Clarity and composition are essential. First, decide on how you want your portrait to look. For example, using the portraits on the bottom of this page, do you want a side view at eye level, a front view that looks down on the subject, or a head and shoulder study of the animal? If you want a full body picture of your pet, try not to send photos that have the feet cut off, or don't show the tail. Also, try to send photos that have been taken at the identical angle that you want duplicated in your portrait. It is not really difficult to take good photos of your pet. I have had many good photos sent to me that were taken with an inexpensive disposable camera. Just try to make them as clear as possible and try to take them when your pet is still. I have no problem with action portraits, but they generally require a more expensive digital camera, or faster speed film, such as 800, to capture your pet and not blur the photo. Natural lighting is best. Whether indoors or out, it shows the natural color of your pet. I like to see the full face of the pet to capture his/her personality, preferably with the eyes open and in a natural position. If you apply common sense techniques, getting adequate photos will be easy.