Carving a Portrait, Step by Step

I begin by using carbon paper to trace the image onto the wood using a copy of the photograph.
Then, I complete a series of stop cuts around the parameter until I reach the desire depth. Of course this step would be eliminated if the carving is done without a background. In that case, I would just cut out the image using a bandsaw.
The desired depth in this carving was at about 3/4 ".
Now I cut down the next lower section using the same process of stop cuts. At the same time I began shaping the carving by rounding the edges.
I continued shaping and rounding edges until I have the basic shape. I also finish the carving by working the details of the carving such as the eye, nose, mouth, and collar.
I then finished the carving by sanding and applying a finish to protect the wood, in this case, I used a polyurethane spray.