Professional photos are a safe choice, but quality amateur photos which meet our criteria often produce wonderful portraits. If the photo is so dark that the distinction between pupil and iris is obscured, or if hair is so dark that we cannot tell how it is combed, then the illustration will be less than satisfactory. So if the eye is nearly lost in the shadows in the photo, it will also be nearly lost in our illustration. Photos which are too light or washed out by direct flash conditions are just as hard to work with. Diminished natural shadows which define facial features erase necessary detail causing likeness and quality to suffer.
Photos can be black and white or color.
If the photo is black and white, a written notation as to color of eyes, hair and complexion can accompany the photo. Polaroid snapshots and screened halftones from printed publications are likely to produce less than satisfactory results. Group portraits, a husband and wife for example, do not require a group photograph. The two figures can be combined from separate photos, but the ages and conditions should not conflict and the photos should be of comparable quality. We'll be happy to evaluate your photos for suitability.