A guide
Choosing photos for a portrait
The photo is where every portrait begins. You don't need a professional camera. A good phone photo is often perfect. Here's what helps most.
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Sharp eyes matter most
The eyes carry the whole portrait. Choose a photo where they're in focus and you can see detail and a little light in them.
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Soft, natural light
Daylight near a window or outside on a bright, overcast day is ideal. Avoid flash, which flattens fur and causes glowing eyes, and very dark indoor photos.
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Eye level, close up
Photos taken at their level, rather than looking down from above, show their face in true proportion. Fill the frame with their head and shoulders if you can.
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Send the original file
Photos saved from social media or sent through messaging apps are often compressed. The original from your phone or camera holds far more detail.
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Send a few, not just one
Your favorite photo for their expression, plus a couple of others that show true coat color and markings. Together they help me get the details right.
If you only have a few imperfect photos
That's okay, and it's very common, especially when a companion is no longer with us. Please don't let it stop you. Send me what you have and I'll look through them with you and tell you honestly what's possible.
Tell me about themWhen the time is right
Begin a commission
Tell me a little about who you'd like drawn. Reaching out doesn't commit you to anything. It's a conversation, and I'll reply to you personally.
Start the conversationOr write to me directly at kate@katecsak.com
Not ready yet? That's okay.
Studio letters
New portraits, the occasional story from the drawing table, and a note whenever commission spots open up.