Frequently asked questions

What is an heirloom portrait?

An heirloom portrait is a fine-art portrait made to be kept and handed down. Rather than a casual snapshot, it is a formal, considered portrait of the people or pets you love, rendered in one of our fine-art styles and made to last for generations.

Will it still look like us?

Yes, likeness is the point. We keep each person's features and expression and apply your chosen style on top, the way a portrait artist would render you, rather than changing who you are.

Is it a photograph or a painting?

It depends on the style you choose. Our collection spans painterly looks, fine-art photography, and bolder, stylized portraits, so you pick the feel you want. Velvet & Vale, our first style, is a painterly fine-art photograph. Separately, if you would like a genuine painting, our premium Hand-Painted Oil Painting is created in real oil on canvas by a professional artist.

Can you make a portrait of a family, a couple, or a pet?

Yes. The style adapts to whoever appears in your photos: one person, a couple, a full family, or a pet. If you do not have one photo with everyone together, upload separate photos and we compose everyone into a single, natural portrait. We picture only the subjects you upload and no one else.

What can I receive it as?

Choose the medium that suits you: a high-resolution digital file, a framed and matted museum-quality fine-art print, a gallery-wrapped canvas, or a hand-painted oil on canvas. Our artists produce every giclée print and hand-paint each oil commission.

What happens to the photos I upload?

They are kept private and used to create and fulfil your portrait. We do not sell them, publish them, or use them in our gallery or advertising without your explicit consent. For questions about retention or to request deletion, email hello@theheirloomportrait.com. See our photos and privacy page for the details.

Do I have to pay before I see it?

No. Every order starts with a free preview, so you see your portrait before you spend anything. You only pay once you love it.

How long does it take?

A digital file arrives the same day you order. It is on your confirmation page straight away and the link is emailed to you. Printed Canvas: Prepared in 3 business days, then 3 to 5 business days in transit. Framed Fine-Art Print: Prepared in 3 business days, then 3 to 5 business days in transit. Hand-Painted Oil Painting: Prepared in 21 business days, then 3 to 5 business days in transit. See our shipping and delivery page for details.

Where do you ship, and what does it cost?

We ship physical orders free within the United States, with a tracking link emailed when your order is on its way. Digital files are available everywhere by email.

What is your return policy?

Because you preview your portrait free before buying, most people know it is right before they order. If a physical order is not right, you can return it within 30 days of purchase. Digital file sales are final. See our returns and refunds page for the details.

How do I get in touch?

Email hello@theheirloomportrait.com and we will reply within 24 hours.

Choosing source photographs? Read our family photo guide. Still have a question? See our pricing and sizes, shipping and returns pages, or email hello@theheirloomportrait.com.