Custom Oil Paintings

Finding the Right Photo

When you order a custom painting of your beloved pet (or any subject at all), the first step is a good image. While I don’t require taking my own images of your subject, I do require a high-quality photo to work from and I can help guide you toward what makes a good photo for a portrait. After selecting an image, I require a 50% deposit before I begin creating, with the full payment due prior to delivery. Initial artwork costs allow for two rounds of revisions.

Reference photo guidelines:

• Quality: the image cannot be blurry, pixelated, or out-of-focus, as I like to capture every detail that makes the subject unique.

• Lighting: the best photos use natural light, preferably outdoors with no direct sunlight casting shadows. Turn the flash on your camera off to avoid red/glowing eyes and unnatural shadows.

• Point of view: take your photo at eye level with your subject. Photos looking down upon your pet or subject look unnatural and unflattering, so try to be on the same level as the subject with them looking at or past the camera.

• Camera: if possible, try to take your photo with a DSLR camera rather than a phone. Typically the lighting and composition is better when using a nice camera, however I am happy to work from a phone image if it’s clear and good quality.

When it comes to reference photos, the better the photo, the better the art! I want to begin with the best possible image so I can create the best possible artwork for you.