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| Internationally collected artist, Liz van der Werff creates portraits in Oils, Pastels, Watercolor and Acrylic - - -- |
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Portraits from Photographs
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To create portraits from photographs takes special skills, the artist must adjust for the distortion that a camera creates and add living color to a flat photographic image. There are specific suggestions for taking a photographs of a person or animal suitable for creating a portrait at the bottom of the page. #
1 RULE - if you can possibly avoid it DO NOT USE FLASH FOR
PHOTOS for people |
Portraits from Black & White Photos
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I
can work (and have) from a single "pretty bad" photo . . . . Particularly
in the case of an portrait of a departed loved one, I can work
from just about any photo. If you have a favorite photo, I'm sure
I can create a beautiful portrait for you.Obviously a good a clear
photograph is preferred.I can even turn a b/w photo into a color
portrait! If you have the opportunity to take new photos of your subject, I can help you get the best photographs of your subject. |
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Combining Photos to make a Perfect Portrait
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One of the wonderful things about creating portraits from photos is that two or more photographs can be combined to create the "perfect" image. There are two examples of this on this page. (photo is too dark - for better view click here)
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Lighting for Portraits
Side
lighting gives a good effect and allows for interesting shadows and features
. . . but make sure the light comes from the same direction
on any photos that you want combined
Backlighting is good, but make sure that there is enough illumination on the features of the subject.
GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOS OF ANYONE - PEOPLE OR ANIMALS
Have them doing something
Have the subject playing or sleeping or interacting with someone or something, it makes a much better portrait.
Shoot
at eye level -
either get down to their level, or put them up on something, don't shoot
from above them.
Get
close to the subject
the closer the photograph, the more detail I am able to distinguish.
Avoid
bright sunlight and flash photos
because it bleaches out features and details.
An open shade - like a porch is nice, but make sure there is enough light
Don't
have distracting shadows on the subject!
For instance a lattice shadow, or branches of a tree, unless you want
it to be part of your portrait.
Early
morning or late afternoon light
is very good light for paintings, the sun coming at an angle creates
good shadows & details.
Pose
the person so that they have their head turned a bit,
a three-quarter view, instead of a full frontal face is usually a better
choice for a portrait.
Look
at other portraits and magazine photos and advertisements to see what
ideas you like
Send me a picture from a magazine for reference, if you want.
HELPFUL HINTS WITH ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Whistle or squeak a toy
so
that they perk up if
you want them to look alert,.
Have
someone hold the animal still
or
restrain it in some fashion if it is very lively and won't let you get
far enough away to take the picture. . . (smile)
Include their favorite position or toy
- please make sure you include it in the photos.
Any detail you can add will help me understand and capture their personality
better.
Shoot
at eye level
- either get down to their level, or put them up on something, don't
shoot from above them.
If you are having a full-body portrait done, if possible take pictures in at least three poses - standing, sitting, and lying down. If they have a "usual" or typical pose, make sure you get a few photos of it
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All Artwork on this site © 1998-2010 Liz van der Werff - All Rights Reserved