The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing Commission Photos
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best images for your future painting.
At the heart of any successful commission, the work relies on the quality of the reference images you provide. These images act as an initial source of inspiration and guidance for the artist, helping them capture the subject in a truly lifelike and stunning manner. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best choices.
Focus is Everything
A clear, high-quality image is essential for capturing the unique details of your subject. For landscapes, it's important to choose a photo where you can easily distinguish between foreground elements like grass and background features like trees; otherwise, you'll miss the subtleties that make the scene special. In the case of portraits, clarity is key for capturing subtle facial expressions. Using a low-quality or small image could leave you with a painting that's flat and lifeless.
Zoom In, but Not Too Much
The subject should be close enough in the frame for an artist to see the needed details, especially when it comes to portraits. A far-away or minuscule subject can lead to a game of artistic guesswork, which isn’t ideal for anyone involved.
Keep Landscapes Unedited
Steer clear of lens flares, bumping up the saturation, or making the shadows darker. Though it can make a fun photograph, if these images were used, the painting tends to feel like an exaggerated copy rather than the original you are hoping for.
Remember Angles and Lighting
Avoid drastic angles that can throw off the proportions and make the final artwork less accurate. For example, if you’re photographing your pet, try kneeling down to their eye level for a straight-on shot, instead of standing and pointing the camera downward as they look up. Same goes for landscapes, it’s generally better to catch a straight-on view, such as making trees look taller by shooting from the ground and looking upwards.
Lighting Tips
When it comes to lighting, steer clear of settings that are either too bright or too dim. Poor lighting can lead to a loss of detail and create confusing shadows. Aim for natural light to evenly illuminate your subject. For instance, if you’re shooting portraits, consider taking some photos outdoors or near a window to take advantage of that natural light. Place the subject fully in the shade to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the face, which could create unflattering shadows.
Although these are super cute images for personality cues, these wouldn’t be chosen for the final painting.
LEFT: Out of focus, lighting and exposure are too high. MIDDLE: Taken at an odd angle and not in an ideal position. RIGHT: Drastic back lighting making the face too dark
This Ticks All The Boxes
In focus
Decent lighting
Taken at the right angle
Face, ears and neck are in full frame
Keeping the colors true and unedited
Animal Portraits: Main Reference Plus Personality Pics
For animal portraits, personality is key. While an artist will rely on a high-quality image for the final piece, sharing some playful or candid photos can offer insight into your pet’s unique character. These won't serve as the main reference but can help in capturing the essence of your furry friend. Also, don’t forget to send along their name!
The Full Picture
Half a face or a clipped edge might work in a creative photography context, but for a commission, it's crucial to have the subject in full view. Having to guess what the rest of the subject looks like creates unnecessary challenges and can result in an unfulfilling end product.
*Let’s Be Serious for a Sec*
If I’m not confident that the image can assist me in creating a beautiful painting, the commission may not be accepted. This is not at all meant to hurt your feelings! Most photos I see are lovely as a photograph but not ideal for a painting. Remember, I want to provide you with a piece that meets, if not exceeds, your expectations. So this step is not just a formality, but an essential part of the creative process. I will not start the painting or even take a deposit until the perfect images have been approved and I’m confident they’ll read well as a miniature.
Questions?
If you’re unsure about an image, don’t hesitate to send it over through my form and I can let you know if it’s suitable. For additional queries, you can always reach out via email or use the question field located in the commission form.
I promise, finding the perfect reference image will pay off in the end when you see your final work. Happy image hunting!
