Commissioning a Portrait

 

What to expect.

 

For you, the process of creating a portrait is not difficult and doesn’t take much time.

 

Usually what happens is this:  After initial contact I will discuss your requirements or brief.

 

Where possible I take the initial pictures myself.  This takes about an hour or so.  There have been times when I have photographed all the children of a family, obviously this takes longer, however it is great fun!  Taking pictures personally, gives me a chance to see the home environment and get to know a little about the subject.  This inevitably informs my approach. Often some elements of ‘home’ may be incorporated in the final piece.

 

I live in the Scottish Borders.  I can work nationally or internationally.

 

The alternative method is this, and it means that someone gets a photography lesson into the deal.  Using a mobile smartphone, we can Facetime or WhatsApp.  I have a live feed and instruct you, the ‘photographer’, remotely.  I take screenshots as I work with the ‘photographer’ and the subject.  Here, where I use the word ‘photographer’, I refer to the person who is dedicated the task of taking the picture.

 

Because the final portrait is not dependent on a high-quality image, this method gives me enough information to work with.

 

The most important aspect to consider is the quality of the chiaroscuro (light and shade).

 

It is always important to have a consultation.

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If you like you can be left to your own devices and send me pictures that you like and I can let you know if I can work with them.  It would be highly beneficial if this is done after a consultation where I can offer advice to help you get in the ballpark of what is most useful for me.  If, at first, they don’t work then I can offer further instruction as to how you might make them more suitable, and then send again.  This is no additional cost. It's great fun, too!

 

Look at the pictures here and on the portfolio pages.  You can use these as reference but bear in mind you do not need to chase the same light qualities as much of this is created in the painting process.

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What does it Cost?

 

The cost of each picture is determined by time it takes to produce. This usually depends on how many people there are in a single painting or the requirements of the brief but I think you will be pleasantly surprised!  Please don't hesitate to contact to discuss this further via the link in Contact.

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After the initial cost further prints can be arranged.  The cost of these vary depending on size.  Typically a 12' x 16" will be £50.00.

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On a 12 x 16 inch print the image area is approx. 10 x 14.  This seems to be the most manageable size for most peoples rooms.  Framing often adds a good 3 - 4 inches all around.

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The edition is limited to 25.

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Prints can be made to any reasonable size up to A0.  That is BIG and  AMAZING but will be a bit extra!

 

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