Photography Tips and
Hints
Since I can only paint what I can
see,
it is
important that the photographs
of your subject
include as much detail as
possible in addition to reflecting the ‘look’ and
character that you love and
want portrayed in your watercolor commission.
There
are many websites that offer photography instruction, search
photography and digital photography, photographing 'your
subject'
and
similar searches to find information.
Here
are are a few photography tips I find helpful:
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- Capture
the Character and Personality - and
be sure to include the whole subject you
want painted in
your photos, I can't make up the part that is cut off in your
photograph and since I can only paint what I can see,
you get the idea.
- Subject
should look natural, unless you are going for something dramatic
with lots of highlights and shadows and if this is the case,
please make sure I am aware of it.
- If this is a human or animal subject, the eyes
need to be clearly visible, in a relaxed open position and reflecting
their natural
color - the eyes along with mouth demeanor: open or
closed, somber or smiling
are vital. One really good facial close-up is very helpful even when
doing a
full body portrait.
- Use
natural light, without a flash or bright sun (these tend to create
unflattering
images and are not good source material for a portrait) - bright
overcast
conditions outdoors are ideal or indoors near a large unobstructed
picture
window works well with the light source behind or just to the side as
you face
the subject.
- Avoid odd
angles,
contrived positions and looking down on your subject. Human subjects
look best with their eyes looking into the camera. Profiles
should be avoided as they do not project enough personality.
For
inanimate subjects, be objective and aim for the best view possible.
You'll know a good shot when you see it.
- I retain to right to deny commissions based on
inappropriate subject matter and insufficient resource materials.
- Finally,
take lots of photos and be patient, only one in fifty might be a
‘good one’. Using
a digital camera here is very beneficial as you can edit on the spot,
saving
time, money and frustration. Just set your digital camera to its
highest
resolution so you will have all the details recorded when you get the
evasive
‘good shot’(s).
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- I use only one pose to
create my composition,
however,
- Additional photos that more clearly define the
coloring and
character
and especially detailing the eyes are useful and appreciated, please
include at least 4 or 5 photos to work from, and
- Please
mark
particularly good or favorite poses as well as noting those that most
accurately reflect coloring.
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How to send your pictures
- I like to use digital photos, if possible. Take them
at the highest resolution you have on your camera.
- Digital Pictures can be sent in jpg. format attached
to an email or sent on a CD through snail mail.
- If you are not using a digital camera, I can use
regular photo prints, usually I need to enlarge these and the
negatives need to be included, unless you already have the prints
enlarged. Small snapshots without the negatives often do not have
enough detail to transfer into a larger portrait without the negatives
for enlarging.
- I am happy to look at your pictures and let you know
whether I can paint from them.
- Contact me at [email protected]
for additional information.
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