Photography Tips - for choosing art reference photos -  See photo examples  

Please check each photo you send us against the checklist below. If you can answer "yes" to each question, you are most likely to have a photograph that will work beautifully as artwork reference for a wonderful pencil portrait drawing.

1.  Are the subjects in the photo pictured clearly in proper lighting? 
         Are colors of hair & eyes accurate? 
         There should be no squinted eyes or red eye.

2.  Is the number of subjects to be drawn the same as the number of subjects 
         in the photo?  Does the photo show the upper body only? 
         Multiple subjects in the photo can mean the face of the one to be
         drawn is too small and won't blow up clear enough to see detail.
         Faces the size of a dime won't work.   

3.   For an architectural subject, is it captured at an attractive angle?

4.   When sending photos over e-mail is the image a clear jpg file?
      A good way to tell is to print it out and see how it looks.  If you can see the
      details (colors, shapes, etc.) so can the artist.  

      Please check the size of your picture before sending it over e-mail. If you
      snap the picture and send it directly over e-mail without adjusting the size, it
      could be too large.  However, most photos transport fine.

      VERY IMPORTANT:  Please do not crop photos before sending 
      them to us.
              

5.   Are your photos snapshots taken by a non professional? 
         Photos taken by a professional photographer or studio must be
      accompanied with a signed release from that professional.  
      No  exceptions. See sample release form below.
      Customers are responsible for copyright infringement.

6.   Is your pet  photographed in a pleasing pose showing it's best features? 
      Photographing pets can be a challenge.  Some good ways to photograph
      them is when reclining, or to have someone hold your pet while
      photographing.  Some pets are frightened of cameras and will run from you,
      so it's best to prepare for this in the event yours is one who is afraid.

Photography Tips - for creating art reference photos - See photo examples

Digital cameras or picture phones:   

This is the fastest way to get art reference photographs to us. Please use the highest resolution your camera supports.  3.1 (or higher) mega pixel cameras work fine. Cameras with a zoom lens work best. Don't be afraid to zoom in close to the subject. For pet photography, have someone hold the pet and zoom in close for a portrait shot.

Film & Photos: 

Use 100 or 200 speed film, shoot 36 exposures, and get close up to the subject. Choose 3 or 4 of your favorite shots to send us. A zoom lens will prevent blur. Please indicate which photo best represents hair and eye color of people or pets. Shooting in early morning or late afternoon is great for drawings of architectural subjects, creating interesting elongated, artistic shadows. These photos can be saved as a jpeg file, scanned,  and e-mailed to us at the address below. 

    Please judge each photo sent to us by the questions in the section above
    titled: "Photography Tips - for choosing are reference photos".

    E-mail photos here:    

Professional Photographer or Artist Release Statement & Signature
I am the owner of the copyright to the photograph(s) or artwork(s) referenced in this order and do authorize it’s use  by S. Belle-Isle in any way needed to produce this order.

Date: __________         Photographer's/Artist's signature:

X_______________________________________________________
Signature of the professional photographer, studio representative, or artist who owns the photograph/s or artwork/s needed to produce this order.