order process
photos
To create the best possible painting, I need the best possible photo.
The photos which are the best to paint from are:
- high resolution, taken on a digital camera and not a phone camera (this allows me to get the most lifelike painting possible)
- fairly close up, so plenty of detail can be seen (especially the eyes and nose)
- preferably taken outside (this avoids camera flash and red eye and shows the colour of their fur better) or next to a window with the pet facing the light from the window
- not taken in strong sunlight as the pet will squint and dark shadows will be created
- with nothing obscuring any part of the face
- at eye level as it looks the most natural
- usually portraits work best as head and shoulders but if full body is required please photograph your pet on a blanket, so that paws can be seen and aren't hidden by grass
It is worth taking literally up to 100 photos to get a really perfect one! It's helpful to send a few, indicating which you feel is closest to the true colouring. I work mostly from one but it can be useful to have others which may show different details of eyes, ears etc.
The other thing to consider is the background colour. I like to use one solid colour which complements your pet's colourings. Just let me know if you have something in mind or I can give you advice when I see the photos.
timing
The portrait will take around 3-4 weeks from the receipt of the photos (depending on demand at that time), but please let me know if you need it by a certain date and I can try to work to this.
deposit
I require a £50 deposit before work begins and the balance is payable once you have approved your portrait (I will email a photo). The payment should be by bank transfer and as soon as it has cleared your portrait will be posted.
