You don't need a professional camera to create a personalized piece of pet jewelry. A clear smartphone photo is often enough. What matters most is a recognizable face, good light and the details that make your dog or cat unique.
1. Keep the eyes in focus
Zoom into your photo and check the eyes, nose and fur. A sharp image gives us more of the little features you know so well. Avoid photos that are badly blurred or shaken.
2. Show one pet per photo
When you're personalizing a piece with multiple pets, upload one separate photo for each animal. This helps us understand which face belongs on each pendant.
3. Use soft, even lighting
Natural light near a window or outdoors in open shade often works well. Heavy shadows can hide the eyes and fur outlines. Strong filters may also make details harder to see.
4. Keep the full head visible
Try to include the ears, forehead and chin. Cropped ears or a hidden muzzle may make it harder to recreate a recognizable portrait.
5. Choose a natural angle
Front-facing photos or a gentle three-quarter angle are usually easiest to work with. An extreme side angle can hide the features that make your pet instantly recognizable.
6. Upload the original photo when possible
The original image usually contains more detail than a screenshot, compressed message attachment or heavily edited social media photo. Avoid placing text or stickers over your pet's face.
7. Choose the expression you love
Technical quality matters, but the photo should also feel like your pet. Pick the familiar expression, the ears, the look or the little details you want to remember.
What if you only have an older photo?
Choose the clearest version you have. A careful scan of a printed photograph may help. We check submitted images before engraving and will contact you if key details are missing. A photo check is not a promise of an exact engraving preview.
Ready to create your keepsake? Browse our engraved pet photo jewelry or contact us if you're unsure about your photo.