Leila Ashton

The portrait procedure is a pleasant process in which I have the pleasure of getting acquainted with you and with the subject, and then of expressing on canvas or paper the personality I find. For me it is a great joy, and I do all I can to bring the joy of a fine portrait to you.

The portrait process usually begins with an e-mail or phone call to me to tell me you are interested in a portrait. We discuss your wishes, goals, and ideas about the portrait, and set up a time for a photography session with the subject. This is usually at the client’s home, but can be at some other place that has interesting possibilities for setting and background material. It should be a place where the subject feels quite comfortable, so we have a chance to get the pleasant natural expression that makes for a successful portrait. The photo session can last an hour or a bit more. I’ll usually take from 100 to 200 frames or more, depending on the complexity of the portrait. Most of my portraits are done from a combination of at least half a dozen photos.

Immediately after the photo session, we quickly review the photos together, noting your preferences.  I then return to the studio and work with the photos, developing several appropriate compositions and suggestions for the portrait, usually with a wide range of options.  If possible, we meet again to select and approve the final composition. Otherwise we can do this by mail. When decisions are completed so work can proceed on the portrait, the cost is adjusted and finalized. The finished portrait should be ready in four to twelve months, depending on the medium and on my work schedule at the time.

I can also work from photos taken by the client, or someone local, but not just any photo, and particularly not cell phone photos, because of likely distortion.  The photos need to be high resolution (at least 300 dpi), and taken with good lighting.  Outdoor lighting is best, but not with glare in the subjects eyes.  Back lighting or light from the side often makes a lovely portrait. I also need several frames of each pose, to allow for corrections and for getting the best expression.  A variety of poses gives me more options for making a beautiful portrait.  I will work with these photos and submit options for the final composition.  The painting will begin after these decisions are completed, and all parties are satisfied with the source material, medium and size, and the cost is adjusted and finalized.