ARTIST'S INSIGHT: CHOOSING THE CORRECT REFERENCE PHOTO

Choosing a good reference picture is central to creating the final portrait.  Growing up, we always had Black Labradors as pets, so I have a huge soft spot for Labs now! I've used this absolutely gorgeous Black Labrador below to illustrate the features of a good reference photograph. I ask clients to focus on three simple areas when they are choosing the perfect reference picture: image quality, lighting, pose. Each of these ideas are explained below... scroll down to find out more!

1. Image Resolution: The resolution of the photograph is excellent. The fine details on the Labrador are all clearly visible, right down to the individual strands of hair on his coat. Good quality resolution will allow me to capture these fine details in the portrait, which will all add to the overall quality of the finished art.

​

2. Lighting: The Labrador is well lit. That means that there is a good contrast between light and dark tones in the photograph. The dark shadows around eyes and the cheeks contrast nicely with the highlights on the face. This lighting really makes the unique shape or 'form' of the head clear. I can clearly see the curved and flat surfaces within the face, giving the head a more three dimensional appearance which I can then express in the finished artwork. A picture taken in dull or poor light with a poor mixture of light and dark tones will be more difficult to work from.

​

3. Pose: This Labrador is looking directly at the camera, and this allows me to have a full view of his head and his facial features. This is a popular pose for clients. Other popular poses are three quarter poses, where this Labrador's head would be turned slightly more to one side, but not in complete profile. Either of these poses make for ideal portrait references and give the finished artwork a more refined appearance. Other poses include mouth open, with the tongue in or out. The head can be tilted to one side in a quizzical look (common in Pomeranians, for example) or it can be looking up or down. The pose will determine the overall 'mood' of the portrait.



All of these steps are only guidelines! If your pet is anything like my Cocker Spaniel, they don't generally cooperate when you want to take that perfect picture and they will move the second you reach for your camera! So, rather than spending hours trying to get your dog to strike the perfect pose (which, again, like my experiences with my own Cocker Spaniel, is never going to happen) my best advice would be to look through your taken photographs of your pet, choose your 3 or 4 favourites and send them to me! I am more than happy to help you choose the perfect photo, and whatever pose your beloved pet is striking, we will make it work to produce a beautiful piece of artwork that captures the unique character of your pet!