Below is information on how to take pictures of your pet, as well as other question you may have. If this FAQ or the other links on this site do not provide answers to your questions, please email me and I will be happy to follow up.

Photographs

Because I work from photographs (traditional or digital), it is important that I have a good photo reference. The following bullet points are tips to keep in mind when taking photos. I hope these suggestions are helpful, but don't worry, I can work from most photos.

• It is best to take pictures of your pet in natural light, either outside or light coming through a window. Flash photography does not work well because it flattens out the subject by removing shadowing, which is important to depict volume and shape in the picture. Direct sunlight is not necessary, as long as there is enough indirect natural light to get a good shot. NOTE: If you have a dark furred pet make sure that he is being lit in a way that will show fur texture.

• Digital pictures are preferred bc of their detail quality, but print film is also expectable. Digital pictures they should be taken at a high resolution JPEGS (around 2-3 mega pixels), so that the detail is clear. Extra images are always helpful as reference for detail, personality, etc.

Backgrounds

The background of a picture can accent the subject, but can also distract. I suggest that you keep the background simple, without allot of clutter. The background can also be painted as as a solid or modeled color, which is often the best way to highlight your pet.

Framing

I do not provide frames for my paintings, for shipping safety. Also the frame you choose should blend with your home decor, and there is no one better suited to pick the right frame than you. I can paint the picture in a standard size, to make frame shopping easier and more cost conscious. Please visit the "Pricing" link for more information on your options.

The Painting Medium

Acrylics- Acrylics are a synthetic polymer, but they look like oil paints! When dry, acrylics are not soluble in water. The painting does not need to be framed under glass, but I suggest using glass to protect the painting from dust. My acrylics are painted on cold press (smooth) acid free illustration board.