Our New Christmas Pet Portrait Collection Just Went Live

The tree's up, the lights are strung, and there's a very good chance your pet has already claimed something under it that wasn't meant for them. That's basically the whole idea behind our new Christmas collection: seven scenes built around the specific chaos pets bring to the holidays, not a generic 'pet in a Santa hat' stock photo.

Like every scene in the shop, each one started as an original idea from the artist, not a filter and not raw AI output. Your pet's photo gets placed into the scene, then hand-retouched and personally approved before it reaches you.

Which Christmas Scenes Are Available for Cats?

Four new cat scenes: Heirloom Christmas, your cat nestled into the branches of a lit tree with tinsel and warm bulbs all around them. Christmas Tree, one paw already on the ornament that isn't going to survive the week. Christmas Morning, sitting in the gift box instead of interested in the gift. And Christmas Lights, wrapped in a strand of colored lights and completely unrepentant about it.

Which Christmas Scenes Are Available for Dogs?

Three new dog scenes: Santa Paws, guarding a plate of cookies and milk by the fireplace, holding out for about as long as you'd expect. Christmas Lights, flat on the rug in a tangle of warm white lights, waiting it out. And Christmas Stocking, carrying their own stocking to the fireplace hours ahead of schedule.

How Much Does a Custom Christmas Pet Portrait Cost?

$34, the same price as every digital portrait in the shop. There's no holiday upcharge for a seasonal scene, and the price includes the finished high-resolution file, ready to print.

Will My Portrait Arrive in Time for Christmas?

Portraits are made individually, not generated instantly, so plan on about 3 business days once your photos are in. If you're ordering close to the holiday, order sooner rather than later so it's actually under the tree and not still sitting in your inbox on the 25th.

Can I Get It Printed and Framed as a Gift?

Yes. Even though it arrives as a digital file, every portrait is print-ready from a small desk frame up to 24x30 inches over the couch, and it fits a standard European frame with no cropping. Print it yourself, take it to a local shop, or use an online print service, then wrap the print instead of the file.

Is a Christmas Portrait Made by an Artist or by AI?

Both, in a specific order. Every scene starts as an original idea from the artist, created before your pet is ever part of the picture. AI-assisted compositing places your pet into that scene, then Amy Oliver, the artist behind Retro Reverence, matches markings and colors, retouches every detail by hand, and personally approves the finished piece before it's delivered.

What Photo Should I Send for the Best Christmas Portrait?

A clear, well-lit photo where your pet's face and markings are easy to see, taken in daylight if possible. You don't need a professional photo or a posed shot. The photo on your phone from an ordinary afternoon usually works better than a stiff studio portrait, since it's their real coloring and expression we're matching.

All seven new Christmas scenes, plus our Halloween and fall collections, live on one page.