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Lighting- Number one most important tip!! Outside lighting is ideal!!!!  Try to find a good spot in semi shade but with no weird shadows on their face. Too much sun and it will wash out the details in the picture. Do not use the flash! This turns eyes into glowing green discs and washes out their color!! The eyes are the most important part of the painting, they make it YOUR dog!!

 Expression - Try to get pictures showing your pet's personality at its best (or most rotten!) Sometimes dogs don't like their picture being taken and it can show in the photograph, try to make it fun! If you don't already have a "too cute" picture in mind, you can get those expressive shots by making funny noises or holding up treats!

 Size- The larger the picture the better. Cell phone and webcam photos do not show enough detail. Make sure it is a head or neck and head shot!

 Angles and Zoom- Try taking pictures from different levels. Get down on the ground and  try your dog's eye level! Just take enough so you can find the perfect picture to cherish forever as a painting!

Here are some examples!!!!