Portraiture Commissions

Some extra guidelines apply when commissioning portraits created from photos of yourself or your loved ones.  These can be of pets or humans, in or out of costume.

Photos are very important to my to accurately depict yourself, your friends, or your furry friends. When you provide a few photos taken with care the portrait can easily be an accurate depiction.  If you would like a composite composition, blending elements from multiple photos, I will need multiple clear photos of all elements and individuals that are to be included.

Pricing of portraiture is based on the size of the piece, medium, and style in which it is created.  Most portraits are created in a realism style.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

There are some simple rules to follow when providing the photographs I will use to create the portrait.

First, the photos must be in focus.

Second, the lighting should be good. That means preferably natural (sunlight). Even, bright lighting will also suffice.  If you want strong shading or lighting in your portrait, it helps if this is present in at least one of the reference photos.

Third, one of the photos should be a good shot of the subject’s head and eyes in natural light (preventing red-eye or reflective-eye).  Even if this photo is not specifically used for the portrait, it is important to bring life and individuality to any painted subject.

Fourth, one of the photos must be of the pose and surroundings or props (if any) you wish to see in the final portrait.

Any additional photos should show details of the subject’s features that might be difficult to see in the other photos.

If you live in the Sacramento or North Bay Area, we can discuss the option of meeting personally so I can take the needed photos myself.  In this case, I will also provide digital copies of all the photos I take.