How to Commission a Custom Portrait from a Photo

A custom portrait from a photo is one of the most personal and meaningful pieces of art you can own or gift. Whether it's a wedding photo, a picture of a loved one who's passed, or a family portrait — turning a photograph into a hand-drawn or painted artwork gives it a completely different emotional weight.

I've painted hundreds of portraits from client photos over the years. Here's everything you need to know about the process, from start to finished artwork.

Step 1: Choose the Right Photo

The quality of your portrait starts with the quality of your reference photo. Here's what makes a great reference:

• Good lighting — natural light or well-lit indoor photos work best. Avoid harsh flash or heavy shadows across the face.
• Sharp focus — the face and key details should be in clear focus, not blurry or pixelated.
• High resolution — modern phone cameras are usually fine. If you're sending an older photo, scan it at high resolution rather than taking a photo of a photo.
• Shows the expression you want — I can adjust minor things, but the core emotion should be in the reference photo.

Don't worry if your photo isn't perfect. I can work with slightly imperfect photos — adjusting brightness, cropping, or combining elements from multiple photos. Just send what you have and I'll let you know if it will work.

Step 2: Pick Your Medium

The medium you choose changes the entire feel of the portrait. Here's how to decide:

Not sure which to pick? See my full pricing guide to compare costs across all mediums and sizes.

Step 3: Choose Your Size

Size depends on where you plan to display the portrait:

• 8" x 10" — perfect for a desk, shelf, or bedside table
• 11" x 14" — a popular gift size, works great on a wall or as part of a gallery arrangement
• 16" x 20" — the most popular commission size, makes a strong statement piece on any wall
• 24" x 30" or larger — dramatic, gallery-style impact for living rooms or offices

Step 4: The Process (What to Expect)

Once you send me your photo and we agree on size, medium, and any special requests, here's how it works:

1. Concept discussion — I'll ask about background preferences, cropping, colour palette, and any adjustments you want (black and white, remove a background, combine photos, etc.)
2. 25% deposit — secures your spot in my queue. I accept credit card via Stripe or Interac e-Transfer.
3. Preliminary sketch — I'll send you a photo of the initial sketch for approval before committing to the final piece. Changes are easy at this stage.
4. Progress updates — I send photos as the work progresses so you can see it come to life.
5. Final approval & delivery — once you're happy, pay the remaining 75%. Canvas paintings ship ready to hang. Drawings are shipped flat with protective backing.

Popular Occasions for Photo Portraits

Custom portraits make unforgettable gifts. The most popular commissions I receive are for:

• Wedding & anniversary gifts — a couple's photo turned into a painting is a timeless keepsake
• Memorial portraits — honouring a loved one who has passed, often from an old photograph
• Pet portraits — yes, I do pets too! Dogs, cats, horses — any pet with a clear photo
• Graduation & milestone gifts — marking a significant achievement with something permanent
• Family portraits — combining separate photos into one group portrait is a common request
• Self-portraits — a unique way to capture yourself at a moment in time

Tips for the Best Result

• Send multiple photos if you're unsure — I'll help you choose the best one
• Tell me the story behind the photo — it helps me capture the right emotion
• Be open about your budget — I can suggest the best medium and size to fit it
• Order early if it's a gift — allow 2-4 weeks plus shipping time
• High-res digital photos work better than screenshots from social media (which compress the image)

Want to see examples of my portrait work? Browse my full portfolio, or read about my 7 tips for realistic pencil portraits to understand my drawing process.

Related reading: Learn about commissioning a custom mural if you're thinking about transforming a wall, or read my journey from canvas to walls.