Where to go? How to reach my potential clients?

[Michele Rushworth]

One day...I am successfull enough to turn down bad photos....till then I'll have to be creative with the reference photos I get.

The only way you'll get "successful enough" will be to create your very best work every time, and that will be with your own, top quality reference photos.

Weak reference can only produce weak paintings, even in the hands of the best artist. Getting the best reference is by far the most important step in being able to create your best work, and hence build your career. I can't state this strongly enough: don't waste a single day working on a painting from reference that is anything but terrific.

You can easily learn how to take great reference photos by studying the photography threads on this site, or get a couple of photography books from the library. It's not that hard to learn, nor do you need special equipment, but doing it right will make all the difference.