Choosing your photo

Snap shots, school photos, vintage photos and professional portraits can all make fabulous paintings.

It’s really worth using the best photo you possibly can – you will get to know the image really well as you paint it, and it will be displayed for years to come.

There are 3 basic things to bear in mind:

Don't worry about the backgound we can remove it if necessary.

Overall, if you can see the subjects eyes clearly then it should work well as a painting kit.

Having said that please feel free to send in photos you are not sure about – we will let you know how they will work out as a paintings.

If you haven't already chosen a photo, it's easy to take one that will make a fantastic painting.

It's best to avoid taking the photo in direct sunlight as parts of the face can be in shade or the subject ends up squinting! Either outside on a dull day or indoors near a window work out really well.

Preferably not lit from behind. This means the face is shaded and there is very little contrast.

 

 

from front low res

This is a nice clear photo taken facing a window, on a bright day. Perfect for a painting kit.

Not enough detail, the image looks fine until you zoom in. Would make rather a blurry painting.
low contrast  

Light from behind means very little contrast in face. Would be okay at a pinch.