Is this an ok thing to ask?

[Elvanseshortage]

Last year a friend took some really lovely wintery photos and shared them in a whatsapp group. She's not a professional photographer. This Christmas I am cutting back on Christmas cards and was thinking of sending a photo message instead. I have done this with family photos before, but we know a couple of recently separated/divorced people plus others who are single not by choice and I feel like family photo sharing is not very tactful.

So, I am thinking of asking my friend if I could use one of her photos to attach to a Christmas message. Properly acknowledged of course. I was thinking of asking her this evening when I see her. But, is this a strange thing to ask?

Totally ok to ask especially since you plan giving a crefit.
Flattering if anything!

Not strange at all. Quite lovely, in fact. I'm always chuffed when someone asks for one of my drawings or paintings. I say no if I don't like them though 😉

I think your friend will be very flattered and it’s a really sweet idea.

I think she'll most likely be flattered. You could offer to make a small charitable donation to a charity of her choice as "payment" ?

@Mountainred good idea about the charity donation.

Thanks for all your responses!