This does not mean that only photos taken with a professional camera are suitable. What matters more is the clarity and lighting of the image, the visible details and whether it clearly shows what needs to be important in the finished painting.
Start with the most important question
Before assessing the technical quality, ask:
Does this photo show the person, animal, place or moment in the way you want to remember it in the painting?
A technically excellent photo may not be the best reference if the person’s expression or posture is not characteristic of them.
At the same time, a photo of slightly lower quality may have far greater emotional value.
Choose the photo with the right content first, and only then assess whether it is technically suitable.
Sharpness and detail
If the painting needs to depict a person or another recognisable subject, the necessary details must be visible in the photo.
For a face, for example, this means that:
- the shape of the eyes and mouth is distinguishable;
- the face is not heavily blurred by movement;
- an important part of the face is not hidden in very dark shadow;
- the face does not make up only a very small part of the whole photo.
The more detail the original file contains, the more visual information it can provide.
Is a phone photo suitable?
A photo taken with a phone can work very well.
A modern phone photo may contain enough detail, especially if:
- it was taken in good light;
- heavy digital zoom was not used;
- the subject is close enough;
- the original file has not been repeatedly compressed by different apps.
The quality of the resulting file matters more than the type of camera.
Send the original file if possible
Messaging apps and social media platforms may reduce or compress images.
If you have the original photo file from the phone or camera, it is best to send that version.
For example, an image from social media may look perfectly acceptable on screen while containing far less detail than the original photo.
Lighting
Good lighting helps reveal form and detail.
Photos may be more challenging when:
- the face is entirely in dark shadow;
- part of the subject is heavily overexposed;
- bright light creates very harsh shadows;
- different light sources give the skin or subject very different colour tones.
This does not mean that every photo requires studio lighting.
It is usually more important that the essential details are visible.
Avoid excessive digital zoom
If the subject was very far away when the photo was taken and a phone’s digital zoom was used to enlarge it, the image may appear clear at first glance while containing little actual detail.
If there is a photo of the same situation taken from closer range, it is often a better reference.
One photo does not have to do everything
It can be useful to include several photos with a commission.
For example:
- a main photo for the composition;
- a closer photo of the face;
- another photo to show colours or details.
This is particularly helpful when an important detail is not clearly visible in the main photo.
However, you should state clearly which photo is the primary reference.
Combining several people
If the painting is to include people who do not appear in the same photo, this should be discussed with the artist before work begins.
The photos may differ in:
- viewpoint;
- direction of light;
- camera height;
- scale;
- the position of the face or body.
Combining arbitrary photos will not therefore automatically produce a natural composition.
It is best to send the available photos and ask whether they are suitable for use together.
The background does not always have to determine your choice
If the main subject looks good in the photo but you do not like the background, do not immediately rule out the image.
It may be possible to discuss changing or simplifying the background as part of the commission.
This depends on the individual work and artist and must be agreed before work begins.
Old photos
An old photo may be the only surviving image of an important person or moment.
In this case, it is not always possible to choose a technically ideal reference image.
Try to find:
- an original scan of the same photo;
- other photos of the same person;
- the highest-resolution file available;
- photos that show any missing details more clearly.
If the original is a printed photo, have it properly scanned if possible rather than simply photographing it with a phone in poor light.
A screenshot is not the best original file
A screenshot usually contains only the resolution displayed on the screen at that moment.
If the original photo is available, it is generally a better choice.
If the photo comes from a cloud service, phone or computer, try to find the original file.
Do not over-edit the reference photo
Strong filters can change:
- skin tones;
- contrast;
- shadows;
- eye colour;
- details.
If you want a particular filter effect to appear in the painting, you can send the edited version as inspiration.
It is useful, however, to include the unedited original as well whenever possible.
Copyright
When using a photo found online, remember that a photograph is also a work protected by copyright.
The fact that an image is publicly available on Google, Pinterest or social media does not automatically grant the right to use it freely.
The safest reference is:
- a photo taken by the client;
- a personal photo that the client has the right to use;
- a photo for which the photographer’s permission has been obtained.
Photo selection checklist
Before sending the file, check:
- Is the main subject clearly visible?
- Is the photo sharp enough?
- Are important details visible in the light?
- Is the original file available?
- Are there any other useful photos of the same subject?
- Does the photo convey the desired expression or mood?
- Should the background be retained?
- Do you have the right to use the photo?
When these questions have been answered, it is easier for the artist to assess whether the chosen photo is a suitable starting point for the desired painting.
Turning a photo into a painting – what to consider when commissioning a painting from a photo