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A Step by Step Guide to Commissioning a Pet Portrait

Step 1- Pet Portrait Photographs

After making an initial enquiry, the first step in the process of getting a portrait of your pet is taking the best photos you can. I cannot overstate how important a high-quality photograph is in getting a pet portrait you are happy with. The better the photograph, the better the portrait. Check out my Taking Photographs for a Pet Portrait page, this will give you an insight into what kind of photograph I am looking for to create the perfect pet portrait from. How I work, is by using one main photo that will be the exact pose that I will use as the portrait. I like to have a range of other photographs to cross-reference and make sure the main image is a true likeness of your pet. 

If you are commissioning a pet portrait with more than one animal, I can combine images, but it is important for the lighting conditions to match.

Step 2- Booking Payment

 To secure your booking I require a booking payment of 35%. The easiest way to pay (if you are in the UK) is by internet transfer/online banking which I will provide details for. (I also offer PayPal and cheque payment by request) I will send you a PDF booking invoice. 

Step 3- The Pet Portrait Design

Once we have decided on what photo to use for the basis of your pet portrait, and have agreed on a medium, either coloured pencil or pastel pencil, I can then begin to sketch out the shapes that form the basis of the portrait. I will then send you images of this so you can see if that is what you envisioned. This is the time to make any major adjustments, in composition or materials. 

Step 4- I create a beautiful pet portrait for you!

To learn more about how your pet portrait will come to life, click here.

Step 5- Pay the Full Amount

When the portrait is nearly finished you will receive a photograph of it by email, giving you a chance to let me know what you think of it. Once you are happy you then send through your final payment, and once this is received and cleared I will send your portrait out to you. This way you only pay when you know exactly what you are receiving! If you are not completely happy with the scan of your portrait and I can’t fix it for you, you don’t have to buy it.  Likewise if on receipt of your portrait you are unhappy with it, I can refund you on the condition the portrait is returned.

Step 6- Postage and Packing

A lot of time and effort goes into creating you a beautiful portrait, so I believe it is important to spend time and use robust materials to ensure my portraits arrive to you in perfect condition. Included in the price is your portrait is mounted in a high-quality archival standard mount, and it is placed in a cellophane envelope which protects it and makes it waterproof and keeps it free from any dust. I ensure it is wrapped in a way that means it will not get bent or damaged.

Within the UK I use Royal Mail using their special delivery service, meaning it does not spend too long in the postal system. I can use nominated day delivery to ensure there is someone in the house to take receipt of your portrait. Similarly, I use an Express Tracked service to send portraits abroad. 

If you have any questions regarding any of these process' please do not hesitate to contact me via email.

Now you've learnt how to commission your portrait, why not take the first step and get in touch

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