How to take or select a great reference photo

How to choose the "right" photo reference for artwork, a note from the artist:

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No matter what tips I can offer, I'd like to stress above all to choose an image that is SPECIAL to you and your story with your dog/s (or horses etc..).. something that speaks of who they are and maybe what your relationship is all about.

When it comes to the technical details, there are certainly things that you can do that will create a great photo reference!

 

Providing the best photos possible will help the artist capture the best emotion, details, colors and textures that are important when creating realistic features.

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Here are the tips for a submitting a great canine photo reference I like to share:

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1. KNEEL down for dog photos! You are tall and your dog is not, so, the best images for classic portraits are captured when you are photographing from "eye level" with the dog.

2. Outside light is always best.

3. Photographing when the sun is not at full height is key. Full bright sun can "wash out" the contrast and details. A day with some slight cloud cover will give a very different feel than a bright sunny day. My favorite time to photograph dogs is at "golden hour" when the sun is close to setting or just after rising.

4. Sunlight at an angel (think 4 oclock or 8 oclock) will produce a very different composition than 3 or 9. Facing your dog directly toward the sun to take a photo will typically be too bright. If the light source is behind the subject it will leave all of the details in shadow.

5. Think outside the box! Art is often the most appealing with the subject in a unique position / pose. Close ups, head tilts, etc .. can be more unique and translate to a pleasing composition.

6. I understand that sometimes a commission piece could be for a beloved dog that has crossed the rainbow bridge. Don't stress... just look at your photos and send the one(s) you feel are best. *If the images you are sending are for a memorial piece please let me know.

7. Lastly, choose an image that you want to look at every day. Something that is special, unique, meaningful, or just simply so visual pleasing you want it interpreted as a once of a kind piece of art.

8. In the photo below you can see how the angle of the light source leads to a heavy shadow on one side of the dog's face. This look can be appealing and dramatic as art, but keep in mind; if your vision of the finished piece of art would be to have the details of the whole face be visible this light source is incorrect. The dog would have to be turned more toward the light source so that the right side (left facing) isn't cast in darkness.