These two images of Sunshine illustrate what can be achieved from a photograph.

I painted Sunshine from a photograph taken in the backyard, where the light was exceptionally good, but the background wasn’t great. The dark colour was painted in around Sunshine to accentuate the light and show up his   pale coat.

It is possible to make changes from your photographs, such as enhancing faded colour, removing obstacles such as hands (as long as they do not cover some critical section such as the eyes!) or turn ears so that they face forward.  Please ask when you order.  It is also possible to put several pictures together to make a montage.  When deciding which photograph to use, after expression and likeness, consider the light, angle and colour.  If you are in the situation of having lost your animal, or simply no longer have them with you, I will be more than pleased to view the photograph’s that you have and will give you an honest opinion of what I think I can achieve from them.

It is always good to have several photo's to work from, with at least one good quality image, with accurate colouring.  If you haven't yet taken your photographs, it is good to have some help when you do. 

For dogs, especially active ones, it may be advisable to put them on the lead, or hold them gently by the collar.  Get down to their eye level to take the picture, or pick up a small dog and put over your shoulder,  and use a favourite toy, or some food to make them look alert and interested. 

To photograph a horse, patience is required.  It may take a while, or you may get lucky and get that shot straight away!  Again, try to get a straight on shot, avoiding crouching down or sitting on the fence, this distorts the conformation.  A horse with his head turned towards you is a nice angle, or if he has a nice outline, perhaps a side view.

Cats, unless you have an exceptionally laid back one, usually disappear at the sight of the camera. A nice pose is sitting up looking directly into the lens, or a side view, at their level, with their head turned towards the viewer.

Remember, it is worth taking the effort at this stage, it will pay dividends.  The better the photograph, the better the painting!