Pet Caricatures of Your Dog or Cat, from a Photo

• Eye level: Photos taken from above make pets look small. Crouch down so the camera is level with their face.
• Eyes on the camera: Hold a treat or a toy just above the lens to get their attention.
• Light: Daylight from a window works best. Dark fur in particular needs good light to show detail.
• Sharp face: Use burst mode and pick the sharpest shot. A blurry face means a weaker caricature.
• Owner and pet: For a portrait together, hold your pet close to your face so you're both large in the frame.

• For pet parents: A framed caricature of their dog or cat is a gift almost every pet owner loves.
• Mugs and cushions: Print it on a mug, pillow or tote bag for an everyday reminder of their favorite animal.
• Pet birthdays and gotcha days: Use it on a card or party invitation for the pet's big day.
• Memorials: A gentle, happy caricature from a favorite photo can be a lovely way to remember a pet.
• Pet businesses: Groomers, walkers and vets use pet caricatures on social posts, loyalty cards and thank-you notes.

A caricature works by picking the features you notice first and pushing them further. Pets have very clear ones: a pug's round eyes and wrinkles, a French bulldog's bat ears, a husky's ice-blue stare. That's why pet caricatures are instantly recognizable to their owners, even when every feature is exaggerated.