What makes a good source image?

Reference photos

All of my commissioned portraits are painted using reference photos, therefore, the reference photo is vital in helping me produce a realistic portrait. The quality and clarity of your photo will influence how much detail I can incorporate into your portrait. I require at minimum a clear, well-lit, and focused photo.

Typically, at the beginning of the commission process, we will look together through a selection of photos that you feel represents the subject well. Together we will then choose which one can best translate into an oil painting. If you don’t have any pictures you love that’s okay, I’m more than happy to provide tips on how to take a reference shot, or if you are local it is possible to have reference photos taken by me in my studio.

Do you already have a photo you would like me to use?

These are my requirements:

  • Send the original high-resolution image - don't worry if the file size is too big as you can send this to me for free via WeTransfer. do not send via Whats App or social media as these programs tend to reduce photo quality.

  • Choose a photo clearly showing the head and shoulders of the subject. Keep in mind that the pose in the photo will be the pose in the painting.

  • Make sure the facial features are clear and visible.

  • Send more than one image of the subject (if you have them available) this helps me get a more accurate feel for the features and character of a subject. 

  • Make sure the image is well-lit and isn't too dark or overexposed. Also, try to avoid any harsh shadows on the face.

Things to avoid:

  • Try to avoid sending images saved from social media as these programs tend to compress the images making them too low quality for me to work from. 

  • Please avoid Images that are out of focus or blurry. I can only paint what I see, so if you send me a blurry photo I will have to make up the details myself, which may not be an accurate portrayal of the subject

Do you plan to take new reference photos yourself?

If you are taking the photo yourself, I have compiled a few tips to make it as successful as possible

  1. Equipment - If available I would first recommend using a quality camera, such as a DSLR. However, Using a smartphone with a good lens should be good enough, as long as the subject is in focus and well lit - using a natural light source and not flash. 

  2. If the photo is of yourself ask a friend to help, a selfie will not be very useful unless you want a painting of yourself doing a selfie. It is best that whoever takes the photo stands at least 2 meters away from the subject and crouches so that the lens is at eye level with the subject. This distance and angle will prevent any distortion.

  3. Lighting - It is best to position the Camera Between the subject and a Natural Light Source, such as a window. (see diagram). This is going to get you the best lighting for clean lines and a flattering amount of brightness.

    Turn off overhead lights, as they can create unflattering shadows and skin tones.

    Avoid direct sunlight, especially the kind that glares through your window around sunset. A bright, cloudy day is going to be your best friend. The cloud layer diffuses the sunlight creating a soft light. 

  4. Neutral Background 

    Although it is possible for me to alter the background, standing in front of a Plain wall would still be ideal, or another simple setting. This helps to ensure your face is the focus. This is only a plus though and not mandatory.

  5. Wear light, neutral, or pastel colours. The main thing is that the subject avoids dark colours, especially black. Black does not reflect colour, so I have a harder time pulling the colour out of it. However, If you already love a photo where the subject is wearing a dark colour, don’t worry I can fix it with editing.

  6. Take a Bunch of Images 

    The best way to make sure you get a good picture is to take a bunch. If you are using an iPhone, use burst mode so you get as many photos as possible. Try some different poses, possibly switch outfits and repeat. If you send me all of these photos via WeTransfer, I will be able to go through them and make a selection of the ones that would work best, then we can agree on the final image together.

  7. Ask me for advice!

    Most importantly, If you’re not sure what sort of photograph is the most suitable for what you’re after, or if what you have taken is suitable, always ask for help, I am here to work together with you, I know best what I need to make your portrait successful.

Using a black and white photo

It is possible for me to paint a portrait using a black and white photo. Just make sure the photo is in focus and has good contrast so I can make out the features. It is best if you make a scan of an old photo instead of taking a photo of it. Taking a photo of a picture can cause glare and distortions. If you must take a photo of it make sure it is not behind glass, to prevent reflections. If you are not sure if the photo you have is suitable for a painting please just reach out and as!

I have provided an example of a recent black and white photo I used for a portrait commission.

Photographing Infants and Newborns

Taking a  photo of an infant or newborn can be tricky, therefore I have compiled a few tips on how to make this endeavor more successful. 

Try to capture them in a moment when their eyes are open. A sleeping baby is adorable, but I believe the eyes can be an important focal point of a painting. 

I prefer to paint baby portraits a bit like adult ones, with their shoulders and head. to achieve this pose I recommend these two poses:

  1. Take the photo while they are sitting in your lap, facing you, supported by your knees. Just make sure the camera is not too close to their face, or their features can become distorted.

  2. Lay the baby on their back, possibly on a blanket on the floor, and take many photos from above. This position is ideal because then you can position yourself 1-2 meters away and prevent distortion. 

My most important tip is just to take as many photos as possible whenever you catch them in a good moment and send them all to me via WeTransfer. I can easily sift through them for you and Identify which ones will work best as a painting. With baby portraits, it is also more common for me to combine photos to ensure the best expression and overall composition. 

Again, when in doubt, just ask me! That is what I am here for,