The clearer the photo, the better quality of painting I can produce. Clear and in focus are the main points. The larger the painting you require the better the photo I need as it's not easy trying to get detail from a small or out-of-focus image to produce a large painting.

Head shots are preferred for head portraits as more detail can be achieved with a good close-up shot.

Ensure that the image is in focus, with the light source shining on the pet's face.

The best photos are achieved in natural daylight without a flash, rather than indoors with flash. The flash light washes out details.

Try and take the photo from your pet's level.

Two or More Pets in a Painting?
If you want a painting with two or more pets in it, then don't worry about trying to get them to sit still together! All the portraits I have done on here of two or more pets have been from a photo of each and put together in the painting.

How to Send Your Photos
Photos can be emailed to me. If sending large image files by email, please send them individually as I have had several not get to me because the size was too big when sent together. Just let me know how many you are sending so that I will know when I have received them all.

The larger the digital photo size, the better. I've found that photos taken on mobile phones are not usually that easy to work from.

You may wish to send several images but mark which you would like the actual portrait to be done from or I can choose for you, and then I will confirm this before I commence the painting. I've found it's easier for you to tell me what photo as you will know which one really gives a good representation of your pet's character.

The photo to the right is an example of a good outdoor head shot (this took a lot of time and effort to obtain!), provided by my Labrador, Corbie. You can clearly see the eye and fur detail.