How to take a picture for a portrait.

The most important factor in a good portrait is the quality of the picture you provide to the artist. In order to achieve an excellent likeness, your portrait will be painted from one photograph. An exceptional photo makes for an exceptional painting. A mediocre photo makes for a mediocre painting.  Here are some tips to help you to take the perfect photograph for your portrait.

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• Take the photograph from the subject's eye level: A picture taken looking down on, or up at a subject will be distorted. If your subject won’t stay still, have a helper hold a lead or tie them to something so that you can get in the proper position to be level with your subject's eyes. Use treats or toys to keep their attention.

 

• Be sure the picture is in focus. I cannot create a good portrait from a blurry photo.

 

• Good lighting: A good mix of light and shadow results in an attractive painting. Ideally you should try to have a good light source to one side of your subject's face. Take photos outside on a clear day or inside next to a door or window when light is streaming in.

 

• Correct distance from the subject: A faraway picture will lose detail but getting too close will distort the picture. Try to find the happy medium where you can see the subject's eyes and nose in clear focus.

 

• Take different angles of the subject's face. The photo does not have to be straight on. Three quarter views make very nice painting subjects. Take multiple shots in rapid succession as you do your photo shoot and don’t be afraid to send me multiple shots to choose from.

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• For clients in the central Virginia area I am available for photo shoots with travel and hourly fees applicable.