Pet Portraits by Roger Burnay

This page should help you to make the right decision in commissioning an original portrait of your pet.

Confirm details: Please use the Galleries and Prices Pages for ideal sizes and mediums. If you are unsure or want to discuss your order in more detail then please do not hesitate to contact me personally for information on how to make your decision.

Taking photographs: Taking a good photograph of your pet is never easy, some are very camera shy, others are lively, active and don’t stay still for five seconds, Cats are notorious for giving you that ‘glare’; The following suggestions are by no means infallible but may help you in achieving the ideal pose.

Always avoid taking shots looking down at the animal as this tends to distort the dimensions.

Try to get on the same level as your pet, if it is small then putting it on a chair or wall may help.

Try to avoid getting too close as this also distorts, ideally if you have a zoom feature on your camera then this will help to move away from your pet which will be less disturbing to them.

Getting someone to hold the pet or distract its attention will help towards a more natural pose and when focusing, ensure that the focal point is the eye, as the eye forms the main character of the animal, it is through their eyes that they express themselves.

Photographs should be taken in natural light, avoid using a flash or in bright sunlight and, where possible, include a headshot. This is to give me the best indication of your pets hair and eye colour. Quite simply, the better the photograph, the better the picture.

Send as many photographs as you can highlighting such things as your favourite pose, which shows the true colouring etc. I know this is not always possible, especially with deceased pets or old photographs, but send me the best of what you have as I may still be able to use them.
 

Order confirmation: Once I have received the photographs and details of your order I will email you to let you know whether or not the photographs are suitable for me to work from and to finalize and confirm your order. At this point I will be in a position to give you a completion date and confirm the cost.

Completion times: This may vary dependent upon the number of commissions I am doing and the time of year. I normally work a 2 - 3 week timetable (6 - 8 weeks if working in oil) but am happy to discuss shorter timescale's for special occasions. Christmas bookings tend to get heavy so please book early to avoid disappointment. If you have left it a little late to have a portrait completed in time why not consider a gift voucher.

Payment: Payment is accepted via PayPal using their Email Payments option. This allows you to pay online using a credit card, bank account or PayPal balance. Once you are completely happy with your portrait I will send you a PayPal invoice via email. You simply click a link in the email to make a payment making it a quick and secure method of payment or alternatively by cheque to Roger Burnay. Portraits are dispatched on receipt of full payment.

Delivery: Delivery of your portrait is free worldwide sent via recognised postal services that are secure and reliable with all parcels electronically tracked. I will email you to let you know when and how it was posted.

Guarantee: All portraits are sent via email for your approval before payment is due and whilst I stand by the quality of my work I offer a 100% money back guarantee on every portrait if you are not completely satisfied.