How I work
I prefer to work from my own photographs whenever possible. This ensures I get the quality and type of images needed to produce a detailed portrait, and allows me to meet the horse or dog in question. I like to get an understanding of their temperament and character – something I strive to capture in all of my paintings. However, if you would like me to work from your own photos or it’s not possible for me to travel to you, there are a few tips that will help you to help me get the best result.
Camera
I am happy to work from either digital or film images as long as the quality is sufficient. Use a good brand of film, or your camera’s highest quality digital setting to help capture maximum detail.
Many compact cameras have a wide angle lens (wide angle is any number less than 50mm on a camera which takes 35mm film) which is not good for portrait photography as it will cause distortion as you get reasonably close. Do not be tempted to use any filters (apart from skylight or UV).
Lighting
The best light for photography is not bright sun, but diffused daylight – the kind you get on a cloudy day but when the light is strong. This means that there is enough light to give highlights and shadows but without the strong contrast you see with sunlight, which can cause detail loss in large areas. If you prefer to take your pictures in sunlight (for example you may have a horse with a shiny coat which looks best in the sun) try to keep the sun more or less behind you, but watch out for your own shadow casting onto your subject. Do not use the flash if at all possible as this will again give an unrealistic effect. If it is absolutely the only way you can get a picture, please be aware that it may detract from the quality of the photo I work from.
Horses
You are aiming to get the horse’s ears pricked. You may need an assistant to rattle a plastic bag or a bucket of feed (don’t let the horse eat any until you’ve finished or the photos will have them chewing). Horses always look best after a little exercise (not enough to sweat up) as their nostrils will be more open, coat will shine a little and veins close to the skin will be more prominent. Give the coat a light polish with a slightly damp cloth to really bring a shine up, and make sure the eyes and nose are clean.
Take photos from lots of angles, and hold your camera at the height of the horse’s wither. If you want a bare head on the portrait, get your assistant to hold the horse by a rope around its neck – headcollars cover too much of the face and bone structure. Otherwise, photograph the horse in a bridle which can be painted as well. Take twenty or thirty shots to make sure you have enough choice.
Dogs
Food is usually the best bribe to get your dog’s attention, however, make sure they’re not drooling. Avoid telling the dog off if it won’t sit still – you will end up with a miserable-looking pet in your photos. You should hold the camera at the dog’s eye level. Use an assistant to attract the dog’s attention in various directions. As with horses, take plenty of shots and before you start, make sure the eyes and nose are clean, and decide whether you want the collar on or off.
What to send me
I like to have a selection of photos, even if you think some of them aren’t very good, as it helps me to build up a good idea of my subject. You need to let me know which is your favourite – the main pose you want me to work from; and also tell me something about the personality of my subject.
Please send your original unaltered digital photo files (be aware that some software compresses digital photos when you email them, so it’s safer to back this up by putting them on a CD and post it).
A range of canvas sizes are available from approximately A4 — A0, with larger specialised canvases sourced on request. Sizes given are the area of the actual portrait, so the mounted and framed result will be larger. Please note image dimensions are approximate and may vary according to suitable format. If you have a particular size of painting in mind please feel free to discuss this with Tania and every effort will be made to source the required canvas.
Commission orders can only be accepted if accompanied by a 40% deposit. The balance is due on completion of the finished artwork. A digital photograph of the portrait will be emailed to you for your approval and delivery will be arranged upon receipt of the outstanding costs.
Photography
The photography is an essential element of the portrait process. A photography sitting is included in the price of a portrait. Local travel is included, but an additional charge will be applicable for travelling further afield, please ask for a quote when booking. Photos will need to be taken in natural light, which means the photography visit will be dependent on weather conditions.
Photographs will be reviewed with you before leaving, to discuss which, if any, are particular favourites.
If you would like to supply your own photos, please bear in mind that they should be well lit (not flash), with lots of clear detail. Please send the photos prior to ordering so Tania can advise you on their suitability.
It is recommended that all photos be sent by registered post as responsibility cannot be accepted for any photography lost or stolen in the post. All photos sent will of course be returned when the painting is delivered.