Custom pet portrait T-shirt beside the pet photo quality checker

A free 60-second check

Pet Photo Quality Checker

Answer five practical questions to see whether your dog or cat photo has enough visible detail for portrait artwork. Check the product page for the pets it supports.

No photo upload. No account. Nothing leaves this page.

Check the original image

Can you answer yes to these?

Use the full-resolution photo from your camera roll when possible. Check each statement that is true.

0 of 5 checks

Start with the clearest photo you have

Check each true statement. Four or five checks is a useful starting point; the result is based on your answers, not an inspection of your photo.

Golden retriever beside a black-framed example of Dilly’s AI-created watercolor dog portrait

From a clear photo to a framed portrait

Making a framed portrait?

Start with the clearest original photo of one dog. Our AI-created watercolor portrait includes an emailed preview after ordering, so you can check the face, markings and expression before printing.

$64.95 USD · One dog · 8 × 10 print and frame

See the framed watercolor portraitCompare framed pet portraits

Look for the details that make them, them

Use these example photo-to-portrait pairs to see which details need to be clear in your own photo.

Black Labrador example photo and AI-created watercolor portrait showing brown eyes and a grey muzzle

Dark coats: find the eyes

Soft daylight makes the eyes, muzzle and grey hairs readable. Avoid a photo where the face disappears into shadow.

Samoyed example photo and AI-created watercolor portrait with visible white fur and upright ears

White coats: keep the texture

Choose a photo with visible fur detail around the ears and cheeks. Very bright light can wash those edges out.

Australian shepherd example photo and AI-created watercolor portrait showing asymmetric markings and different eye colors

Markings: check both sides

Keep distinctive patches and eye colors visible. When your proof arrives, check that each detail stays on the correct side.

Why these five checks matter

Portrait artwork needs visible detail in the reference photo. Sharp eyes and markings help preserve identity, natural light separates fur from shadow, and an uncropped head keeps the full ear and face shapes visible. The checker does not judge the pet or the composition; it flags the photo problems most likely to reduce portrait detail.

What to do when a photo misses a check

  • Soft focus: look for another original photo rather than a screenshot or social-media download.
  • Dark face: choose an outdoor shade or window-light photo where both eyes are readable.
  • Cropped ears or head: use the uncropped original if it exists.
  • Blocked features: choose a frame without hands, toys, blankets, or another pet covering the face.
  • Heavy filter: return to the natural-color version so coat and eye details stay accurate.

After your photo passes

Start with the custom pet portrait T-shirt for the lowest Dilly apparel entry price, or browse custom pet hoodies and sweatshirts. Eligible products include a free shopping preview, and the human-refined final proof requires approval before production.

Still comparing stores? Use the custom pet shirt brand comparison to review current prices, preview types, and proof policies.

Photo ready? Put it on the shirt you will wear.

Try the free shopping preview, then approve the human-refined final proof before production.

Preview the $33 custom tee