I could easily fill many many pages on the topic but I will try and encapsulate the basics. Essentially what I do is take a photo, scan and save it to the computer. I use my skill as an amateur computer graphics artist to create a cuttable pattern for the scroll saw.
Here is a picture of the saw I use to actually cut the patterns I create. (click to enlarge)
I currently have 3 saws but this heavy duty 20 inch DeWalt is my saw of choice...hands down. The only thing missing from this picture is the stacks of coffee cups accumulated over time which were removed before this pic was taken. Ha ha.
To explain what it is I do, allow me to illustrate with an example of a project I recently completed.
Here is a pattern a beautiful young lady I was asked to cut a portrait for (click to enlarge)
After I printed the pattern at the desired size I transferred it to the wood and drilled all the pilot holes that I will thread the saw's blade through. Sometimes I drill the holes as needed like in this picutre: (click to enlarge)
When all inner cuts have been made I remove the paper from the wood very carefully. (click to enlarge)
When the paper has been removed the portrait is merely a piece of wood with holes it it. This is where the black felt backing comes into play later. (click to enlarge)
All the dust and miniature wood splinters are removed from the piece and the clear wood lacquer is applied. The lacquer does a couple of things.
The portrait then sits under a lamp with a 100 watt light bulb for a least a few hours to allow the lacquer to dry. (click to enlarge)
After the lacquer has dried the next step is to prepare the frame backing with a black felt and actually glue the portrait to the backing. When the glue has dried the portrait is fitted into the frame. I use the frame's glass as well with the portrait to keep the portrait dust free and to prevent curious hands from breaking the, sometimes, delicate wood sections. The end result is a breath taking picture in wood! (click to enlarge)