Body Expressions

Every companion has details that make them unmistakably unique. Whether it's the graceful curve of an ear, the intricate pattern of a turtle's shell, the elegant shape of a feathered wing, or the familiar wag of a tail, a great photo helps us faithfully recreate the features that tell your pet's story.

Follow these tips to help us create the best possible Pactile Body Expression.

Capture the Whole Feature

Your photo should clearly show the entire feature you'd like us to recreate. Examples include: ears, wings, tails, feet, shells, scales, horns, beaks, or anything unique to your pet. Avoid cropping off edges whenever possible.

Capture Fine Detail

The more detail we can see, the more detail we can preserve.

Whenever possible:

• Use natural daylight.
• Keep the feature in sharp focus.
• Remove dirt, mud, or debris if appropriate.
• Smooth feathers or fur naturally if desired.
• Avoid heavy shadows.

Choose a Simple Background

Simple backgrounds make refinement easier and produce the cleanest finished artwork.

Great backgrounds include:

✓ White walls

✓ Light blankets

✓ Neutral fabric

✓ Grass

✓ Natural stone

Try to avoid:

✕ Busy patterns

✕ Clutter

✕ Multiple animals

✕ Dark backgrounds hiding dark fur

Size Reference (Optional)

If you'd like your Body Expression recreated at its actual size, include a size reference in one of your uploaded photos.

For the most accurate sizing, the reference should be on the same plane as the feature—resting on the same surface and at the same height whenever possible.

Accepted references include:

• Green Textured Memories sizing token
• Ruler
• U.S. Quarter

You may upload two photos:

Photo 1

Your cleanest, highest-quality image.

Photo 2

A second photo showing the size reference.

We'll combine the detail from one image with the measurements from the other.

Life-Size or Artist-Composed

Choose how you'd like your keepsake displayed.

Life-Size Expression

We'll faithfully recreate your pet's feature at its actual size using your size reference, up to what will fit in an 8x10 frame.

Artist-Composed

We'll thoughtfully size and position your feature to create the most balanced artwork for your selected frame.

Professional Image Refinement

Every Body Expression begins with Professional Image Refinement.

We'll carefully:

• Isolate the feature
• Clean the edges
• Remove distractions
• Prepare the artwork for tactile production

Learn more about Professional Image Refinement.

Species-Specific Tips

Birds

Spread the wing naturally if possible.

Photograph against a simple background.

Avoid motion blur.

Rabbits

Photograph ears from directly beside or above.

Avoid folded ears unless that's how you'd like them preserved.

Horses

Hooves photograph best on level ground.

For ears or profiles, keep the camera perpendicular to the horse.

Reptiles

Avoid reflections on scales.

Natural light reveals texture best.

Turtles

Photograph directly above the shell.

Fill the frame while leaving a small border around the shell.

For very small animals—or feet that are difficult to photograph—placing them on a clean sheet of glass or acrylic and photographing from below often creates the clearest result. If you have a glass coffee or dining table, you can set a size reference down next to them on the table and grab the photo below - just make sure to focus on the feature you want before you take the photo!

Not Sure?

Upload your best photos anyway.

Every submission is personally reviewed before production. If we believe another photo would produce a noticeably better keepsake, we'll contact you before we begin.