Choosing A reference photo
Reference photos are vital to creating accurate portraits that closely represent your pet. They are used to gain as much detail in the drawings as possible and to replicate fur colour. Therefore it is important that you choose an image that shows your pet(s) as similarly to how you see them by the natural eye, otherwise they may be portrayed differently.
Photos taken in natural light, such as outside on an overcast/slightly cloudy day are usually best. Please avoid taking/choosing photos that display your pet in direct sunlight or partially shadowed, as these conditions will significantly alter their overall appearance. Please also try to avoid choosing images that are pixelated or present your pet at a far distance from the camera. Photos that are high-quality, with good resolution, and that are in focus will allow the artist to include more detail to a greater accuracy when producing the portrait, therefore capturing your pet(s) at their very best!
Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself when choosing a reference photo:
Can you clearly see the eyes of your pet(s), including details of the colour and light reflection?
Does the colour of the fur in the photograph match the colour of your pet(s) in real life?
Is your pet clearly displayed within the frame of the photo and not partially obstructed?
Here are a few photo examples to give you an idea of what can/can’t be worked with:
This is an example of a good reference photo. Whilst this photo was taken inside, the lighting isn’t too bright or dark, therefore the fur colouring is accurately represented. This photo is also nice and clear with sharp detail.
This photo would potentially be a nice composition photo, however additional photos would be required in order to replicate the true colour and details of the horse. In particular a photo showing accurate eye colour as here the camera setting has resulted in red-eye.
This is an example of a photo which could be used, however may require additional photos also. The photo was taken outside on a cloudy day and so accurately represents fur colour. However, despite most of the photo being clear and sharp, the area around the nose is actually quite blurred, hence why additional photos of this particular area may be required to achieve accurate details.
This is another example of a photo that is not recommended. Whilst the photo is relatively clear to see details, it is not 100% sharp and the lighting is causing most of the cat to be cast in shadow, therefore the colours are darker than what they would be naturally.
This is an example of a photo that is not recommended for reference. Despite the photo including a good level of detail, the dog is facing into direct sunlight which is casting both highlights and shadows onto the fur, thus not representing the natural fur colour. Unless you want this particular light vs shadow type composition then it is best to avoid these types of photos.
In certain circumstances if this was the preferred stance/expression, the photo could be used for the compositional purposes alongside additional photos portraying accurate colours; however this would largely depend on the quality of the additional photos provided.
This is a brilliant reference photo. Once again this photo was taken outside on an overcast day and so the eye and fur colours are an accurate representation of the natural pigmentation. The dog is not too far or too close to the camera lens and there are no highlights or shadows being cast. The photo is sharp and of good quality to allow as much detail as possible to be replicated.
In instances where you have a limited amount of photos, such as if a pet has passed, then please don’t worry if the photos are not of best quality. Lucy will always do her best to work with what you have and will instead focus more on achieving the tonal values rather than trying to include a high level of intricate detail. Additionally she can attempt to add some detail as best as possible using what is called artistic license, where she will use imagination and your descriptions to alter and/or include details; it may just mean her sending you more progress photos to ensure the piece is coming along correctly.
Likewise, if you have a particular photo that you would really like to be used for the composition of the portrait but it is not of good quality, then please don’t rule it out completely. Multiple photos can be used to replicate the detail and colourings, providing these alternative images are of a high quality.
Here are a few other factors to consider when choosing your reference photo(s):
What type of portrait would you like? Are you wanting a full-body portrait or would you prefer the portrait to focus on the head and shoulder area?
Would you like a drawing of your pet looking straight on or at an angle? If you have more than one pet, do you want them to be drawn apart or do you have a particular photo of them together that would make a lovely composition? If you would like more than one subject drawing and would like for them to be displayed together; don’t worry if you only have photos of the subjects individually, photos can easily be combined to make a nice overall composition.
Is the piece commemorating a pet that is no longer around or is it going to be a snapshot of how they are currently? If commissioning a memorial piece, perhaps you would like to reduce the amount of grey hairs, or capture the individual with younger looking eyes - providing multiple photos will allow Lucy to amalgamate them to create the desired look.
Whilst each drawing achieves a realistic finish that replicates the photo(s) you provided, Lucys main aim is to try and capture your pets’ character as closely as possible. She understands how special our pets are to us and that each individual has a unique personality. She believes that by achieving this goal, you will receive a portrait that celebrates your pets’ individuality and best represents how you know/knew them as a member of your family.
Therefore some additional features to consider could be whether your pet has a particular pose that stands out to you as charming, funny or special? Is there a specific expression you would like them to be captured in? Do they have a favourite toy that you would like included, or a particular collar that you like to see them in?
If you have any questions at all about taking or choosing your reference photos, please don’t hesitate to contact Lucy via lucywebster-art@hotmail.com. She is happy to offer advice and assist with this part of the commission process to ensure you end up with a drawing that perfectly represents your faithful companion(s).