How to choose the right photo for a painted portrait

When I create a painted portrait, the fundamental starting point is always the same: a good reference photo.

I'm often asked, "Which photo can I send you?" or "Is this one okay?" The truth is, not all photos are suitable for painting. Some work well for a social media post, but they don't convey anything on a pictorial level. In this article, I'll explain how to choose (or take) the perfect photo and transform it into an expressive and authentic portrait.

1. ✨ Light Makes the Difference

Good lighting is everything. I always prefer:

• Natural light, ideally coming from a side window.

• Soft shadows that add depth to the face.

I avoid:

• Direct flash (it flattens the features).

• Harsh or overly colored artificial lights.

Well-planned lighting makes every detail more interesting to paint, especially in portraits.

2. 📐 The Ideal Angle

A ¾ view is often the most effective: it shows both eyes, the shape of the face, and adds a sense of three-dimensionality.

Frontal or full profile? It depends. But in general, I look for natural, relaxed poses—where the subject doesn’t appear stiff or overly posed.

3. 👁 Expression: The Heart of the Portrait

You don’t need a big smile. You need truth.The most effective expressions are spontaneous ones that reveal something about the person: a calm gaze, curiosity, a thoughtful look…

The eyes must be clearly visible—they're the first thing a viewer seeks in a portrait.

4. 🔍 Image Quality

A blurry, dark, or too-small photo doesn’t help.The more detail I can see, the deeper and more realistic the painting will be.

Tip:

• Use a good-quality camera or smartphone.

• Avoid filters that alter colors or distort features.

5. 🎭 Personality and Atmosphere

A portrait should tell who you are, not just “how you look in a photo.”

So:

• Choose an image that truly represents you.

• Clothing, background, or even a small detail (a book, an object, a color) can tell your story.

6. 📵 What to Avoid

For clarity, here’s what doesn’t work well as a reference:

• Distorted selfies (especially those taken too close).

• Overexposed or underexposed photos.

• Images with Instagram-like filters.

• Low-resolution photos (grainy or pixelated).

📸 Want to Take a New Photo for Your Portrait?

Here’s a simple tip:Stand near a window, use a neutral wall as your background, and take the photo from about 1.5 meters away.Side lighting, a genuine expression, and good image quality are the best ingredients.

💌 Final Thoughts

A portrait is not just a copy of a photo - it’s an interpretation. But having a well-chosen reference image is like starting with a canvas already alive with emotion.

If you’re thinking about commissioning a portrait or want to know more, feel free to write me. I’ll be happy to help you choose the image that best tells your story.