How to pick the reference photo?
The painting will be based on a photo, so choosing the right one is an important step. If you already have one that shows the details clearly and captures the personality of your pet, we are off to a good start.
Here I am sharing a few that I enjoyed working with:
Let’s see what to look for, ideally, in a reference photo.
1. High detail
Nice close-ups that focus on the subject and show plenty of detail will work the best. While painting I magnify the picture on the screen, and I need to see the details sharply enough so I can render them in the portrait. To capture all the lovely details in the photo it’s best to use a real camera or a phone that allows close up setting.
2. Good angle
When taking pictures it’s a good strategy to get at eye level with the animal. With smaller pets this can be a challenge, but worth the effort. This way you can get a photo that shows the face clearly and without distortions. Sometimes it can also work well if the animal is looking up at the photographer, as long as all important details — ears, nose, eyes, outline of the head — are well visible.
3. Good lighting
Natural light works the best, whether it’s coming from a window or from the outdoor environment. Make sure that the light source — even if it’s the sun — is not behind the animal, but rather comes from the side or front. If the animal’s body is well-lit the textures of the fur will be almost palpable, and the ears, nose and eyes will show their true colors and characteristics. Eyes are the most important detail of every portrait, and in an ideal photo they would appear expressive with natural reflections. Try to avoid flash, but also strong sunlight that is too direct, and random cast shadows from leaves or other objects.
4. Personality
Finally, a good picture shows the animal alert and expressive, so the true personality comes across.
If you take a lot of pictures of your pet, chances are that you already have one that will work out great. If in any doubt just send me over several photos by email, and we can choose the right one together.
Even though only one photo will be used as the actual reference, I am happy to look at some additional ones for extra information, just so I get to know my model a little better.
A couple more things:
Sometimes the photos available are limited. This could be because the portrait will be a surprise, or because the animal is sadly no longer with us. Even in these cases we have to find the best photos available, and I am happy to work with some challenges.
Don’t worry at all if the picture shows some irrelevant objects in the background or some random surroundings — those will be left out anyway.
For a double portrait I don’t necessarily need a photo that shows the two animals together. I can also combine separate photos into a composition, but it helps if the angle is similar.