image quality
The quality of your reference image is extremely important!
Images with low resolution or taken on a phone make it extremely difficult to see the details of a home and therefore effects the quality of your end result. For that reason I cannot accept reference images that are blurry or too grainy. If you cannot tell if the house is made of brick of covered in siding, then I won’t be able to either!
If you are unsure of the resolution of your image or if you cannot obtain a high resolution photo, send me a message on the contact page. I’m happy to give you a free consultation and we can talk about options for your commission.
a great reference leads to a great painting!
image angle and lighting
The angle that your image is shot at is also important.
Photos that are shot straight on can make the image look a little bit flat. The best images are at a slight angle so you can see the perspective of the home or building.
The best time to take a photo is early in the morning or late afternoon. The stronger light at these times of day make for a higher contrast image and therefore makes for a more striking final result!
If you are unable to take an image of your building that is high resolution and fits the guidelines, you may also request that I take a photo of the house myself! (Provided that your home or building is within 5-10 miles of Midland, Michigan)