Question 1
Should I use a conventional camera or a digital one?

Answer 1
Provided the quality of the photograph produced is high, then either will do. What is really important is the quality of the photograph submitted to me.

Conventional camera
If you are using a conventional camera, then we strongly recommend using a high end branded film (e.g. Kodak, Fuji etc). Having had the film developed and add any comments as to whether or not the colours reproduced are accurate.
If you feel it is not accurate please offer some written guidance e.g. "my dog is brown but the photograph is too dark".

Sometimes it is useful for you to send more than one photograph to assist me judge colours more accurately, if so, please clearly state which photograph is to be made the basis of the print.

Digital camera
If you are using a digital camera use the highest resolution available. This will produce large photographs but, if put onto a CD, they will allow me to see much more detail of your pet than a small "post card" sized print. This method is probably the most satisfactory one. A selection of digital photographs, sent on CD, is possibly the ultimate presentation.

Question 2
What quality of photograph do you need?

Answer 2
The better the quality of photograph submitted, then the better the finished pet portrait will be. Photographs should be clear, well focused, preferably with a "non fussy" background, with the subject occupying the majority of the frame. Photographs showing pets in the distance, or running amongst human bodies will not suffice my work.

If you are wanting predominantly a "head portrait" try not to shoot the subject directly "face on", as this offers me little to judge perspective (depth). Rather try to get your pet photographed from say an angle of 15 to 25 degrees or so.
I have put some examples of "good and bad" photographs on the web site to assist you. Click here to view.

Question 3
Where is it best to photograph my pet?

Answer 3
Normally photographing you pet outdoors is preferable to indoor shots. The latter often produce their own problems such as unwanted shadows, excessive glare and red eye, which is caused when the flashlight hits the retina of the eye. I also find that indoor shots can often distort colours as well. You cannot beat photographs taken in natural daylight.

If you are outdoors and it is sunny, remember to shoot with your back to the sun, so that the light falls on the subject.
Try to pick an uncluttered background and get you animal to act as naturally as possible. Some pets loved to be photographed, whilst others seem to hate it. Try not to make a big issue of it by, for example, constantly returning your dog to the spot you feel to be ideal. Rather allow your pet the freedom to move around and keep your camera ready for the "shot" you want. Takes lots of shots - hopefully at least one will be produce that magic moment.

Remember also that a good digital camera, set to a high resolution, will produce a huge print - often two or three times the size of your computer monitor. From such large photos, my web master will be able to cut out any extraneous area, leaving me with more than enough to work with.

Question 4
How can I order a print?

Answer 4
Whether you post photographs, send me a CD or send a photograph as an attachment to an email - you MUST complete our submission form.

In addition, if you are posting items to me, please remember to enclose your details (name, address, telephone number, name of pet(s), any notes that will assist me etc.) and then send me either the photographs or a CD with the photographs on it (The larger file size the better - if using this media)

Question 5
How much and when do I pay

Answer 5
Upon your completing our submission form you should post a deposit of 50% of the portrait fee. Please note that I cannot start work on any pet portrait until I have received a deposit and it has been cleared.

The final payment (including any postage, framing costs etc (if requested) will become due once you have accepted my pet portrait. Remember I shall arrange to have both your photograph (the main one if more than one sent) and my resultant pet portrait on my web site for you to view, at your leisure, and hopefully accept. Once your final payment has been received, and cleared, I shall arrange for the portrait to be sent to you without further delay.

Question 6
How long does it take to undertake a commission from me?

Answer 6
This is totally dependent upon my current work load. I shall email you with an approximate earliest date once a formal submission has been made. If you have a specific date when the pet portrait must be to hand then you need to give me a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. It might be possible to undertake a portrait in less than that timescale but you do run a serious risk of being disappointed. If ordering as a Christmas present please give as much notice as possible.

If, for whatever reason, I am unable to make accept a commission, because of time constraints I shall email you to that effect and, if you wish, I shall be happy to return your full deposit and any photographs you sent to me.

Question 7
What type of payment do you accept?

Answer 7
Currently I can only accept payment by cheque

All cheques should be made payable to Linda Holowczyk