Suitable Photographs for Pencil Portraits
Requirements:
- Large, clear, detailed head & shoulders image
- Face must be large and clear
- Show the pose required (I can only draw what you provide!).
- Choose a pose which is typical of the subject, and which you actually like!
- Do you really want the subject to look directly at the camera with a 'cheesy' smile? Or would you prefer a moodier atmosphere? Perhaps the subject should be busy? When people (and even animals)are doing something they enjoy you will probably achieve a more natural expression - even the expression that 'sums them up'. A thoughtful expression can often mean more than a party-style smiling snapshot. However, if you wish to include background, hands or other extra features please discuss your requirements with me).
- Animals may prick their ears and look more alert as they hear the noise of the camera taking the picture - a fraction of a second too late if this was the pose you were hoping for! If so, fake a 'click' the moment before you press the shutter button. A second pair of hands is invaluable when photographing animals.
- Avoid using flash. (unless the photo is being taken in a studio by a portrait photographer). Photos are best taken outdoors on a bright, slightly overcast day.
- The choice of camera and lens is important. A 50mm lens on an Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera is the best combination, because it doesn't distort perspective or facial features. Digital cameras usually have wider angle lenses, which can (for example) make the nose look too long when the face is pointed towards the camera.
- Animals: An SLR with a 50mm lens is even more important for animal portraits. The length of most animal faces is badly distorted by most digital cameras. Avoid using a long lens on an SLR, because this will 'shorten' the nose disproportionately when the animal is looking towards the camera. You are advised to send several different views of the animal,(even when using an SLR), and to include a more distant view of the animal.
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