Increasingly, couples who want to see their kid immortalized are hiring online services to “turn treasured photos into high-quality digital paintings by putting them through a cheesy Photoshop filter.” I’m paraphrasing. More discerning parents want the real thing, but are wary of the risks involved in commissioning an original oil or charcoal rendering of their child. Follow these simple dos and donts:

1. DON’T inadvertently commission a watermelon portrait.

This artist glued a large piece of fruit to his subject's face before putting brush to canvas. The result, while refreshing, doesn't really capture the subject's innocence and makes him appear to be an overly detail-oriented U.S. Government food inspector.

2. DO encourage your child to look alert.

But not too alert—this young lady appears to be wired on Ritalin, which is conflicting slightly with her tender "And now I lay me down to sleep" gesture.

3. DON’T over-pluck your child’s eyebrows.

The "natural look" is preferred.