Why it is important to have a good reference photo?

The reference photos you provide will greatly impact the final result of your commissioned portraits. This is because the more detail I can see the better I can capture the unique likeness and personality my subjects. The aim of this page is to assist you in selecting or taking a good reference photo and I am more than happy to review your photos to help assisting in selecting what will result in a portrait to be treasured for many years.

 

Please see the tips below which will support you in selecting or taking a great reference photo.

 

What make a great reference photo?

Lighting

• Photos that have an obvious source of light typically work best as this usually results in contrast of lights and darks

• Natural light is often the best choice so often photos taken outside or in a window often work well

• Try to avoid selecting photos with harsh direct light or ones that are very dark

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Image Quality

• Avoid blurry images if possible and try to select images with a good level of visible detail

• Send the original file where possible, it's worth noting that some apps will reduce the file size automatically

• Send the photo without reducing the file size to ensure it's the best version of the photo available

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Know Your Subject

• Choose a photo that captures a true likeness of the subject and their personality

• If your subject is a person try to select a photo they will like

• Avoid overly edited images or filters and try to keep it natural

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Tips on taking a reference photo

It's worth noting that you do not need to be a professional photographer take a good reference photo and below are simply just suggestions towards helping improve the quality of your reference photos.

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Natural Lighting

Take your photo outside in natural light, it is best to do this when it is not too sunny such as in the morning, afternoon or when there is an overcast. If outside is not an option by a window also works well.

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Get Close

Don't take your photo too far away from your subject and avoid using your cameras zoom.

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Camera Angle

Get down to their level, this will reduce distortion of their facial features and makes for a far more interesting shot. Try to get your subject looking at you when you take the photo, if this is a pet or a small child try to get their attention using their favourite toy.

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Background Choice

Focus on your subject instead of the background. You don't need to worry too much about your choice of background unless you would like it to be included in your portrait.

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Camera Choice

Where possible use your best available camera, if you have access to a camera that takes a better photo than your smartphone then it's worth using it. If so use the largest image size available on your device to help capture as much detail as possible and avoid reducing this when uploading the photos to your computer.

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Please note that using a digital camera then it's not critical, most smartphones are more than capable of capturing a great quality photo.

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Reach out if you are not sure

If you are unable to take more photos or you are not sure about the image quality of the photos you have please do not be discouraged.

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Send me your best ones and I'll happily review them, you can send these by email to paul@personableportraits.co.uk