When painting a portrait solely from photographs the number and quality of the pictures available determines the success of the portrait in capturing the likeness and personality of the pet. 

To make a pastel portrait I will need at least two rolls of film (~50 exposures), or the digital equivalent, taken of the pet doing lots of activities that he/she does naturally - not specially posed. If using physical film, I will also need you to send me the negatives as I usually have to make a few enlargements. (The photos will be returned to you with the portrait.) All photos should be taken in natural light, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon - BUT NOT WITH A FLASH. These photos must include several close ups of the head from different angles. I additionally offer an optional photo session where I will come to your home to photograph your pet for you in its most comfortable surroundings - see conditions and details below). 

On the pictures it would help me if you would indicate which photos you think particularly show the attributes of the animal and which ones are the truest in color. As you know photos can vary immensely and without meeting the animal I have to rely entirely on them. (For example: the portrait of the springer spaniel on my web site has eyes that are lighter than its coat - this was not evident in the photos, but it is an important quality of that breed). When I receive the pictures, I will call you to talk about the pose, size, background etc. Once we decide to go ahead, I will send you a simple contract to sign and return with a deposit of 30% of the agreed price. When the portrait is completed, I send out a photo of same for your approval before billing and shipping. I prefer to supply the finished picture unframed, and ship it to you sandwiched between foam core boards so it is relatively lightweight. It is then ready for you to take to your local framer. Of course I can also offer the pictures ready framed, if that is your preference.

Many people ask if it is possible to have a portrait painted of a beloved person or pet who has passed away, using one or two snapshots that still exist. As above, the quality of the photos is key to obtaining an accurate finished portrait. (The lower cat in the portrait of the two shelties and two cats on my web site was a posthumous portrait.) In a case like this, you should send me (copies) of the pictures you have for review. I will then discuss with you what I believe is possible. Please be assured that I will always undertake to do the best job I can given the original source material and always try very hard to capture the personality, likeness and qualities of the subject. However, this can sometimes be extremely difficult from a single snapshot. 

Depending on my workload, most portraits are completed in 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of contract. 

A Personal Portrait pricing is subject to exact requirements, but commences at $1,850 US for a head study only. 

Animal Portrait Prices start at $850.00 US for a head study and $1,450.00 US for a full body portrait. I will quote for multiple animals in one portrait on request. 

Photography sessions start at $125.00 US for a one hour session, plus travel costs and time, from my studio on the Central Coast of California. 

Please ask for a framing estimate, if you would prefer the finished work framed. 

References are available on request. 

My Studio is in the village of Arroyo Grande, located on the beautiful Central Coast of California. However, I also have facilities to undertake personal portraiture visits and sittings in both Los Angeles CA, and the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.

To ask more questions, or for an estimate, or for telephone and address details, please email me at info@portraitsandprints.com

Sincerely, 

Tricia Reichert

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