mary pow
  • Textiles
    • Original Textile Art
    • Pillows
    • Handbags
    • Textile Belts
    • Retired >
      • Retired Handbag Styles
      • MinneBites (retired)
  • Soft Pastels
    • Original Pastel Paintings
    • Limited Edition Prints
    • Commissions
    • Explore >
      • 8x8x8 Faces Series
      • People
      • Possible Dreams Series
      • Mom's Bouquet Series
      • Social Justice Series
      • Portrait of a Quarantine Series
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Visit the Studio
    • Biography + Artist Statement
    • Awards + Press
  • Events
  • Shop
    • Shop Textile Art
    • Shop Pastel Paintings
    • Shop Handbags
    • Shop Turtles
    • Shop Prints
    • Shop Note Cards

7 Tips: How to Choose a Reference Photo

7/19/2019

0 Comments

 
Having a portrait painting commissioned is fun and exciting. The process shouldn't be stressful! If you'd like me to take photos for you, I offer a convenient photoshoot option for Standard Portrait Commissions. If you'd like to use your own photos, here are some helpful tips to make choosing a reference photo easier.

How to choose a Reference Photo for a Portrait Commission.

1. It is best to choose a photo where the subject looks most natural.

2. Look for a photo where the camera caught the subject unawares. A natural expression when the subject looks most like themselves is best.

3. Do not choose a photo where the subject is smiling "cheese!" for the camera.

4. Consider a photo where the subject is not facing the camera straight on. 

5. An angled face, an interesting expression, and good lighting are great.

6. You do not need a perfectly framed head shot. I will crop your photo and change the composition. ​

7. Most importantly, be sure the subject is clear and in focus. Zoom in on the face to be sure that it is not pixelated or blurry. 

Example

Picture
Picture
Left to right: Original photo taken by me, cropped and zoomed in photo, final completed portrait.
Picture


​Let me know if you have any questions about how to choose a reference photo! I'm happy to help. Contact me here.
Picture
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Mary Pow

    I am an artist and designer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My specialties are textiles and pastels.

    I also enjoy reflecting on the human condition.

    In my blog, I write about my musings and my art.

    Find my bio 
    here.


      Receive my email newsletter

    Subscribe

    Categories

    All
    American Craft Show
    Art & Craft Shows
    Creativity
    Exhibitions
    In The Shop
    Jerome Project Grant
    Mary Pow Handbags
    MinneBites
    Motherhood
    Musings
    Pastel Painting
    Poetry & Writing
    Portrait Project
    Process
    Quarantine Project
    Textile Art

    Archives

    April 2022
    April 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    August 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    April 2017
    March 2017
    October 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    RSS Feed

News
Find me in Florida in the month of February! See events
Social Media

​
INSTAGRAM
​
FACEBOOK
​
​​Visit the Studio
Northrup King Building
Studio 195

1500 Jackson Street NE
Minneapolis MN 55413
Picture
Shipping Policies
Returns & Exchanges
Website designed by Mary Pow.
©2023 Mary Pow Designs. 
All rights reserved.
  • Textiles
    • Original Textile Art
    • Pillows
    • Handbags
    • Textile Belts
    • Retired >
      • Retired Handbag Styles
      • MinneBites (retired)
  • Soft Pastels
    • Original Pastel Paintings
    • Limited Edition Prints
    • Commissions
    • Explore >
      • 8x8x8 Faces Series
      • People
      • Possible Dreams Series
      • Mom's Bouquet Series
      • Social Justice Series
      • Portrait of a Quarantine Series
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Visit the Studio
    • Biography + Artist Statement
    • Awards + Press
  • Events
  • Shop
    • Shop Textile Art
    • Shop Pastel Paintings
    • Shop Handbags
    • Shop Turtles
    • Shop Prints
    • Shop Note Cards