The camera can be used to combine several people or pets into one drawing. A photograph can be used to help create a memorial portrait of a friend, family member, or beloved pet that has passed away.

The light source doesn't change in a photograph. Can you sit still for hours? Can you make your dog hold that intent expression for hours? Especially with the advent of digital photography, an artist can capture a variety of positions, gestures, expressions, different points of view and different light sources, in a remarkably short amount of time... for a remarkably small amount of money.

Some photographs aren't suitable for use as reference. The better the photo reference, the better the portrait. I need to be able to see details to be able to draw them. If ol' Uncle Charlie isn't smiling, I could probably make him smile, but it wouldn't be "his" smile. I would have to create a smile that I thought might look like his. I could do a portrait of your black cocker spaniel, but if I use a photo that might be out of focus or taken from across the back yard, along with other cocker spaniel reference, more than likely it won't look like your dog. Even pets within the same breed have their own uniqueness, their own expressions, their own personalities.

Many times, I like to take my own shots. I can control the light source. The quality of photo studio portraits are fine to draw from, but they look so stuffy... so formal. They always use multiple light sources. I prefer a more candid... informal look... more warm and friendly... like the person, or pet, is sitting there looking at you. The eyes in the portrait that appear to follow you around the room, are the ones looking at the viewer... looking into the lens of the camera.

If you have recent, clear, close-up snapshots, they should work just fine. Remember... details! I like to see direction of the hair and especially accurate color. Send plenty of photos. Indicate your favorites. I will return them with the finshed portrait.

Helpful Hints In Taking Good Reference Photos

Outdoor photos generally work best to eliminate "red eye" and show accurate color. But, avoid direct sunlight. Use shade from a tree or a building on a bright sunny day. A bright, but overcast day works best.

When photographing a pet, get down on their eye level, about 3 or 4 feet away. Fill the frame. If possible, have a helper to control the pet. Don't worry that the helper's hands or arms may be in the picture. I can take those out. Get the pet to look into the lens of the camera, capturing their unique, intent personality. Try using a favorite toy, funny sound, or tasty treat! Hold the toy or treat near the camera. Take plenty of shots! I will take care of your photos and return them with the finished portrait. Again, don't hesitate to write notes indicating your favorite pose, best expression, most accurate color, etc. "Post-It Notes" work well for this.

If you want more than one person or pet in the finished portrait, don't worry about getting them into the same reference photo. Concern yourself with clear individual photos. I can put them together in the rendering. However, it is necessary to have a couple together just for size relationship to each other.

I welcome you to email your photos. This is a quick way to see if they are suitable as reference. However, please send me a note first, indicating that you wish to email photos. I will not chance opening attachments until I know who they are from.