FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I order a custom portrait?
It’s simple!
Just click the “Book Now” button at the top of your screen, fill out the inquiry form and hit submit!
Once I receive your form, I will contact you within 24-48 hours, via the email address you provide. My response will contain a proposed start date for your piece and any other follow up questions I may have.
Can you combine different reference photos to make a single portrait?
When people ask me this question, it’s typically in hopes of creating a scene they can no longer capture themselves – likely featuring a deceased family member or friend.
My goal will always be to give you the very best portrait I can. As a result, it is rare for me to take on these types of requests. In short, combining multiple photos which typically involve different lighting and postures, makes it incredibly difficult to create a cohesive portrait.
However, depending on the quality of your reference photos you are able to provide, it may be possible. Try to keep these things in mind when sending reference photos to be combined. First, try to send photos where everyone is in the same pose (either all standing or sitting). Also try to provide images where I can see realistic height and size differences between subjects. Finally, try to get the clearest images you can. The more detail I can see, the more detail will be in your portrait!
Refer to the images below from a previous combination piece I’ve done as an example of what to send in!
So go ahead and attach your best reference photos to your order form. If after seeing them, I am still not confident that I can create a quality portrait for you, I will do my best to refer you out to another artist who may be able to accommodate what you’re looking for.
This bride wanted a portrait of she and her recently deceased father together on her wedding day. So she provided me this standing photo of him and told me what color suit and tie he would have been wearing that day.
She also provided a high resolution photo of herself from that day in a pose that was easy to add him into. A photo of her standing beside someone else in a similar pose would have also worked well.
Finally, she also provided a photo of them standing beside each other to show me their height differences, and from these photos I was easily able to create a combination piece for her.
What kind of reference photo makes for the best portrait?
Put simply, images that are high quality, full of life, and, if for a family or couples portrait, feature faces that are close together.
The more detail I can see, the more detail your portrait will have; therefore, I always recommend using the highest quality images you can find.
The best photos are the ones that make you feel something. I love painting from reference photos that have emotion and movement. So, yes to the one where they’re laughing or looking at the camera in a funny way. Yes, yes, yes. I promise you won’t regret it.
Finally, if your image features more than one person, try to choose a shot where the faces are as close together as possible. Less white space between faces always helps to create a more cohesive and intimate painting!
Where are your prices listed?
You can find a detailed list of all the portrait types I offer as well as the starting price point for each on the Portraits + Pricing page.
Please note that these are standard starting prices and are subject to change if we adjust the portrait size or add additional facial or background elements.
When do I pay?
After you submit your inquiry form and we’ve selected both your reference photos and your estimated timeline, I will send you a $30 deposit invoice to secure your spot on my calendar.
All deposit money will be issued as a credit toward the final cost of your order total. However, if you decide later to cancel your order, the $30 deposit is non-refundable.
Once I begin work on your piece, I will send you the final version of your invoice that will contain a link to pay by credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Full payment is required before I will ship the finished piece.
How long does it take to receive a custom portrait?
Once I start painting, it typically takes up to a week to finish a piece; however, I have a waitlist that typically spans several months. So, if you are considering getting a portrait made, I highly suggest filling out the inquiry form and reserving your spot on my calendar sooner rather than later!
If you need your piece by a certain date, please mention that when filling out the order form, and I’ll let you know if I am able to accommodate your timeline. Depending on my production schedule, rush fees may apply.
Can I order prints of my painting in the future?
Absolutely! Getting prints of your custom piece is an affordable way to share the piece you love with those who will cherish it as well. I have had several families who have commissioned a portrait of a deceased loved one and ordered additional prints to gift to other family members on special occasions.
The option to order additional prints with your custom painting is made available to you in the initial inquiry form.
Thinking about getting prints of a previous order? I keep a scanned version of all my paintings, so if you choose to order prints at a later time, we can make that work as well!
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
I would be happy to answer them.
Fill out the form on the right, and I will get back to you as soon as possible!