Pet Portraits
Tips for photographing your Pet
Amanda uses the finest quality artist papers and materials to produce individual portraits of your pet. Working from photographs of the subject(s) Amanda captures the finest detail in watercolour pencil and/or pastel to produce works of art that are truly unique.
Portraits can be of head only, full body, single or group subjects. They can even show your pet in a particular setting as in this example of three Border Collies in the back of a Land Rover. Because of the extra work and time involved a portrait of this type would be individually priced as a special commission.
It can take 3 to 5 weeks to complete a commission. Amanda will usually be able to guarantee completion in respect of birthdays, anniversaries etc. provided enough notice is given. You might like to consider a Pet Portrait Gift Voucher - ideal if you have left things a little late. Please visit the Pet Portrait Gift Voucher page for further details.
Once you have decided on the type of portrait you would like, contact Amanda to discuss your requirements and agree a date for completion.
When your Pet Portrait is completed Amanda will e-mail a sample of the image for your approval. Your Pet Portrait will then be dispatched to you via registered carrier, the cost of postage to include insurance. If, for any reason you are not one hundred per cent satisfied with your portrait simply return it in it's original condition for a refund.
Amanda retains copyright on all her work and it must not be copied or reproduced in any form without her express, written consent.
Photographs
Photographs can be in traditional film or digital format. You can send them via post or e-mail. If e-mailing them please try to keep the file size as small as possible - this can sometimes be achieved without losing too much detail by 'cropping' the photograph to remove unwanted or unnecessary elements. The more photographs you can provide the better as this enables Amanda to more accurately capture the detail and charm of the subject in the finished portrait.
The quality and detail shown in the photograph(s) is important - an image of a dog running in the distance would clearly be unsuitable for a head only portrait. If you are unsure about the suitability of your photographs either take new photo's (where possible) or contact Amanda for advice. If taking new photographs of your pet please visit the Tips for photographing your Pet page.
If you live within a reasonable travelling distance from Amanda's home address, (Carlisle, Cumbria, UK) Amanda can arrange to have photographs taken for you.
If you are unable to take new photographs, for example in the case of a deceased pet and only have limited photographs Amanda can often still create a good likeness, by using her extensive knowledge of animals and discussions with you about your pet.
Photographs can be posted or sent via e-mail to amanda@petpawtraits.co.uk All the printed photographs you supply will be returned with your completed portrait.
Group subjects
For group subjects it is not necessary for all the subjects to be on the same photograph - Amanda often receives requests for a portrait of a deceased pet with a new pet or a portrait of the same pet at different ages.
Framing
Portraits can be supplied framed or unframed. Framing is an art in itself - there are many factors to consider - style of portrait, medium, frame profile, mounting, etc. not to mention the subject!
While there are many 'off the shelf' frames available we would strongly recommend that you have your Pet Portrait professionally framed by a reputable picture framer. After all, you have commissioned an individual work of art which you will no doubt display in a prominent place in your home or office so why not show it off to it's best.
Amanda uses a local, long established picture framer who's work and attention to detail is of the highest quality.
There is a vast amount of frames and mountings to choose from, so much so that the choice can seem bewildering. Amanda will be happy to advise on the choice of frame and mounting or, if you wish, will liaise with the picture framer on your behalf and together will choose the most appropriate frame/mounting to achieve the best result for your portrait.
Please visit the Frames Gallery page to see samples of some of the more popular and effective frames available.
The cost of framing is additional to the price of the portrait and as this will vary depending on the type of frame, mounting etc. it is not possible to give a fixed cost at this time. Please contact Amanda for further details. Also, please be aware that if you require your portrait to be framed the comission will take a little longer as the picture framer has his own workload / commitments and Amanda has no control over this aspect of the commission.
if ordering from outside the UK, due to the risk of damage in transit, we would suggest having your Pet Portrait framed by a reputable framer in your country of residence.
Prices
Once you have decided on the style and size you can work out the cost of your portrait (unframed) by visiting the Pet Portrait Prices page. If you are unable to find the size etc. you want or to discuss a special commission please contact Amanda for advice and/or a no-obligation quotation.
A 25% deposit is usually required on commission of a portrait the remainder being due upon completion. For orders outside the UK full payment is required on commission. Full payment for Pet Portrait Gift Vouchers is required prior to dispatch.
You can pay by cheque, debit card, credit card or PayPal.
Please visit To Order a Pet Portrait page for a simple step by step guide to ordering a Portrait.
Pet Portraits Home Page I Pet Portraits Details I Pet Portrait Prices I To Order a Pet Portrait I Pet Portrait Gift Vouchers I Pet Portrait Photograph Tips I Pet Portrait Gallery I Links to Other Pet and Animal Sites I Contact Amanda
Pet Portraits by Amanda Dockerty, 1 Holm Garth, Cargo, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, UK, CA6 4AR
Tel: +44 (0)1228 672365
This site and all images Copyright © Amanda Dockerty and must not be reproduced in any form without the express, written consent of the Artist
