If you’re looking for a good portrait tattooist, check out Phillip Spearman’s work. He’s from California but travels the world doing conventions and private appointments. He’ll be in Australia in January for the Surf n’ Ink convention in Queensland and the Rites of Passage Festival in Melbourne. He’ll be back in March for the convention in Sydney as well.
Here’s his website: http://www.inkworkstattoo.com Check out his gallery to see his online portfolio. You can find all of his tour information on the website too.
Good luck with the tattoo!