How to choose the right photo reference for your art and why It’s more crucial than you think!

Picking the right reference was never something on my mind, until it was! Once you get yourself some really good references and work from them, you suddenly realise the world of hurt you have been in this whole time. Suddenly I was able to see the details that I needed to add in to take my art to the next level! When you are working on realism pieces or even hyperrealism, the smallest detail can take your artwork to the next level! So, from here I am going to guide you through the lessons that I have learnt and how to make sure you can take your artwork from, great to amazing! Enjoy!

Why choose the 'right' reference?

Selecting the right photo reference for your artwork is more important than you might think. The right image serves as a foundation for your creative vision, providing clarity and direction for the details, lighting, and overall composition of your piece. When you choose, choose carefully, because ultimately it enhances your work's depth and realism, helping you to refine textures, shadows, and proportions with greater ease. The right reference ensures that every stroke and shade have purpose, taking your art to a level that captures the viewer's eye. Plus, if you are creating a photorealistic piece, you are going to be spending a lot of time looking at this picture, you want to make sure that it is at least nice to look at! It will Make your process smoother by starting with a reference that aligns with your artistic goals!

Why Low-Resolution, pixelated, or flatly lit images are a no-go for drawing? Here's why they’re harder to work with!

Low-resolution, pixelated, or flatly lit images make drawing challenging. Pixelation blurs
essential details, making it difficult to capture proportions and shading accurately. Flat lighting strips away depth, leaving the image looking flat and two-dimensional, which hinders realism. The lack of contrast also impacts shading and volume, resulting in lifeless artwork. When using poor-quality references, artists often rely on guesswork to fill in missing details, which is fine for some artists, in fact it can even be a fun challenge, but it's not always that way for everyone, and then it can lead to inconsistencies and increased effort. What should be a straightforward process becomes a frustrating attempt to create a realistic result without the necessary visual clarity. So, what can we do moving forward? How can we get help from this pesky problem and how do we know what to pick in the future?

Tips for Finding Better References to Work With!

Seek Out High-Resolution Images High-resolution images ensure sharp, detailed references, allowing for precise proportions and textures that lead to clearer, more accurate artwork.

Look for References with Strong Contrast.

Strong lighting and contrast highlight shadows and highlights, making depth and dimension easier to capture, resulting in a more dynamic and realistic drawing.

Use references that speak to you

Emotional connections with references inspire deeper engagement, leading to more expressive and meaningful artwork that reflects your personal vision.

Explore Royalty-Free Image Libraries.

Royalty-free libraries offer diverse, high-quality references without copyright concerns, providing a broad range of subjects for inspiration at no extra cost.

Why should You encourage references with directional lighting, strong contrasts, and Clear Edges?

Encouraging references with directional lighting, strong contrasts, and clear edges enhances depth and definition in your artwork. Directional lighting helps to highlight form and shape, making shadows and highlights more distinct. Strong contrasts bring dynamic energy, creating visual interest and drama. Clear edges ensure crisp boundaries, aiding in precise outlining and accurate proportions. Together, these elements provide clarity, guide shading techniques, and add realism, allowing the artist to capture intricate details and produce more lifelike, compelling drawings.

Using lighting to highlight textures and fine details

Lighting plays a crucial role in bringing out textures and fine details in artwork. Strategic lighting can create depth, enhancing subtle surfaces and intricate patterns. By adjusting light sources, artists can highlight shadows and highlights, adding dimension and realism to their work.

How to Spot the Best Lighting in a Reference Image

To spot the best lighting in a reference image, look for well-defined shadows and highlights. The light should create depth and dimension, not flatten the image. Strong directional lighting will highlight textures and contours, guiding your shading. Avoid images with overly harsh or flat lighting, as they obscure key details necessary for realistic rendering.

PRO tips

Focus on tone not colour: print it in Black and White for a More Dynamic Image.

When I print out references for my students, I always print them out twice. Once in colour and once in black and white. Printing in black and white allows artists to focus purely on tone, contrast, and texture without the distraction of colour. It highlights the subtle shifts in light and shadow, helping to refine your understanding of depth and form. By removing colour, the eye is drawn to the composition and fine details, such as gradients and highlights. This approach can also assist in honing shading techniques, ensuring a more accurate and sophisticated representation of the subject, ultimately enhancing the overall impact of your artwork.

Artists should use photos that emotionally resonate them to enhance their work.

When creating art, using reference photos that resonate emotionally can significantly enhance your work. When an artist feels connected to their reference, it infuses the drawing with a sense of life and energy. The emotional connection makes the process more enjoyable, turning the act of drawing into a meaningful experience.
Loving the subject helps you see beyond the surface. It allows for a deeper understanding of the textures, shadows, and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. This connection improves the realism of your work, as you’re more attuned to the nuances that make the subject feel alive. Passion for your reference leads to better results. When you’re emotionally engaged, every stroke is more intentional, every detail more refined. This personal connection brings a layer of authenticity to your drawing, allowing the emotions you feel to translate directly onto the paper. In the end, art created from a place of emotional investment will always resonate more strongly with the viewer.

Where to Find High-Quality References?

I hope you now agree that finding high-quality reference material is crucial for creating detailed and realistic artwork. So if you interested in finding out how to get your hands on some awesome references here are a few excellent sources to consider:

● Personal Photos
Using your own photos ensures authenticity and emotional connection. You capture the
exact lighting, angles, and subjects that resonate with you. Plus, personal photos help
avoid copyright issues.

● Royalty-Free Image Websites
Websites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay offer high-quality, free images that can be
used without legal concerns. These platforms provide a wide variety of subjects,
ensuring you have ample options for reference material.

● Printed Books
Printed art books, photography collections, or anatomy guides offer high-resolution, well-
lit images. These books provide accurate, timeless references, especially when studying
human anatomy, nature, or historical art.

● Curating Your Own Reference Library
Building a library of trusted sources allows for consistent quality. Over time, you’ll gather
a variety of photos, books, and resources that you know are reliable and inspiring.

By leveraging these resources, you can ensure that your artwork is based on clear, precise, and personal references that elevate your creative process.

Ready to take your artwork to the next level?

Download our Good Reference Checklist today and ensure you’re using the best sources for your creations. This handy PDF guide breaks down the essential elements to look for in a high-quality reference image—lighting, composition, clarity, and emotional connection. Whether you're using personal photos, royalty-free images, or printed books, this checklist will help you make informed decisions and streamline your creative process.
Don’t miss out on this bonus tool to enhance your artistic journey—grab your free copy
now and start drawing with confidence!