PHOTO TIPS

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST PHOTOS FOR A PORTRAIT

The photographs I receive and use as references for my artwork are absolutely, the most important part of my drawing process.

Since I work from photographs, the completed piece depends entirely on the quality of the photos that I receive from you. The photos are key, so please provide the best photos you have and please try to send as many photos as possible. Even if you only have one image in particular that you would like me to work from, please send at least 3 for me to reference.

Below are several examples of photos that are so-so and some that are great for portraits. If you have any questions or are unsure of what to send, please just contact me and I will be glad to help.

RILEY

SO-SO IMAGE

While she is looking at the camera, the angle makes her nose and muzzle appear larger than they are

She is moving so there are blurry areas around her nose and ears

She is off-center and her back is cut off from the image making it hard to estimate her proportions and size

GREAT IMAGE

She is looking directly at the camera

The image is clear and not blurry

The details of her fur are visible and the image is sharp. and crisp

She is centered in the image so her ears, body and legs are all visible and clear

PENNY

SO-SO IMAGE

From this angle, we lose most of the details of her muzzle and face due the camera angled down as well as shadows and blurriness

Also from this camera angle, we end up seeing more of the top of her head than the rest of her body

GREAT IMAGE

She is looking directly at the camera and her full face is visible

By taking the picture at "her level", you capture the expressiveness of her face and eyes

And while the color isn't perfect, the details are clear and sharp

BOO

SO-SO IMAGE

While it's a good picture of his eyes, it is so dark that the rest of the details of his face are lost in the shadows

GREAT IMAGE

Even though his ears are cropped from this picture, his fur and eyes are vibrant, clear and sharp