This entry is all about how to take the perfect reference photo.
Before I begin a painting, everything starts with the photo. The clearer and more expressive it is, the more life I can bring into your portrait!
✦ Why Reference Photos Matter
They help me capture expression, unique markings, and most importantly — the soul of the memory. It makes sure that the piece is exactly what you want and that you love what you are investing in.
Great photo = Great portrait!!
✦ What Makes a Good One?
Natural light, clear eyes, in-focus details, and a pose that shows personality. If you love the photo chances are it’s a good one! If you are using a photo of a pet, eye level shots are the best. If the eyes are sparkling (the white dots on them) that’s gonna be a good one!
With Dottie, I got down at eye level and took a couple pictures to try to get THE ONE! What I ended up doing was putting my phone in portrait mode and made a silly noise to get it! The second picture was a contender but I kept trying!! You’ll know when you get it just right!
✦ What to Avoid
Blurry photos, heavy shadows, extreme filters, or shots taken too far away. A lot of times when we take pictures we take them at our eye level looking down and what we are shooting. This makes for an awkward portrait and disconnected from the subject. Here are some examples:
Heavy filter used
Standing above and not eye level
Dark face and no eye sparkle
✦ You Don’t Need Perfect
Multiple photos are great — I’ll help you pick the best one. Sometimes we use several to get the perfect portrait. We will work together as a team!
I understand that sometimes we can no longer get a reference photo because it is a memorial piece. THAT’S OKAY!
You send me whatever you have and we will make it work, together.
Here is a gallery of great reference photos! Enjoy looking at these cuties, you might even recognize some of them! Some are coming up next!
If you have any questions at all feel free to email me at [email protected].
