Painting from photo reference

Painting from your photographs?

Guidelines for taking your own reference pictures

Christopher is happy to paint portraits from his clients suitable digital pictures. He does however have guidelines to make sure that the pictures he is sent are of an acceptable size and quality.

PLEASE READ THE 6 STEPS BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING A PHOTOGRAPH

0. If a client wishes to have a head & shoulders, half body or full body painting Christopher always requires a clear 'head shot' photograph that shows clear detail and actual hair, skin and eye colour. Natural but not strong sunlight is the best place for photographs. if you use flash try the same shot without flash to compare the two. A 5 mega pixel camera or better should work fine.
0. A slightly turned or slightly tilted head is much more interesting than a 'face on' portrait. See example below. 
0. Be sure to email the full size picture(s) file directly from your camera, PC etc, which will be approx 1MB or more in size.
0. IMPORTANT: For clients wishing to have half body or full body portraits then the above  directions need to be followed and It's best to  take a picture of your subject in the exact half/full body pose you wish to appear in the finished painting then step closer while the subject has his/her body/face in the same position and take a CLOSE 'head shot'
0. Group portraits? Repeat the above steps with as many subjects as you plan to have on the same canvas. Conclude by getting all the subjects together and take several pictures of everyone in the place you would like them.
0. Always take several pictures to be on the safe side.

   Above headshot needs to be at least 8 inches by 10 inches

Note: Customers must own the copyright or have permission to use copyright images submitted for painting. Christopher does not accept any liability for any breaches of copyright however arising.

If you have any further questions regarding suitable reference pictures please email Christopher directly at: chris@laptopdavinci.com