Commission information
I capture the personality and uniqueness of your beloved family member with a portrait to your specification.
Each portrait is created using high quality graphite pencil and uses Daler Rowney 160gsm, acid free pastel paper to ensure longevity and the highest quality drawing. Each portrait is packaged professionally to ensure a safe delivery.
I ask for a 50% deposit to secure the booking, and the final balance is only paid when you are 100% happy.
Timescale
The time for a pet portrait varies depending on the complexity of the drawing, the size and the number of subjects. It can take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks to complete, so please book with as much notice as possible.
I may have a small waiting list, so please contact me to find out more.
pricing
(not including postage)
Commissions with additional subjects are +25%
Collection and delivery available (subject to location - additional delivery fees may occur)
50% deposit required
providing a photograph
Taking a good photo of your pet can be hard! A high quality photograph makes the real difference to the amount of detail in the drawing, so it is super important to provide the best possible reference photo!
It doesn’t need to be a professional photo or be taken with a fancy camera. Phone cameras usually do the job perfectly fine.
If the portrait is a surprise gift, or of a pet that has passed away, it is not always possible to take more photos to get what you need. I am always happy to advise on the photos you do have available.
EXAMPLES OF SUITABLE AND UNSUITABLE PHOTOGRAPHS
The images on the left and centre have great quality and lighting, but the image on the right is perfect because often the eyes show the most personality and a portrait is more engaging when you can see the eyes.
The image on the left is dark and the subject is small. The image on the right is closer, and has better lighting and detail. To make it perfect the nose would not be cut off, so think about your composition when photographing.
The image on the left is captured while the dog is in motion, meaning it is blurred. The dog is also too far away from the camera and there is an odd shadow across the picture. The image on the right is posed (easiest to do with a dog!), there is personality in the face and the dog fits nicely within the frame.
Although the lighting and detail is good in both photographs, the one on the left is angled oddly and has cut off some of the ear (although if this is the style you would like please communicate this to me!). The facial expression on the left is also slightly odd, whereas on the right the eyes are bright and the cat has much more life to it.
Think about how you pose your pet!
The image on the left shows how you can lift your pet (size permitting - do not attempt this with a horse!) into the light get a good close up shot.
The next image (centre left) is a great example of a full-body shot. The cat is fully within the frame, and although not looking directly at the camera, he has personality in the way he stands. The lighting is also good in this one and the face is nicely lit.
The next image (centre right) shows a great example of how you can capture your pet whilst they are relaxed. Capturing them in a familiar environment will make them more comfortable and you are more likely to get a good snapshot! With this one, it does not matter if the feet are cropped out as the face is the focal point. This is down to you to decide when taking the picture (although some cropping can take place by me when we finalise the composition).
The final image on the right is not suitable as the dog is back-lit (the light is coming from behind). When photographing, try to position you pet facing the light source (such as a window) or in a well-lit area. Natural light often produces good photographs, so when outside try to have the sun behind you (the photographer).
Top Tips for Great photographs
use natural light
If possible, always use natural light when taking the photograph. Avoid using flash as this not only causes red-eye, but can also scare your pet. Try to go outside, or if this is not possible, use a room well lit by a large window.
Keep the eyes sharp
As they say, “the eyes are the window to the soul” and animal eyes can be particularly expressive, so make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes and make sure they are open and where possible, looking at you (bribery might help!)
Be patient
It is very important your pet feels comfortable and relaxed, so instead of forcing them to come to you, go to them. Try to take a photo from their level, this will be much more flattering!
get close
Get close enough to your pet so that they mostly fill the frame, this will ensure that detail such as individual hairs and characteristic features are visible.
how would you like them to look?
Do you want to include their favourite item of clothing such as a collar or bandana? Can they pose a trick really well? Do they make a funny face? Choose an angle or pose of your pet you want to remember them by!
And most importantly…
If you are having trouble deciding, please send a selection and we can pick the best one together!