Reference Photo Guide

It is important to find the perfect reference photo to represent the colors and personality of your pet.

Keep these three things in mind when considering your pictures:

1. Lighting

2. Angle

3. Quality

Overview

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Lighting

It is better to use a photo that was taken in natural light that includes some shadows and some highlights, rather than flat lighting. This will add perspective to the painting and allow fine details to stand out in your painting.

Natural Lighting

Contrast

Flat lit

Poor, dull lighting

Angle

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Bird's eye view

Roughly eye-level

When a picture is taken from a bird's eye view perspective, it can affect the painting's perspective and make it seem unrealistic. Generally, if a photo shows more of your pets's body above their head, this is a sign of bad perspective. Sticking with eye level photos will allow for a more realistic and natural-looking painting.

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Quality

When a picture is clear, I will be able to better capture the small details in your pet's fur and other defining features. Generally, it is better to take a picture closer to the pet, allowing the camera to capture the fine details.

Fine details visible

Far away from the camera

Too blurry for fine details

Close to the camera

Summary

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When you are selecting your pet photos, make sure they are eye level, properly lit (preferably by natural light), and of a good enough quality to catch fine details.

If you are worried about your photos not meeting the right specifications, simply send them to lukesokoart@gmail.com, to receive feedback. Likewise, it is always good practice to send several photos of your pet(s), as this can allow some small kinks in a desired reference photo to be adjusted.