Ordering pet portraits from photos can feel surprisingly personal. You are handing over an ordinary picture that already means something to you and waiting to see it become a finished piece of art.
A clear process makes that experience easier. Here is what happens from the moment you choose a photograph to the day your framed portrait arrives.
Step 1: Choose the photograph that feels most like them
The strongest reference photo is usually the one that captures a familiar expression. It does not need to come from a professional camera. A clear phone photo can work well when the face is in focus, the eyes are visible and the lighting shows important markings.
Try to avoid screenshots, heavily filtered images and photographs where part of the head or ears are cut off. If the image is dark, blurry or taken from a long distance, choose another version when possible. Our pet portrait photo guide includes simple lighting and angle tips.
Step 2: Select the portrait size and frame
Think about where the portrait will live before choosing the format. An 8 × 10 inch piece fits easily on a shelf, desk or small wall. A 12 × 16 inch portrait offers more presence without dominating the room. An 18 × 24 inch portrait works as a focal point.
Then choose a frame that suits the space. Walnut adds warmth, natural oak keeps the look light, and black creates crisp contrast. Ollie & May portraits arrive framed and ready to display.
Step 3: Upload your pet photo, or send it later
You can upload a JPG, PNG or HEIC image while placing your order. If the photograph is on another device, you are ordering a gift or you simply want more time to decide, choose “send my photo after checkout instead.” The file then becomes optional at checkout and can be provided afterward.
This option is useful for surprise gifts. The recipient can select the image they love most without you having to quietly search through their camera roll.
Step 4: The portrait is composed from your image
The photograph provides the expression, markings and details that make the portrait recognizable. The composition is prepared so the face sits naturally within the selected size and feels balanced once framed.
This stage is also where distracting parts of the original photograph can be left behind. The finished artwork focuses attention on your pet rather than the room, leash or background captured by the camera.
Step 5: Review your digital preview
With Ollie & May, a digital proof is sent in one to three business days. This is the moment to look closely before printing.
Check the expression first. Then review the shape of the ears, the coloring around the eyes and muzzle, distinctive patches and the amount of space around the portrait. Imagine the preview inside the frame size you selected.
Step 6: Request any refinements
If something needs adjusting, clear and specific feedback is best. You might ask for a marking to be slightly darker, an ear to sit lower or the crop to include more of the chest. Small observations often make the final portrait feel much more familiar.
Unlimited revisions mean you can keep refining the proof until it feels right. Nothing is printed until you approve it.
Step 7: Approve the artwork for printing
Once you are happy with the digital proof, give your approval. The portrait moves into production only after that confirmation. This protects you from receiving a finished piece without first seeing how the photograph has been interpreted.
Step 8: Printing, framing and US delivery
The approved artwork is professionally printed, placed in your chosen frame and packaged for delivery. Ollie & May pieces are made in the USA and include free US shipping, so the portrait arrives as a finished object rather than a loose print that still needs framing.
What makes a good pet portrait from a photo?
A good result combines a recognizable expression, careful attention to markings and a composition that works beyond the original snapshot. The digital proof is central to that process because it lets your knowledge of your pet guide the final details.
The photograph begins the portrait, but your approval finishes it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a portrait from an old pet photo?
Often, yes. Use the highest-quality version you have. Older photographs may still provide enough detail when the face and main markings are clear. Read our guide to creating a portrait from an older pet photo for more help.
Can I change my photo after ordering?
If you have not yet approved the artwork, contact the team as soon as possible. It is also fine to choose the send-later option during checkout if you have not settled on the image.
When does the portrait get printed?
Printing begins only after you approve the digital proof.
Does the portrait arrive framed?
Yes. Choose walnut, natural oak or black, and the finished portrait arrives framed and ready to display.
