A Guide to Choosing Reference Photos

If you're considering a commissioned portrait, here's everything you'll need to know about choosing a reference photo that makes a compelling artwork. Often, our "throw-away" photos (the ones you'll never print) make for the best reference photos or a variety of reasons. Remember, a painted portrait is about capturing an essence of an emotion, not an exact likeness with a Big Cheese Smile!

No Toothy Smiles

There's a reason the masters never painted a portrait with a smiling subject. Unless it's for a very specific reason, choose photos with no teeth showing. An image of your subject actually facing away from you can often be better than an image of a subject smiling big for the camera.

Good Lighting

Choose a subject with good natural light. Photos taken outdoors are best. Do not choose photos that are overexposed (those that lose the detail in the highlights), underexposed (those that lose the detail in the shadow), or flat-lit (no defining shadows). Please note that professionally shot family photos are NOT a good reference as the photographer often adjusts shadows, skin-tones, etc (not to mention that they're posed).

Interacting with Objects

A good reference photo might show a child at play with a favorite toy or a book, or even a beloved pet. Think of John Singer Sargeant's works Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose and The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit. Part of what makes these subjects so compelling is the interaction with objects that tell the story of the children and their temperaments.

Classic Clothing

John Singer Sargeant famously said, "The coat is the picture". Choose a reference photo where the subject is wearing something classic that will stand the test of time and also gives insight into the subject's personality. Stay away from logos, screen printed text, and loud or outlandish prints. Opt instead for references where girls are in a dress, or tutu; boys are in solid colors, denim, button down, etc. Hats are also a great way to showcase personality.

Meaningful

Make sure the reference photo is meaningful to you. If it's going to be hanging on the wall in your home, you want to make sure it brings you joy and returns you to the moment when it was captured. The subject can be simple as long as it has personal meaning for you and your family.

Other things to consider:

Image is clear, not blurry
Large enough to see detail
Colors are true to life
No wacky shadows
One or two primary subjects; no group shots or clutter
Interesting color harmony

Amanda Lee Baier