Ordering a Pet Portrait I begin with your favorite photo; you can send it via email or regular mail.  Of course, all photos will be returned with your finished portrait.  I encourage you to send as many as you like, and together we can choose the right pose.  Since I work directly from the one photo we choose, I paint your pet exactly as he/she appears in that photo. While it is possible to make small changes, like leaving out a collar or ID tag, I will not be able to, say, reposition the head.  Those kinds of changes will require a new photo. I will make my suggestions about the composition of the portrait.  Keep in mind that a great portrait will come from a great photograph. You will need to choose a size for your portrait. Once I know we have a good photo to work from and I accept your commission, I will need a 20% non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of materials. When I finish your painting I will send you a photo of the painting for your approval.  At this time I can make reasonable changes you might have.  However, this is not a good time to decide Fluffy would look better if he were standing instead of sitting. With your final approval, I will need the remaining (80%) balance.  When I’ve received your payment, I will deliver your painting. I will do everything possible to give you a pet portrait that you will cherish forever.  But if you don’t love your painting, you do not have to buy it. Just as all pets are different, each portrait experience will differ.  These are some guidelines I’ve worked out to get us to a great painting. Portraits are usually completed in six to eight weeks, although the wait can be longer during the holiday season.
Head & Shoulder with a simple background Head & Shoulder with a complex background Full Body with a simple background Full Body with a complex background 8"x10 or 8"x8" $225   $325 $295 $395 9"x12" or 10"x10" $250 $350 $325 $425 11"x14" or 12"x12" 310 $410 $385 $485 12"x16" or 16"x16" $395 $495 $475 $575 16"x20" or 18"x18" $495 $595 $575 $675 18"x24" or 20"x20" $595 $695 $675 $775  These prices are for a single subject portrait. For each additional subject add 50% of portrait price. These are standard sizes I work with. Other sizes are available. All of my portraits are painted on Gallery Profile stretched canvas or gessoed hardboard. Prices do not include CA sales tax.  I will gladly deliver local orders free of charge; otherwise standard shipping rates will apply to out of area orders.	To get started with your pet portrait, please provide the following information and I will get back to you, usually within 24 hours The fields marked with (*) are required fields.     What style portrait are you interested in?     Head and shoulder with a simple background Head and shoulder with a complex background Facial close up Full body portrait with simple background Full body portrait with complex background     What size portrait are you interested in?     8"x8" 8"x10" 10"x10" 9"x12" 12"x12" 11"x14" 12"x16" 16"x16" 18"x18" 16"x20" other size * First Name  * required * Last Name  * required   Address Line 1   Address Line 2   City   State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming   Zip Postal Code * Telephone Number  * required * Email Address  * required *   What is the best way to contact you?     Email Telephone
Tips for photographing your pet When ever possible try to photograph outdoors, with the sun over your left or right shoulder.  The morning or evening sun is the most interesting.  If you can’t get outside then a nice bright window can work.  A strong light from the left or right can be very dramatic.  Too dramatic and I might not be able to see enough detail of your pet. Take photos at the eye level of your pet.  And try for a good clear close up.  Eyes are very important.  Have your pet look directly at the camera and try some where he looks off to the side. A friend working with you can help a lot.  Have them hold a squeaky toy or treat behind you to get your pets attention. A dog that is panting tends to look like they are smiling; you could throw a ball a few times before your shoot. Standing back a few feet and using the zoom to get a close up, will give you a better picture than a camera lens in your pets face. Most of these tips will work well for dogs.  As far as photographing a cat, well……Good luck.