Photographing Your Pet

Here are some basic directions to help you capture your pet’s true personality to be used for my reference while painting your pet portrait. I do prefer to meet the animal and take my own photographs if possible. If you live within ~100 mile radius, I will come out and take photographs of your pet and have the chance to observe your pet's personality.

1. The best light is an overcast day; there are not too many shadows or bright spots. Do not take your pictures inside using a flash. The flash will mute the colors of the fur and cause red-eye. If you need to take pictures indoors, get as close to a large window as you can to allow natural light to come in.

2. Get down at eye level with your pet; otherwise the camera will cause distortion due to the angle.

3. If your pet won't stay, have someone hold him from behind, holding down on the front legs. Avoid interfering with the neck or any other portion of the animal which will be in the final portrait.

4. It is best if you take your pets photo with the head turned a little, such as 3/4 view, or profile, as opposed to straight on.

5. Fill the frame with your pet's head and down to the bottom of his chest.

6. Try to include images showing your pets personality. Attempt to get shots while your pet is playing, sunbathing, etc. Throw an object up in the air, aiming it to land where you want the dog to look. Use a treat to get the dog’s attention or whistle to get the dog to tilt the head and prick the ears.

7. Take and send as many photographs of your pet as you can get. What you may consider a bad photo may have information I can use, such as showing details of the fur which another photo may not show as well. Close-ups of the eyes are very important, (no flash!) so that I can capture the personality and get the color just right.  My goal is to depict your pet as accurately as possible, full of personality. Excellent photos are essential! All photos provided by the client will be returned.

Pricing- Portrait In Oil

I ask for a deposit of 50% in order to start your painting. The balance is not due until you have seen the portrait via email and are happy with it. Just before completing the piece, I will e-mail you an image. At this time you can let me know if everything looks good, or if you would like any fine adjustments. I will then finish up the portrait and notify you.

If you live fairly close, we will make arrangements to meet and I will deliver your portrait. Prices below do not include packing and shipping. I do ship FedEx Express; shipping could run $40-$80 depending on where you live and size of package.  If more than one pet is to be included in the portrait, I charge an additional 25% on top of the base price for each additional pet to be painted. All pieces are unframed.

8" x 10" (head only-this size best for cats/small dogs)	$300
11" x 14"	$400
12" x 16"	$500
16" x 20"	$600
18" x 24"	$700

I generally paint my portraits with a simple background in order to bring your pet to the forefront. If you would like a full body or a more detailed background, we can discuss one-on-one, as there may be an adjustment to the base price to reflect the additional work involved.

Pricing- Sculpture Commission

Please contact me for pricing on a sculpture commission.

I donate 20% of every commissioned piece to several local animal rescue organizations.

Thank you!