Reference Photo
By Frank Zampardi
Since we all work from reference photos more often than not, I’m going to list some important tips for working with photo references. Try and follow these and don’t be beholden to the photo.
You are in charge…NOT the photograph. DO NOT COPY THE PHOTOGRPH, BUT INTERPRET IT. THIS IS KEY. THERE IS NO SET WAY TO PRESENT ANY VISUAL INFORMATION.
Be choosy. Not every photo is a good art reference. Look for well-defined large shapes, clear value relationships and the right amount of detail. You can convert a color digital photo to black-and-white to see whether the value structure holds together and the image is clear. IF IT DOES, USE IT.
Refine and Combine. Photographs have fixed colors and compositions. However, you can change them. Crop, leave out or enhance pictorial elements. You can even combine two or more photos into a single composition.
Color Correction. Photos often bleach out vibrant colors. What to do? Work from a black-and-white photo so you aren’t tempted to match dull colors. Use natural light when taking photos because it offers the best color quality.
Values. Light and Darks in photos tend to be exaggerated, which can limit what you see in forms, design and color. Check the photo for washed out lights and blackened darks, which lack variation and depth.
Details. Determine your focal point and give it the most detail. Write a list of components in an order of importance. Keep this list close by as reminders or which details to include and which to delete.
Determine which line, value pattern, and movement do you want to convey in those detail-poor areas.
Take a reference photo at a wider angle so you can capture more variation.
Embrace it!!! Some artists intentionally work from lower resolution images to promote a loose, more painterly style.
Middle. Photos have a tendency to harden edges and flatten a scene into two areas…foreground and background. Solutions:
Don’t skimp on the middle ground.
Soften edges of objects
Be conscious of light-to-dark passages. If they lack midtones, pause and rework.
Supplement your image. Try using the following tools along with your reference photos:
Written notes describing what you want to depict.
Color Charts for working out passages or visual effects.
Thumbnail sketches for interpreting your reference before you start on your support.
Since we all work from reference photos more often than not, I’m going to list some important tips for working with photo references. Try and follow these and don’t be beholden to the photo.
You are in charge…NOT the photograph. DO NOT COPY THE PHOTOGRPH, BUT INTERPRET IT. THIS IS KEY. THERE IS NO SET WAY TO PRESENT ANY VISUAL INFORMATION.
Be choosy. Not every photo is a good art reference. Look for well-defined large shapes, clear value relationships and the right amount of detail. You can convert a color digital photo to black-and-white to see whether the value structure holds together and the image is clear. IF IT DOES, USE IT.
Refine and Combine. Photographs have fixed colors and compositions. However, you can change them. Crop, leave out or enhance pictorial elements. You can even combine two or more photos into a single composition.
Color Correction. Photos often bleach out vibrant colors. What to do? Work from a black-and-white photo so you aren’t tempted to match dull colors. Use natural light when taking photos because it offers the best color quality.
Values. Light and Darks in photos tend to be exaggerated, which can limit what you see in forms, design and color. Check the photo for washed out lights and blackened darks, which lack variation and depth.
Details. Determine your focal point and give it the most detail. Write a list of components in an order of importance. Keep this list close by as reminders or which details to include and which to delete.
Determine which line, value pattern, and movement do you want to convey in those detail-poor areas.
Take a reference photo at a wider angle so you can capture more variation.
Embrace it!!! Some artists intentionally work from lower resolution images to promote a loose, more painterly style.
Middle. Photos have a tendency to harden edges and flatten a scene into two areas…foreground and background. Solutions:
Don’t skimp on the middle ground.
Soften edges of objects
Be conscious of light-to-dark passages. If they lack midtones, pause and rework.
Supplement your image. Try using the following tools along with your reference photos:
Written notes describing what you want to depict.
Color Charts for working out passages or visual effects.
Thumbnail sketches for interpreting your reference before you start on your support.