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Guidelines for Photography
I took many photos on my digital camera to get this one great pose of Boris, our schnoodle.
Having patience and sometimes trying another day to get the best photo are well worth it.

Have fun with this process! 

General Photography Guidelines:  

• Fill the camera frame with the subject.
• If the portrait is to be full body then take some close-up shots of the head and face 
  at same angle as in the full body photo.
• Take close-up shots of the facial features, especially the eyes and mouth.
• Keep the camera at your pet's eye level or below, 
  sitting in a chair or laying on the ground if necessary. 
• It sometimes takes about 30 or more photos to capture one that is perfect.

Indoor Photography:
• Use natural light (no flash); side lighting is best. 
  Near a window or doorway with natural light coming in works great!

Outdoor Photography:
• Early morning (sunrise), early evening (sunset) or a cloudy day that is
  somewhat bright produces nice soft shadows.
• Bright sunny days will work if photo is taken in the shade.
  Soft shadows on the face are a good thing.  
  Avoid harsh shadows on the face, as they hide detail. 
  Provide a photo with and without the flash if unsure.

*If you are considering using a photo taken by someone other than you, then you will need to provide me with written permission from the photographer to use the photo for a painting reference.  It would be copyright infringement to use someone else's photo without their permission and is your legal responsibility.

Selecting the Best Reference Photo from Existing Photos
The quality of your finished portrait is highly dependent
on the quality of your reference photo/photos provided.  

Digital Photos
The best quality will come from a digital photo. 
This allows me to see detail and adjust contrast. 
Email digital photos to me using the contact form below.
Take the photo with a camera not a smart phone, if possible.   
Send the largest file size your camera can provide. 
Take your photos in color, do not crop, and do not convert to black and white.
Detailed Step by Step tips on taking a quality digital photograph:
https://janiceczerwinski.com/blog/143581/photography-tips-for-commissioned-animal-and-pet-portraits

Printed photograph
Select an image that is clear, detailed and  5 x 7 inch or larger is recommended. 
If all you have is an old, smaller photo then send multiple photos. 
Printed photos can also be scanned at 300dpi by a local copy center and
emailed.
Do not send a photocopy of a photo.  The quality will not be good enough. 
Do not send your "Treasured one of a kind family photographs."  
All reference materials will be returned with your commissioned painting.

*If you are considering using a photo taken by someone other than you, then you will need to provide me with written permission from the photographer to use the photo for a painting reference.  It would be copyright infringement to use someone else's photo without their permission and is your legal responsibility.

With my graphic design background opportunities to serve my family come up from time to time.  When my sons asked me to create artwork for their wedding invitations I was honored and gladly put my studio work on hold.   It's a joy to create a work of art for them and my daughters in love!  Our family is growing and the way I see it, the more the merrier! 

Liz & Jon will be married this June!  They requested a floral bouquet for the background of their invitation.  I pulled references of lavender roses, white peony, purple stock and lavender flowers with eucalyptus arranging the bouquet then painting them in oil on canvas.  We gifted them the original painting at their wedding shower last weekend. 

Roman and Kelsey married last June!  They requested a contemporary design with in their colors of navy and dusty rose.  I researched based on some inspiration Kelsey shared then developed these acrylic pours for the background of their invitation.  These acrylic pours were gifted to them and hang above their dining room table in their home.

2019 will be busy spring with our daughter's graduation as well.  Studio paintings will be progressing a little slower to make time for important family events.  

The winter months in the midwest can be long especially this year.  Patiently waiting to paint outside again can be a struggle.  Painting these domestic and farm animals has helped to brighten these days.  It brings joy to the owner seeing their furry family members transposed to a work of art on canvas which brings me joy. Serving others through the creative process whether it's painting, decorating or cooking a creative new recipe keeps the fire burning inside my soul.  

The following are progressions of my Besties German Shepherd.  Thankful to live just down the street from them!  Kathy is one of my greatest fans.  She has a heart for serving others and encourages me in the pursuit of my passion for painting.  I fell in love with Sonje’s personality in this photo. Kathy's daughter, Hannah captured a moment worth painting!