GHOST PAINTING FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS AND STUDIOS
Expand your offerings with painted artwork, without disrupting your existing workflow or client relationships.
I work directly with you to digitally paint your images, delivering a finished file you can present, print, and sell under your own brand. This is a collaborative, small-scale service designed for photographers who require quality, control, and consistency.
WHAT GHOST PAINTING IS (AND ISN’T)
Ghost painting is a collaborative service for photographers who want to offer painted artwork without investing the time required to learn digital painting themselves.
You provide a finished photograph. I digitally paint the image, preserving likeness, structure, and lighting while adding a painterly finish. The final file is delivered to you to use under your own business name.
This is a small-scale, collaborative service. Each piece is painted individually and requires clear communication throughout the process.
HOW THE COLLABORATION WORKS
The goal is to integrate smoothly into how you already work, with clear expectations and minimal friction.
• You submit a finished photograph and outline your goals for the final piece
• We discuss painterly style, level of finish, and intended use
• I digitally paint the image, preserving your original vision
• You receive a high-resolution file to present and sell under your brand
When you commission a ghost painting you work directly with me from start to finish. You can review my style in advance, communicate your preferences, and understand how painterly decisions are being made along the way. This allows you consistency across multiple projects.
I come to digital painting with a background in both photography and fine art. I’m a Certified Professional Photographer and a PPA Master Artist, with additional credentials as a Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman. That background means painterly decisions are grounded in photographic reality - preserving likeness, respecting lighting, and enhancing the image without overpowering it.
The final piece should integrate cleanly into your body of work.
Painterly adjustments, such as simplifying backgrounds or clothing patterns, are handled during the painting process.
danica@pouka.com
Danica's handling of my photography did nothing to compromise that, only enhance it. … the finished work was exemplary. Danica 's professionalism is evident both in her work and her customer service.
Stephanie Richer, Richer Portraits
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
Reference images provided courtesy of my clients and may not be shared outside of this website.
GHOST PAINTING DETAILS
Below are answers to common questions about process, pricing, and delivery.
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Pricing varies based on the complexity of the image and the intended final size. Because ghost painting is a professional service offered to photographers, pricing is discussed privately and quoted per project.
If you’d like an estimate, email me with details about your image, subject count, and intended print size. -
I need a finished, fully edited photograph at the resolution required for your final print. If you plan to sell a 30x30 canvas at 300 dpi, that is the file size I need to receive. The better and more complete the starting file, the smoother the painting process.
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Minor cleanup is included, such as simplifying patterned clothing to solid tones when it improves the final result. This is often done intentionally, as it helps the painted finish read more cleanly.
Significant additional editing, compositing, or problem-solving beyond the original file is billed separately and discussed in advance. -
Pricing is based on up to two subjects. Additional subjects may incur an added fee depending on complexity and interaction.
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Paintings up to 24x36 are considered standard. Larger sizes are absolutely possible but may require an additional charge due to increased detail, refinement, and output requirements.
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Yes. Simple or studio-style backgrounds are typically more straightforward.
Highly detailed outdoor environments, complex landscapes, or architectural settings require more time and may affect pricing. -
You receive a high-resolution, print-ready digital file sized specifically for your intended output. Files are delivered without branding and are ready to be printed and sold under your business name.
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Yes. You control how the final artwork is printed and sold. If you choose to add gel or acrylic embellishment through me, that option is discussed separately and is available on a limited basis.
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Minor refinements are part of the process. Larger changes or direction shifts beyond the original scope are discussed and quoted as needed.
OPTIONAL ACRYLIC AND GEL EMBELLISHMENTS
For photographers who want to offer a physical, one-of-a-kind product, select pieces can be printed on canvas and finished by hand with acrylic or gel embellishments. This option is discussed on a per-project basis.
This process adds physical texture and depth that cannot be replicated digitally. It’s an ideal upgrade for studios that sell wall art and want to offer something beyond a standard canvas or print. Gel embellishment is available on a limited basis.
EMBELLISHMENT QUESTIONS
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Gel and acrylic embellishment is an optional add-on offered after the digital painting is completed and approved.
Once the digital file is finalized, the image is printed on canvas. From there, I apply either clear acrylic gels, acrylic paint, or a combination of both directly to the canvas by hand. Clear gels are used to add physical texture and brushstroke dimension, while acrylics may be used selectively to enhance depth, color, and painterly detail. This step creates a tactile, one-of-a-kind piece that cannot be replicated digitally.
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You have two options:
• You may order the canvas through your own lab and have it drop-shipped directly to me
• We can discuss using one of my preferred professional vendorsCanvas quality matters for this process, so vendor selection may affect suitability. If you’re unsure, I’m happy to advise before anything is ordered.
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Once the physical painting is complete, the finished canvas is carefully packaged and shipped back to you. Shipping is billed to the photographer and is arranged based on size, destination, and carrier preference.
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Yes. Because this work is done entirely by hand and scheduled around studio availability, as well as turnaround time from the canvas vendor, embellishment adds time to the overall process. Timing and availability are discussed in advance so you can plan accordingly with your client.
Danica Barreau is an internationally award-winning artist with over two decades of experience working across photography, digital painting, and traditional media. She provides ghost painting services for professional artists and studios, supporting client work through accurate execution, stylistic consistency, and reliable collaboration.
Danica holds Master Artist, Master Photographer, and Photographic Craftsman degrees through the Professional Photographers of America, along with a Master of Animal Imagery designation through Animal Image Makers. Her background allows her to adapt to established visual styles and integrate smoothly into existing workflows.
Danica Barreau, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., CPP, MAI
PPA Master of Photography, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, AIM Master of Animal Imagery
