I paint contemporary or classical portrait commissions in oil from life or photographs.

For portrait commissions from photos it is very important to have images with enough detail, as well as some information on the subject’s character and personality. If you wish to inquiry about commissioning a portrait, or receive a free no-obligation quote, please feel free to e-mail me. Once completed the portrait commission, there is no obligation to buy the portrait unless you are completely happy with it.

How to take photos for a portrait commission

If shooting with digital, set you camera on the highest resolution setting. Use a tripod if available, if not, keep camera still and hold it well with both hands.
Avoid using flash. Shoot in natural day light, with a large window on one side of the subject. If shooting outside, avoid bright direct sunlight.
If you photograph children, get down to the same level with your subject and arm with a lot of patience.
Sharp focus and correct exposure are essential. Sometimes spontaneous photos capture the subject the best and they can be used for portrait commissions if they have enough detail.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you like on the usability of various images and the process of commissioning a painting.