What Makes a Great Reference Photo?
This can definitely vary a bit, but I’ve found that these elements are almost always present in a great reference image. When it comes to shooting reference photos for realistic drawings, these are a must in most cases.
3 Tips for Taking Great Reference Photos
Try to take the photo eye level with your pet, not from above or below. Don’t forget to get their good side!
Make sure the photo is well-lit. Try shooting outside or by a window, with the light hitting the front of your subject.
Zoom in on your subject and check that the photo is in focus with plenty of visible detail.
I have created a small photo guide below using my dog Bear as a model. Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what to look for when you’re looking through your pet’s photos. If you’re still not sure, feel free to reach out with your photos!
Reference Photo Guide
The Good…
Great angle and expression, soft outdoor lighting, and great level of detail. This one’s a keeper. In most cases, you won’t want your dog wet for photos, but Bear here gets a pass. He’s a water dog after all, and being wet comes with the territory!
Great alternative showing a different angle of the subject. Photo was taken from a bit further away and had to be cropped, but detail is still looking good.
Of course another wet one, but it’s got all the goods - dramatic bright lighting, good camera focus, happy and attentive face.
The Bad…
Cute photo, but it’s out of focus and too dark in some areas. Unfortunately, this photo is just too low resolution all around. This would work better for a loose, sketchy drawing, but not a realistic one.
This one is also out of focus and not the best angle or expression. We can do better! See the first two examples above of how this pose could be shot at a better lower angle!
The lighting is a bit too harsh on this one. Bright back or side lighting can cast harsh shadows as shown on the face here. NOTE: Don’t worry if there’s something small blocking part of the photo! I can work around it.
The Borderline…?
This photo is not the sharpest, the lighting is not particularly interesting, but nothing about it is outright bad. This photo shows a sweet, soft expression. It is not always possible to go out and take new pictures, like when a pet has already passed. A picture like this would still make a beautiful portrait.
The lighting is coming from the back and side in this one, which isn’t ideal. Love the prop though! Good amount of detail, good angle. I could make some minor tweaks to the lighting on his head, and this would be a great full body drawing. The isolated feet on the flat floor makes this a great full body candidate.
Lighting and details are great, but the photo was taken at a downward angle. Not the end of the world, but it’s not exactly Bear’s finest look either. This is very subjective! I am considering using this goofy face for a smaller drawing now that he has a proper portrait.