Post an example of - A Good Reference Photo
 

Someone recommended on another topic that examples of what constituted a good photo reference might be useful to others.

Well, let's post photo reference here that we consider to be "good enough to paint from".

To my mind, a reference photo must first be compositionally sound, have good definition of the highlights and shadows from a good light source which comes from an appropriate angle to be flattering to the figure. The color needs to be reasonable - no photo is perfect - and the areas of highlight should not be too blown out or the shadows too deep that I cannot see what goes on.

So, here is my idea of a good reference photo.
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Shot by me.
From a digital Olympus C3040 at 3.3MP
About 16x20 inches out of the camera - can see the styration in her iris and the peachfuzz on her face.
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Let's see yours. :)

Mindy
 

This is not such a bad image ...

Crystal
 

I've always liked this photo of my buddy Crystal ...

Thank you Michael for starting this thread.

Your reference photo looks ideal to me and made me wonder about one thing. When squinting at the photo, the right side of the girls face disappears into one, entirely dark value, the same is true for Mike M. 3rd photo reference. These two images come across as stronger, with more dramatic impact and it seems that this high value differentiation (shadow vs. lit side) would allow for a more dramatic look as a portrait.

Furthermore in the 1st photo reference enough detail is observable in the shadows to even hint at color other than a dark void. Mike M.

Enzie:

A lot of this is equipment first and technique second. Having good photo lights, a good camera, and a reflector are half the battle done.

When your photo starts to look almost like a painting, then you know you are shooting good reference.

Here is an example of what I believe is good color:

Shot by my same Olympus camera:

Here is another. All my photos are taken in natural light with my Nikon film camera. The indoor shots I used a tripod mostly with 400 speed film.

Another outdoor photo. You have to find some way of avoiding the total wash out of the sun and reflected light.

Mike:

It appears that you, Enzie and I are the only ones willing to play here. Thought it would have generated more interest but guess not.

Your photos suggest that you lead an interesting life. :)

Can't play if I don't have the pieces
 

After seeing these, I went through all my photos and couldn't find one that didn't have at least one major flaw. Luckily they are all of friends and relatives. So before I can play I'll need to take some decent pictures first. The examples shown are impressive, I hope others will play. I may have to post some really bad ones just to get the juices flowing!

Jean

ps. I do have some great animal ones :)

Michael,

I am a simple man living out a modest, humble existence in the suburbs.

So I'll get off the beautiful women for a while.

This little guy was amazing, sometimes he could hold a pose for as much as 7 seconds!