here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to commission a portrait from photos




Back to QUICK SUMMARY - how to commission a portrait from your photographs

   

• What kind of photos do you need to work from?

• Can you make a composite portrait of several people, from different photographs?

• My photos are hard copies not digital photos- how do I get them to you?

•  How many photos do you need?

•  Can you make changes from the photo I supply?
 
•  When should I get in touch - what's your waiting time?

•  Will I be able to see the portrait before it is finished?

• What are the costs involved?


•  What are the possible payment methods?
• Do you take commissions from abroad?

•Do you give discounts for orders of more than one portrait?

•  When do I pay, and what are the guarantees?

•  Will my portrait arrive safely by post?

• Do portraits come framed?

• Will my portrait appear on the website?



Q. When do I pay, and what are the guarantees?

I don't usually require any deposit, unless the order is very large. Once you have received a photo of the portrait and decided you are completely happy with it, you then send through your payment. Once I have received it I will send your portrait out to you. This way you only need to pay when you know exactly what you are getting!

Q. Will my portrait arrive safely by post?

I send out portraits by insured delivery, in the UK by Royal Mail Special Delivery, and abroad via Royal Mail Airsure. Click the links to see more details. Pencil portraits are usually sent gently rolled in sturdy cardboard tubes, and painted portraits are backed with a rigid MDF support. I have never yet had any portraits go missing in the mail or arrive damaged, but if this were to happen I guarantee a full refund or a replacement portrait.

Q. Do portraits come framed?

No, I don't frame portraits as it's difficult to send glass safely by mail. If you've ordered an A4 size portrait, it should be easy to buy a ready-made frame for it. If you prefer to have a custom frame made, most picture framers are good at advising you on what type and colour of frame will complement your portrait (and you will know what will go best with your decor!) I have put together some tips and advice on framing a drawing and framing a painting - these pages also contain advice on how to conserve your portrait.

Q. Will the portrait appear on the website?

I'm very grateful when customers allow me to display their portraits, however I understand that some people prefer not to. For portraits of people, I will always ask permission first. For portraits of animals, I will assume that you don't mind them appearing online unless you let me know otherwise, which is absolutely fine. 

If you have more questions about how to commission a portrait from photos, you can contact me here.