Can someone lend me a photo?
 

Sounds silly, I know, but I'd like a really good reference for a change. Sharon has told me to start using better quality photos. I'm really seeing the value of that advice now.

Since I don't have a high-end camera, and I'd rather spend my free time developing painting skils rather than photography skills (for now), I'm asking for a favor.

Could you provide me with a reference photo that you have not used in a painting? Not one of your clients. That could get sticky, but many of you have posted great pictures of your children, relatives, etc.

The photos posted here are low resolution, because of the posting requirements. I'd need the original, high res version emailed to me. It doesn't need to be a photo that was previously posted on SOG forums. Whatever good photo you have is fine. Presumably it would be a photo that was taken with the intent to use as a reference for painting, and has the qualities of a good photo reference, as defined by the many discussions here on that topic.

As I said, it should not be one of your commission clients, nor should it be a reference that you've used (or plan to use) in a painting. It seems like that could cause conflicts.

Sending me a picture implies your consent for me to paint it and post the results on a password-protected area of SOG (If I ever figure out how to get into them).

I do not intend to sell or publicly display the painting without your consent.

Thanks

Hi Jeff,
Of course, I do not have any good reference photos to offer you but I do have a suggestion. I frequent HalfPrice Books weekly and you can easily pick up coffee table art books for as low as 10 cents on the dollar. I have found some great plates of famous paintings which I have used to copy.

I have also found some beautiful photography books with beautiful color photos but I have not tried to paint any of them.

Good suggestion, Pat. I'm not interested in copying paintings, but the photo books might do the trick. The only problem is, Cynthia wouldn't want me to post them here for critique, since I'd be violating someone's copyright. I could use them for practice, but I'd really like to be able to get a critique here when I'm done.

Hi Jeff,
check your mail, I sent you something. Hope it help.

The mail didn't work. Did you change your email adress?

The mail worked just fine. I got several pictures from you. Thank you very much.

I'm on my all-too-short lunch break now. I'll give them a harder look later.

Jeff, as much as you probably don't want to hear this, copying someone else's photos will only make you a good photo-copier, not a good artist. Even a $10 disposable camera will take good enough photos for you to paint from. An absolutely essential skill (if you want to work from photos) is to learn to take good ones. An even more essential skill is to work from life. Pay or bribe some real live human being -- anyone -- to sit for you, even if they're watching TV while you're paiting them. You'll learn so much more and a lot faster than just copying someone else's photographs.

Michele,

Yes, this is good advice, if you can find a model. I can't even get my own wife to pose for me. As you may know, there are two other threads addressing this topic right now.

I'm thinking about offering a free portrait to anyone who will pose. That's no incentive for my wife, but others might be interested. I was thinking about posting something on the local freecycle board.

Jeff,
How about.........compose your self in a simple light that emphasize your characteristics in a flattering way. Don

Great idea. That's exactly how Sargent got started.