Clients should provide several good-quality photos to choose from as sources. For portraits, images without a big full smile, and without harsh shadows, work best.
After discussing and selecting the photo source, I will begin work on a drawing. For paintings, I make a sketch first to work out size and composition, and to make sure we are both happy with the direction of the project. I usually send an image of the final work to the client for approval when I am about 90% done. Framing is up to you but I am happy to advise if asked.