The photographs that you send for me to work on are the biggest factor in the outcome of the finished portrait. The better the photos, the better the painting. Its that simple. I have put down a few pointers to help you when selecting or taking photographs.

You need a photograph that is clear, up close (fill the view finder with your pet, not your house or garden!), and is of a pose that is typical of your pet or simmilar to what you see in the gallery. The best possible lighting is achieved outside or by a window. If you are outside avoid direct sunlight as this may make your pet squint. (have the light source behind you). Try and pick a plain background. Although my expertise is photo manipulation. As with any photo. If there are shadows we cannot see what is there.

The best position of your pet is to have yourself right down at the same level of your pet. Photos pointing down don't look right. If need be lay down. It is a good idea to have someone next to you with a favourite toy or sweetie, or to say a word that gets your pet to look interested. Have your pet look at the person next to you. As this pose is better than face on or completely side view. A slight angle to the side is much better.

You can email photographs to me, however you are welcome to post them. I recommend that you send them by recorded delivery for their safety. I will return them by recorded delivery at no extra cost. If you are able to email me photographs they can be either digital photos or scans of original photographs. When you scan them, try to set your scanner to a DPI of around 250-300. If you are not sure how to do this just scan them as they are and I will let you know if they are okay. If you are able to change the resolution of your digital photographs, try to make it as high as possible, without making it too big to email If you need help with emailing photographs please call me for help. I know how frustrating all this technology can be! If you are taking photographs especially for the portrait I have inluded some do’s and dont’s on the order page.

Make sure the photographs portray the right colour of your pet's coat or a persons skin if that is of great importance to you. Sometimes photos can alter the true colour of a subject. I recommend taking photographs in the daylight. Please try to avoid using a flash. You will find Natural light is best, although my style of digital painting lends itself to creating a mood for a painting, so I quite often add lighting effects to enhance the final composition. What I try to achieve with my paintings is a mood and therefore colour of your pets coat or a persons skin colour is not paramount to me. Please let me know in the field titled "Additional Information" if this is important. The photos below give you an idea what to do, and what not to do. You can also give me call if you're still not sure or need further help. I would be more that happy to talk to you.