Choosing the Right Photo

My goal as an artist is to produce a portrait that you can treasure for a life time.   To do this, one of the important things I must have are good Photographs. The better the photo is the better the finished picture will be. Many times customers will send a cute photo of their pet, but for one reason or another I am not able to use it. The following is a list that may help with insuring the photograph you choose for your portrait will make a picture you will love. ---However, I am here if you have any further questions.
The very first thing I look for in a photograph is the quality. The details are everything to a scratch board artist, so the better the quality the better your portrait. The key details of your pet's eyes, nose and hairs on their face must be in focus. Sadly, I am unable to work from blurry photos.
Take your pet's photo in natural light, preferably outdoors.  The best time is on a bright overcast day, the first hour after the sun comes up, and the last hour before the sun goes down. Direct  noon sunlight can cause some unflattering images.
If at all possible, turn off your flash. Flash can cause many unnatural shadows, highlights, and of course the awful red-eye that no one wants their portrait to have.
Looking down at our pets is a normal everyday thing, however, in a portrait it can be very unflattering. The best angle is taken down level with your pet, with it looking straight at you, his head cocked listening to you, or looking right past the camera.
Many people ask if they can use their phone camera or if they have to use an expensive camera. Some phone cameras are just better than others. Look at your photos and enlarge a small area. See if it is blurry when enlarged.  Of course if you have a real nice, expensive camera, your details will be better because of the focus and color..

See Some Examples