Because every meaningful portrait begins with a memory.
Choosing a photo for a custom pet portrait can feel more important than choosing an ordinary picture. It may be the face you see every morning, a familiar expression you never want to forget, or a treasured image of a companion who is no longer by your side.
At JaneForYou, we do not look for a “perfect” photograph. We look for the little details that make your pet unmistakably yours: the brightness in their eyes, the curve of their ears, the colours in their fur, and the expression that feels like home.
1. Choose a photo with clear light and a visible face
Natural daylight is usually the most helpful. A photo taken near a window or outdoors in soft daylight can reveal your pet’s true fur colour and the small details in their face.
Whenever possible, choose an image where:
- Your pet’s eyes are visible
- Their face is in focus
- Their ears, markings, and fur details can be seen clearly
- The photo is not heavily filtered or covered by strong shadows
A front-facing portrait or a gentle three-quarter angle often works beautifully. But the best image is also one that feels like them.
2. Let personality guide your choice
A technically clear photo is helpful, but personality matters just as much.
Perhaps your dog always looked up with one ear slightly raised. Perhaps your cat had a calm, thoughtful gaze. Perhaps there is a photograph that reminds you of an afternoon walk, a favourite toy, or a moment of quiet companionship.
When you send your photo, you are welcome to tell us your pet’s name and share a few words about their personality. These small details help us understand the memory behind the portrait, so the finished piece feels more personal and alive.
3. Old photos can still hold everything that matters
Many of the most meaningful photographs are not recent ones. They may be printed photographs, slightly faded images, or pictures taken years ago on an older phone.
If an old photo is the one that feels most precious, please do not worry. Send it to us first. We will carefully review whether it can be used as a reference and let you know if another image would help.
A photograph does not need to be flawless to carry love. Sometimes an old image holds the expression, season, or memory that matters most.
4. Photos that may need a little extra support
Some photos can be more challenging to work from, especially if your pet is very far away, moving quickly, photographed in low light, or partly hidden.
If you are unsure, simply send the image you have. In many cases, we can use it together with one or two supporting photos to better understand your pet’s features.
For the best result, it helps to avoid photos where:
- The face is very small in the frame
- Strong sunlight creates deep shadows across the eyes
- The pet is wearing accessories that cover key features
- The image is heavily blurred or filtered
Our purpose is never to make the process difficult. It is to give your portrait the care it deserves.
5. One photo can become something you keep close
Once the reference is chosen, it becomes the beginning of a slow, hand-finished process. Your pet’s portrait is carefully painted in enamel, layer by layer, then fired at high temperature to create depth, colour, and a luminous glass-like finish.
Whether you choose a Memory Locket or a Pet Portrait Bracelet, the final piece is more than a likeness. It is a small way to carry a familiar presence, a story, and a love that remains close.
A gentle beginning
If you are not sure which photo to choose, begin with the one that makes you pause. The one that feels most like them.
We will be here to help with the rest.
Ready to turn a beloved photo into a piece you can keep close?
Explore our Memory Locket orPet Portrait Bracelet nd begin your custom portrait journey.
