Photo Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Reference Photo
To create a beautiful, highly detailed custom drawing that you will cherish forever, I need a high-quality reference photo to work from. Because I focus heavily on texture, lighting, and fine details, the quality of your photo directly affects the final artwork!
Please read through these guidelines before submitting your photos.
1. Lighting and Clarity are Key
Clear and Bright: Photos should be taken in bright, natural light (outdoors on a slightly overcast day or near a large window is best).
Avoid Shadows and Blurriness: The darker, fuzzier, or more out-of-focus a photo is, the fewer details I can see to put into your drawing. If I can't see the fine details, I can't draw them!
2. Keep the Subject Whole
For Tractors & Vehicles: The photo needs to show the entire tractor from the wheels all the way to the roof. Please ensure nothing is cropped out or hidden behind objects.
For Wildlife & Full-Body Animal Portraits: The photo must include the entire animal within the frame.
For Dog/Pet Head Portraits: If you only want a headshot, that is perfectly fine! However, the photo must include the entire head and both ears fully in the image.
3. Tips for the Perfect Dog Portrait
No Toys, Please: I prefer not to draw dogs with toys in their mouths or scattered closely around them.
The Best Pose: The most beautiful dog portraits are of the dog sitting down and looking directly at the camera.
The Secret Trick: To get the perfect shot, make your dog sit, hold a favorite treat just above your camera lens, and snap the photo while they are locked onto the treat!
A Gentle Note on Photo Approvals
📝 Please Note: I want your finished artwork to be absolutely stunning, and I never want anyone to be disappointed. Because of this, I may ask you for alternative photos if the ones provided aren't usable. Some photos simply cannot be translated into a high-quality drawing. Please do not be offended if I ask for another image or have to decline a project; I would much rather ensure we have the right photo than spend hours creating a piece that doesn't look its absolute best!
Thank you for helping me create something beautiful for you!