To create a timeless and expressive pastel portrait, I work directly from the photo you provide. Because I can only draw what I see, choosing the right image is key to a successful piece.

Please review the tips below before submitting your reference photo:

What to Look For:

• Choose a photo that is clear, close, and in color
  The subject’s face should be sharp and detailed. If you can see eyelashes, it's likely clear enough!

• Select a facial expression you truly love
  I can't adjust expressions — a smile with teeth in the photo will appear with teeth in the portrait. I recommend a more neutral or softer smile as this often results in a more traditional, timeless feel.

• The angle in the photo will be the angle in the portrait
  I cannot turn heads or change the perspective. If the subject is in profile or looking down, they’ll appear that way in the drawing.

• Avoid squinting or heavy shadows over the eyes
  Eyes are the most expressive and important part of the portrait. Choose a photo where they’re clearly visible and open.

• Get close
  The subject should fill most of the image. Cropping in on a high-quality photo is fine, but enlarging one taken from far away won't work

What Doesn’t Work:

• Polaroid or heavily filtered photos

• Screenshots or low-resolution images

• Isolating one person from a group photo

• Blurry, backlit, or overexposed images