grows with time, becomes a meaningful keepsake (great for memorials)

• AI: initial novelty but no long-term value

Impact

• Custom: focal point, long-term momento of a treasured family member, conversation starter

• AI: cheap, filler decor likely in a 'trending' (i.e. saleable) style that quickly becomes dated

When Each Option Makes Sense

• Choose custom when you want a meaningful and long-lasting piece for your home, a gift with heart that shows you care, or a pet memorial portrait that feels like it truly honours your pet.

• Choose AI when you’re just experimenting, need something instantly or temporarily, or have a very tight budget.

Buying Prints from Real Artists: Affordable, Real Art for Your Walls

Not ready for a commission piece? Artist prints are a brilliant entry point into owning real art and supporting artists.

Why prints work

• You're buying real work from real artists ​

• More affordable than original pieces, still high quality

• Archival papers and pigment inks mean long-lasting colour

• Can be available in a range of sizes ​

Where to find them

• Artist websites (like this one, right here!), Instagram and other online marketplaces

• Local craft shops, independent boutiques, art fairs and markets

• Or contact artists directly

Bonus: It genuinely helps

Prints create steady income for artists and keep studios running. You build a real art collection from real artists. It’s a win win step before commissioning a custom dog portrait!

The Bottom Line

If you want quick and cheap, AI-generated dog art will do in a pinch. If you want a portrait with personality, story, and lasting value, go custom. And if you’re building an art-filled home on a budget, buy prints from real artists—you’ll support creativity and bring home art that actually means something.