Source Photo Requests

In order for me to make a good portrait, please send me many photos to work with! Here are some guidelines:

• Candid! Candid! Candid!

  Why? Firstly, a candid photo is much more likely to capture an authentic facial expression versus a practiced/forced/self-conscious one. Second, if I work from a posed photo it is very difficult to make a painting that doesn’t look like a copy of a posed photo. I am striving to make portraits that look like, well, portraits. 
  

• Well-lit, preferably natural lighting. Even lighting is also helpful. Shadows across the face or areas of bright light could be a problem.

• Head and shoulders, but also full body photos, especially for group/family portraits.

• A range of images, including some in which the subject is not looking at the camera

• Photos that show the subject’s expression in a way that is beautiful to you