______________________________________________________________________________
Photo Guidelines
It is best to use a professional quality photograph but you may choose to
provide your own photographs as well.
Follow these simple suggestions to receive stunning portrait results from your own photos:
Choose a primary photo that is clear, close, and in color.
-It is best to have the subject take up most of the photo so getting close to your subject is
helpful.
-If you can see eyelashes in your photo then it is clear enough.
-You may include supplemental photos for size reference, coloring or background details.
Choose a photo with an expression you like.
-It is not possible to change a facial expression. A smile with teeth showing will be a smile with
teeth showing in your final artwork.
-The angle of your photo will be reflected in your final portrait. If your photo shows a profile
(side) view, your portrait will be a profile as well. Heads cannot be turned and angles cannot
change.
-Consider a softer smile as opposed to a big grin. This gives your portrait a more traditional
look rather than the look of a snapshot. It will also insure the eyes (the most important part of a
portrait) are open and not squinting.
Choose a simple setting.
-A complicated background can be distracting taking the focus off the most important element...
the subject!
-A plain colored background, a simple chair, a window, or a nice outdoor scene are some
backgrounds to consider.
If possible, the subject should be the focus of the photo.
-Avoid choosing one person from a large group shot as details are not easily visible.
Eye color should be visible. Also hair should be visible enough to tell how it is combed.
Hands, feet, and accessories should not be cut off if they are to be included in your final
portrait.
Avoid using pictures taken with a camera mounted flash, as this tends to wash out interesting
details, especially in the face. Try instead to use natural lighting if possible. Window light
works well. Also bright shade produces pleasing results. Avoid placing your subject in direct
sunlight.
When giving instructions be as detailed as possible.
Backgrounds
-If Lisa will be duplicating your background, make sure to mention what to include and what to
exclude. If you don’t want to see it in your final portrait you must say so.
-Should you wish to add something that is not in your primary photo, please provide a
reference photo.
-If you would like to change something from the way it appears in the photo, give a detailed
explanation of the change you would like to make and provide additional photos for reference if
applicable.
Other Details
-Be specific about clothing and accessories. For example, if a shirt collar isn’t
straightened and you would like it to be, clearly instruct Lisa to straighten it. If there is a visible
blemish and you would like it removed, make a note of that as well.
-If the color isn’t accurate in your photo, please provide additional photos for color reference
as well as a detailed description of proper coloring.
Additional Options
a. You may have a portrait painted of one person even if the photo you provide includes more
people.
b. You may combine separate photos of separate subjects into one portrait. If you choose this
option it is suggested that each of the subjects be looking in the same direction.
c. Lisa can crop out certain portions of your photo. Be specific where to crop.
d. Adding hair. Again, be very specific.
e. Toning down grey hair.
E-mailing your photo
You may e-mail your photos. Please send high quality files so that details are visible.
E-mail photos to:
art@oberfinearts.com
Resolution for scanned photos should be at least 300 dpi, clear when printed.
File Types Supported:
JPEG
BMP
TIFF
PSD
PNG
GIF
Any of the above in a compressed file (ZIP).
File size no larger than 5 MB.
Mailing your photos
You may send a high quality print or print quality CD.
If you will be mailing photographs, please provide a high quality full color print that is at least a
5 X 7. Supplemental photos for details should be clear.
No Polaroid photos, please.
You may also send a print quality CD, clearly labeled.
Your photographs will be returned when your portrait is complete (we are not responsible for
photographs lost in transit).
Send your photographs to:
Ober Fine Arts
Lisa Ober
327 Summer Haven Ct.
O'Fallon, MO 63368
Be sure to include your contact information and any applicable payment.
It is best to use a professional quality photograph but you may choose to
provide your own photographs as well.
Follow these simple suggestions to receive stunning portrait results from your own photos:
Choose a primary photo that is clear, close, and in color.
-It is best to have the subject take up most of the photo so getting close to your subject is
helpful.
-If you can see eyelashes in your photo then it is clear enough.
-You may include supplemental photos for size reference, coloring or background details.
Choose a photo with an expression you like.
-It is not possible to change a facial expression. A smile with teeth showing will be a smile with
teeth showing in your final artwork.
-The angle of your photo will be reflected in your final portrait. If your photo shows a profile
(side) view, your portrait will be a profile as well. Heads cannot be turned and angles cannot
change.
-Consider a softer smile as opposed to a big grin. This gives your portrait a more traditional
look rather than the look of a snapshot. It will also insure the eyes (the most important part of a
portrait) are open and not squinting.
Choose a simple setting.
-A complicated background can be distracting taking the focus off the most important element...
the subject!
-A plain colored background, a simple chair, a window, or a nice outdoor scene are some
backgrounds to consider.
If possible, the subject should be the focus of the photo.
-Avoid choosing one person from a large group shot as details are not easily visible.
Eye color should be visible. Also hair should be visible enough to tell how it is combed.
Hands, feet, and accessories should not be cut off if they are to be included in your final
portrait.
Avoid using pictures taken with a camera mounted flash, as this tends to wash out interesting
details, especially in the face. Try instead to use natural lighting if possible. Window light
works well. Also bright shade produces pleasing results. Avoid placing your subject in direct
sunlight.
When giving instructions be as detailed as possible.
Backgrounds
-If Lisa will be duplicating your background, make sure to mention what to include and what to
exclude. If you don’t want to see it in your final portrait you must say so.
-Should you wish to add something that is not in your primary photo, please provide a
reference photo.
-If you would like to change something from the way it appears in the photo, give a detailed
explanation of the change you would like to make and provide additional photos for reference if
applicable.
Other Details
-Be specific about clothing and accessories. For example, if a shirt collar isn’t
straightened and you would like it to be, clearly instruct Lisa to straighten it. If there is a visible
blemish and you would like it removed, make a note of that as well.
-If the color isn’t accurate in your photo, please provide additional photos for color reference
as well as a detailed description of proper coloring.
Additional Options
a. You may have a portrait painted of one person even if the photo you provide includes more
people.
b. You may combine separate photos of separate subjects into one portrait. If you choose this
option it is suggested that each of the subjects be looking in the same direction.
c. Lisa can crop out certain portions of your photo. Be specific where to crop.
d. Adding hair. Again, be very specific.
e. Toning down grey hair.
E-mailing your photo
You may e-mail your photos. Please send high quality files so that details are visible.
E-mail photos to:
art@oberfinearts.com
Resolution for scanned photos should be at least 300 dpi, clear when printed.
File Types Supported:
JPEG
BMP
TIFF
PSD
PNG
GIF
Any of the above in a compressed file (ZIP).
File size no larger than 5 MB.
Mailing your photos
You may send a high quality print or print quality CD.
If you will be mailing photographs, please provide a high quality full color print that is at least a
5 X 7. Supplemental photos for details should be clear.
No Polaroid photos, please.
You may also send a print quality CD, clearly labeled.
Your photographs will be returned when your portrait is complete (we are not responsible for
photographs lost in transit).
Send your photographs to:
Ober Fine Arts
Lisa Ober
327 Summer Haven Ct.
O'Fallon, MO 63368
Be sure to include your contact information and any applicable payment.