Create paintings from photographs takes special skills, the artist must adjust for the distortion that a camera creates and add living color to a flat photographic image.

There are specific suggestions for taking a photographs of a person or animal suitable for creating a portrait at the bottom of the page.

# 1 RULE - if you can possibly avoid it DO NOT USE FLASH FOR PHOTOS for people
Have the light direction coming from one side, not the back or the front
A "fill flash" that flashes in the daylight outdoors, is acceptable. 

Portraits from Black & White Photos

I can work (and have) from a single "pretty bad" photo . . . . Particularly in the case of an portrait of a departed loved one, I can work from just about any photo. If you have a favorite photo, I'm sure I can create a beautiful painting for you. Obviously a good a clear photograph is preferred.

If you have the opportunity to take new photos of your subject, I can help you get the best photographs of your subject.

Lighting for Portraits

Side lighting gives a good effect and allows for interesting shadows and features
. . . but make sure the light comes from the same direction
on any photos that you want combined

Backlighting is good, but make sure that there is enough illumination on the features of the subject.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOS OF ANYONE - PEOPLE OR ANIMALS

Have them doing something

Have the subject playing or sleeping or interacting with someone or something, it makes a much better portrait.

Shoot at eye level -
either get down to their level, or put them up on something, don't shoot from above them.

Get close to the subject
the closer the photograph, the more detail I am able to distinguish. However, watch for your camera's tendency to "fish-eye" the subject of too close. In these cases, back off a bit and use the zoom - it helps reduce that effect.

Avoid bright sunlight and flash photos
because it bleaches out color, features and details.

An open shade - like a porch is nice, but make sure there is enough light

Don't have distracting shadows on the subject!
For instance a lattice shadow, or branches of a tree, unless you want it to be part of your portrait.

Early morning or late afternoon light
is very good light for paintings, the sun coming at an angle creates good shadows & details.

Pose the person so that they have their head turned a bit,
a three-quarter view, instead of a full frontal face is usually a better choice for a portrait.

Look at other portraits and magazine photos and advertisements to see what ideas you like
Send me a picture from a magazine for reference, if you want.

HELPFUL HINTS WITH ANIMAL COMPANIONS

Whistle or squeak a toy
so that they perk up if you want them to look alert,.

Have someone hold the animal still
or restrain it in some fashion if it is very lively and won't let you get far enough away to take the picture. . . (smile!)

Include their favorite position or toy
- please make sure you include it in the photos.
Any detail you can add will help me understand and capture their personality better.

Shoot at eye level
- either get down to their level, or put them up on something, don't shoot from above them.

If you are having a full-body portrait done, if possible take pictures in at least three poses - standing, sitting, and lying down. If they have a "usual" or typical pose, make sure you get a few photos of it.