Be creative.
I've included some comparisons here with the original photo on the left and the final art on the right. They demonstrate how creativity can be essential to the process.
Any changes to the background or layout were discussed with the customer and agreed upon prior to beginning the portrait. Sometimes the best photo is not available, but there are options using a little creativity and talking to the customer.
The pup's fur color clearly needed to be defined. As the customer had provided several photos, I was able to see and reflect his true colors. I repositioned his favorite red blanket to add interest and color to the composition.
This little girl loved her dog, books, and reading about animals. The question was, how do I combine that information into one image? Reading to her best friend was the solution.
Rueben, here, spoke to me. He said he would rather be outside. So, I asked his mom if that was okay and if yes, what kind of flower she liked. Rueben loved being outdoors and she grew black-eyed Susans. That was the perfect place for him.
@ 2026 Nancy Howitt
