The photo that makes the portrait

Look for the eyes first. A photo where both eyes are sharp and catch a little light gives the artist the most important detail: the expression you recognise instantly.

Daylight beats flash. Soft light from a window keeps the real colour of the coat and avoids the hard shadows and glowing eyes a flash creates.

Get down to their level. Photos taken from above make faces look smaller and distorted. Eye level feels like a conversation, and the portrait will too.

Send more than one. A clear face photo plus a couple of everyday snapshots helps us understand markings, posture and the little quirks that make them who they are.