How to commission a pet portrait

How much does a pet portrait cost?

Prices of pet portraits vary depending on the size you choose and the number of subjects/pets. For more information please take a look at my 2024 pricelist

If you still have any questions then please contact me and I'd be happy to help.

How long does a pet portrait take?

On average a pet portrait can take me up to 4 weeks to complete. It is advisable that you get in touch with me regarding a pet portrait enquiry as soon as possible, due to my waiting list varying throughout the year.

What pets do you draw/paint?

Most commonly I get asked to create dog or cat portraits but I have also done several rabbit portraits and a couple of horses.

I am open to creating any type of pet portrait so if you have any feathered or scaled requests please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Can you create portraits of pets that have already crossed rainbow Bridge?

I am more than happy to create special, memorial portraits of your loved pets that have already crossed over rainbow Bridge. However, I will need some good quality reference photos to work from. You may send me as many as required until I am happy that we have one which I can work from and create a pet portrait to my usual high standard.

How many photographs do you need?

I hardly ever receive just one photograph to work from. In fact, I encourage you to send as many photographs as possible and that way I can offer you advice on which will work best as a pet portrait.

For tips on what makes a suitable reference photo please click here

How do I pay for my pet portrait?

I currently do not ask for a deposit for my pet portrait services. The full ammount will be paid on completion when you are happy with the likeness of your finished pet portrait.

When you are happy I will send you an invoice and payment can be made via bank transfer, PayPal or cash if you are collecting your portrait in person.

How much is postage and packaging?

For postage and packaging costs click here

Can I collect my portrait in person?

Absolutely! I have met many customers in person to collect their portraits and it has always been a delight. I am especially overjoyed when I get to meet the pet that I have been drawing for the last few weeks.

I live in Lincoln where you can collect from my home or we can have a chat and arrange a location in Lincoln or in the surrounding area where I would be happy to meet you.

Do your portraits come framed?

Your portrait will be delivered to you unframed but protected adequately to prevent any damage until you can frame it. This is due to the extra weight and added cost of postage aswell as there being no guarantee that the glass won't break and damage your portrait whilst being delivered.

Exceptions to this are if you are collecting your portrait, in which case I will present your portrait to you in a complimentary frame. This will not been done professionally and I highly recommend that you have your portrait framed by a professional. For more information on framing click here

How do I look after my portrait?

If you want to cherish your pet portrait for years to come then it is important that you understand how to care for an original art piece. There are several factors to take in to consideration when framing and hanging your portrait. For more information click here.

REFERENCE PHOTOS

What quality reference photos do I need to provide?

My pet portraits are drawn or painted using your favourite photographs. To be able to create a high quality portrait and achieve a true likeness to your pet, it is important that I am provided with high quality photos. I am unable to work from photographs that are low quality, as this would result in a poor portrait that does not meet my usual standard. I also want to ensure that I am providing my customers with my best work as they are paying for a premium service.

I will glady take a look through your photos and advise you on whether or not they are suitable. If they aren't, then I will ask for more. If you are still unable to capture a usable photograph, due to camera quality or other reasons, I would be unable to create your portrait. I would advise that you ask a friend or family member to help you take some photos, as they may have a better camera. Alternatively, if you live around Lincolnshire then I would be happy to meet you for a photo shoot.

WHAT MAKES A SUITABLE REFERENCE PHOTO?

Good Lighting

Take your photos outdoors in natural light. Photos taken indoors result in discolouration of fur, too many shadows and/or blurry images.

If you cannot take your pet outdoors, such as with an indoor cat, then choose a room with plenty of natural light and take your photos close to a window.

An Appealing Composition

For the ideal composition (your pets pose) take your photograph at their eye level. This should help you to avoid distorting the proportions of their features. Taking photos from above or below can elongate or shorten your pets body or facial features or obscure the eyes.

Some pets do not appear to enjoy having their photos taken!! If your pet is camera shy, they can often look nervous. I can only portray the character which I see in the photographs. Therefore I would advise employing some tricks in an attempt to achieve some character in the photo:

Use their favourite treats to entice them!
Have a favourite toy at hand to achieve a playful expression.
Use the "W" word, although this may create too much excitement!
During a walk, your pet is usually quite energetic and you may capture some alertness.
If you would prefer your portrait to portray a more sleepy and relaxed expression, you could try taking photos outdoors after a long walk, or in the evening.

Taken Close Up

Take your photographs close up so your pets head and shoulders or full body (dependant on your portrait preferences) fill the shot. Ensure that you do not crop any of your pet out of the photo. Check that your photos are clear and sharp and not out of focus or blurry (which I will be unable to use). If I have to zoom in to a photo to see your pet then it is likely it will not be a good photo to work from as details such as fur direction and eye details will be lost.

Sending Original Files

Where possible, please email me your original photographs and not images that have been downloaded from Facebook or taken from screenshots. This is because the image quality is reduced in the process and means they do not make for good reference photos.

EXAMPLES OF SUITABLE REFERENCE PHOTOS

A high quality reference photo which will allow the artist to produce a detailed pet portrait

An example of a very clear, high quality photograph taken outdoors in natural light. There is a great highlight in the eyes and when you zoom in you can see all the details clearly.

Coloured Pencil pet portrait alongside the original reference photo to show a comparison

A high quality photo allows me to be able to capture all those key details that make your pet unique.

A great quality reference photograph taken at eye level that captures the dogs character and personality. The detail of the fur is fantastic which meant I could create a high quality, very realistic pet portrait. The only negative of this photo is how bright of a day it was so the pupils are really small which is one reason why a slightly overcast day can be better than full sun.

EXAMPLES OF UNSUITABLE REFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHS

POOR LIGHTING

This photo has been taken indoors in a room with little to no natural light and it shows in the discolouration of the fur. Photos taken indoors in artificial light usually take on a yellowish tone which reflects on the fur. Key features such as the eyes and nose also lose a lot of detail compared to if the photo was taken in more natural light.

LIGHTING TOO DARK, BLURRY, UNSUITABLE POSE

This is a poor photo for several reasons. To begin with, the pose is awkward and not very complimentary to Max! Secondly you can see that the flash was on when the photo was taken, causing the dreaded eye glare. This may have been automatic due to the photo being taken in poor lighting.

NOT THE ORIGINAL FILE

This photograph is not the original. For example, it may be a screenshot or a download from Facebook, and so as you can see in the image below, it has lost all its quality and cannot be used as a reference photo.

PIXELATED AND LACKING CLEAR DETAIL

UNFLATTERING COMPOSITION

This photo is obviously all kinds of wrong for a pet portrait, and just goes to show that patience and several attempts at a photo shoot are usually needed! In this photo it looks like Bailey was refusing to play ball (pun intended!) and instead was showing off his cheeky side!

THIS IS ME! EYES CLOSED IN ALL PHOTOTS!

Eyes closed is a big no! Please don't send me photos of your pet with their eyes closed unless it is just as a reference for fur colour.

PET PORTRAIT FAQs

REFERENCE PHOTOS

What quality reference photos do I need to provide?