Size.                                                                          
Any subject can be painted from a good clear and sharp photo.     Photographs should not be smaller than  4 x 6 "  approx  (10x15cms) and not larger than 8x12" (20x30cms).  
Subject should fill most of the picture.  Nothing should be cut off.
Digital photos are obviously accepted.
Select the best photos you have and send more than one.(if you take them digitally, it won't be a problem!) 
All photos (other than submitted by email) will be returned unharmed.

 Details.                                                                     
Please ensure your photos show clear details. Good details are needed to capture the full range of subject, especially in the head area. Harsh shadows should be avoided.
Photographs may be in colour or ordinary black and white.
Colour of the subject eyes should always be informed, as this detail is not always clear from some photographs. 

 Background.                                                            
Should you wish a very particular background, please provide a clear and sharp photo of it. For well known Italian monuments, you may instead just mention it!

 In case you don't have a suitable photo.            
Of course, having a photo taken professionally would make a great difference to the quality of the finished painting. You should only need to ask the photographer  for a copyright release. 
Should you not be in a position to have a photo professionally taken, then try to follow these few suggestions:
Ideal lighting conditions are outside in a cloudy day. If the photo has to be taken indoors, try to get as much light on the subject as possible
For a head shot make sure the head fills at least 2/3rd of the picture and nothing is cut off. 
Take as many photos as you can because it is not unusual to get only a very few good shots on a whole roll.Take shots in different lighting situations, some with flash, some without. Flash may destroy some natural shadows, but may also give more accurate detail. 
Stand at your subject's eye level. With babies and pets, it is good to use a distraction like a whistle or squeaky toy.

and... should you pass by Florence, please ring 
328 6124634 
for a coffee with the artist at his studio!