Frequently asked questions......

How long will my portrait take?

Portraits take between 6 and 40 hours to complete depending on the size and number of subjects. However due to a fluctuating workload the actual delivery time varies, as I work on a first-come, first-served basis. I generally state a minimum of 3 weeks but I will give you a more accurate delivery time when your order is confirmed or upon prior enquiry.

If you require the portrait for a certain date please contact me in advance as although I will make every effort to meet your deadline this cannot be guaranteed as I may have a waiting list.

If ordering for christmas please order as early as possible to avoid disappoinment as this is my busiest time and I get booked up quickly.

How do I pay for my portrait?

I require a 20% deposit to confirm orders. Upon completion of the portrait and when you have approved the preview image, full payment is then required before the portrait is despatched. Payments can be made by cheque / postal order made payable to J Kilner, or securely online using a credit / debit card via PayPal. If clients live in the Barnsley area it may be possible for you to make payments by cash, although I will let customers know if this is possible upon enquiry.

The photographs of my dog are not very good, and I can't take any more as he sadly passed away. Can you still do me a portrait?

In these situations I am very happy to look at your pictures and give you an idea of what I could achieve working from them. I may be able to sharpen or enlarge the image using photo editing software to improve them. I don't like to turn any commission away and will try to create something even if it is a sketch, so the best thing is to send me your photos and I will let you know what I think.

Do the portraits come framed?

No, I do not generally provide frames for my portaits due to the fragile nature of the glass and difficulty in posting them. All of my portraits do however come mounted to standard frame sizes so you can choose a frame to suit your taste. All portraits should be framed under glass and out of direct sunlight. If you unsure as to what style of frame would be suitable I am happy to give advice on the subject.

How will my portrait be delivered?

If you live in the Barnsley area I will endeavour to deliver the portrait personally. In most circumstances portraits will be posted. I wrap my portraits very securely and post them via Royal Mail Special Delivery. This is a next day delivery service which ensures the portraits are insured whilst in transit. A signature will be required upon delivery so I will let customers know in advance when I expect to post the portrait so they can ensure someone is in to receive it.

Can you do different sizes from those featured on your price list?

Yes, this is not a problem. The only exeption is if you would like a portrait smaller than  6 x 8 inches, I may only be able to do a portrait in a certain medium. If you would like a different size portrait please contact me and I am happy to give you an individual quote and discuss your requirements.

In the photo I would like you to use there is some barbed wire in the background and mud on my horse, can you remove these?

Yes this is no problem. I understand it is difficult to get one perfect photograph so I can make any minor adjustments you require e.g. removing background elements, removing dog collars, tidying horses' manes and removing bits of mud etc. Please remember to state any alterations you require when ordering.

I want all three of my dogs to feature on the same portrait but I cant get a good photograph of them all together, is this a problem?

Not at all! I know first hand how uncooperative animals can be when being photographed so for multiple portraits I don't expect a perfect shot of them all together. Just get good individual shots of them all and provide me with information about their sizes in realtion to one another. I will then do a series of sketches showing the different composition options and the client will be able to choose which one they prefer before I start the main portrait.

Do you have a brochure you can send me?

Yes I have a full colour brochure and printed price list available. If you would like me to send you one, please contact me by email or alternatively get in touch with me via the details below -

Joanne Kilner

16 The Walk

Birdwell

Barnsley

South Yorkshire S70 5UA

Tel - 07985 175651