Generally 4-6 weeks. This varies depending on my workload and quality of the supplied reference. I will consult you on this once you contact me. I will accept rush orders and will work late nights and weekends if you need, but I do charge extra for that.
Before the trip
I have a hard time painting what I can't see. I need photo reference to work from. Getting a good photo is often difficult. We often find our deer after dark, catch our giant catfish in the mud, and need to pack light when chasing bighorns. It is best to start with a decent camera. Camera phone photos suck. I'd rather you took a disposable film camera. A good compact digicam and some common sense are your best friend.
Camera Tips
- Take a quality digicam with ample card
- Take a back up disposable film camera or two
- Use the highest quality jpeg setting
- Remember xtra batteries
- Take your time (It's not an inconvenience for your guide or group)
- Prepare beforehand for catch and release situations
- Use flash
- Get plenty of pics
- Ask others to take pics with their cameras
Helpful offsite links
I didn't get a good photo!
Don't panic. I paint portraits when the photo is either terrible, or it was just impossible to get the shot. This includes portraits from historical accounts where there is no photo available. I know my wildlife. I operated a full service taxidermy studio for 15 years. If it flys, swims or crawls, i can paint it. Just give me a description of the animal and I'll recreate it.
For the person in the portrait. If you are in the field and can't get the shot at the time of the capture, try to pose it up the following morning. This is even a good idea if you did get the shot, but the lighting was poor. If it was a catch and release or the trophy is already processed, pose yourself without the animal. Try to do it in a similar position. You can even pose with another persons catch or a smaller fish and I will paint in the real trophy in perfect size and scale.
If you have had the trophy mounted, you can take photos of the mount for reference. Take it outside and pose with it in partial shade for the best shots.
What about Grandpa's fish from 1932?
These are some of the most exciting portraits I work on. Send me as many photos of "Grandpa" from that era. Give me a description of the event and/or photos of the trophy and I'll create a painting from the supplied reference.
I prefer digital photos in their largest size. You can send files up to 10 mb directly to me via email at huntfish@me.com
If email proves to be difficult due to connection spend or account restrictions, please log on to
http://public.me.com/awanga this is an online dropbox where you can upload your file without using your email.
Click on the up arrow button at the top center of the page
to upload your file. This works very well. If you have trouble, please call me directly at 417-385-7481 and I will walk you through it.
For film photos and heirloom photos PLEASE visit a local photo service or office store to scan these photos for you.
Scanning specs
- 300 ppi @ 100% size
- Save as JPEG quality 10 or higher
- Save on a CD (You can email images to me from the CD - some photo stores will email for you.)
Some things I might need to produce the best artwork.
- Good facial reference - as many angles as possible
- Persons Eye Color - (Cameras don't always get this very good)
- Size and Weight of trophy
- Place and time of year of the event
