How to choose photos
​
Choosing a good photo is really important, as the better the reference photos I have, the better the end product.
​
Ideally I like to take a pose straight from a photo, because this is the best way to capture a good likeness!
​
I do appreciate however, that animals aren't always lovers of the camera and for various reasons it can be tricky to get good photos.
If a full body shot of your pet is not possible, a 'shoulders up' portrait is always a good option and in some cases this is what is preferred anyway.
​
If in doubt, send me as many photos as possible, as this way I have lots of information on colouring and texture.
It is also possible to combine photos sometimes, for example taking the body of one image, but the head of another. This is explained in further detail below!
​
Below are some examples of some good reference photos and why they are useful.
​
If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to ask and I can advise and work with you to select the best images.
​
This is a great photo!
It is taken head on so the proportions are not distorted and the image is clear and bright.
​
The ground is flat and Keela is posed in a comfertable and normal way.
This photo is useful but not the best to use for a pose reference.
The angle is a bit distorted and the drawing would require significant foreground to make sense as the dog isn't on a flat surface - this can be done but we would have to discuss a bespoke price.
​
The tail is cut off - however with other reference photos this detail could be filled back in.
​
However it is a useful photo alongside others as Keela's markings are clear.
This is a good photo!
It is taken head on which makes it clear and not distorted.
​
The whole of Keela is in the image and the image is clear and bright.
​
She is also looking at the camera which makes for a lovely illustration.
This photo isn't so great.
​
The proportions are very distorted as it is taken from above and half of Keela is out of shot.
​
However if this was the best photo a customer we could do a head only portrait with a little bit of chest, added in (with the help of a few more references for colour).
For this commission we combined two photos.
​
The body of the left and the head of the right.
​
This was because the customer liked the seated pose of Keela but preferred a face on head position.
​
This isn't always possible, but in this case we had enough photos to work this out!
​
See the finished sketch and drawing below!
