Using a Reference Photo in Your Art: Ideas, Tips, & More

Taking and planning photos for use in your art

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: December 24, 2023 References

If you want to draw something on paper, you don't have to have it completely visualized and worked out in your head. Instead, you can have a general concept of what you want or a few ideas about certain elements of what you visualize, then photograph a similar scene and use the image(s) to help you create a wonderful piece of art.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Planning Your Reference Photos

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1
Determine how you will use your photo. Some options are:
- Duplicating the photograph using visual tracing.
- Referencing the photo for shapes, shadows, visual texture, light direction, etc.
- Picking out elements whereby you use only a part of the image for reference or tracing.
You might end up using Photoshop for manipulation or wanting to create your own reference photos.

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3
Sketch it out on paper or on a tablet. It doesn't have to be pretty, but you will want to take into consideration the following:
- Direction of light in relation to the subject
- Direction, quality, and color of light
- Your subject and the subject's motions (if any)
- Your subject's pose
- Composition of the shot (or shots)
As your project evolves, you will find yourself needing more shots (or different ones).
They don't have to be perfect. These are reference photos, after all.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Photo Reference for Sketching

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Use something like a drafting and drawing table. This will lessen the chance that your work will be distorted.
That means working directly beside it. This will also keep your eyes level when moving from your reference photo to your sketch.
While drawing, place your finger on the reference photo where you are sketching it on the paper.
Make sure that your finger stays on the photo where you are sketching on the paper.
Breaking your image down into a grid with horizontal and vertical lines can really simplify your work.

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Tips

To learn how to draw portraits, get in front of a mirror. Alternatively, use yourself as a reference photo.

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Use what you got. To practice reflections and shadows, use something in the house with reflections and shadows, photograph it, and sketch it.

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Warnings

It's very easy to simply duplicate your photograph in your sketch. Be aware of this issue and do what you can to avoid it.

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