Tips for Working with Poor Reference Photos | Top Tips

Struggling to figure out how to approach a new coloured pencil portrait when you've been given a poor reference photo to work from? Find out my tips for editing and embracing poor reference photos, and get my advice on when you should simply say no to a photo.
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[@annakirk2867]

Thank you Bonnie. I had to tell someone "no" not long ago and felt so bad about it that I thought well maybe. But my daughter came to my rescue and told me the reference photo was so Pixelaided there couldn't be any way I could do it. I asked for a different photo, but it was the only one they had and the dog had passed. Ugh!

[@heidipeters7174]

I couldnt have found this at a better time! Thanks Bonny!

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

OMG! AND you do horsies!? Subscribed a prepped for a binge!!❤❤❤😂

[@crystalheart9]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣I can't help but feel your pain because I've done pet portraits for many years and the dreaded poor photo is so common. Most often people bring me photos that they happen to have laying around instead of taking nicely posed new photos for me to use as a reference. It's crazy what they bring you to work from. When I think the photo isn't too bad and accept I find the more I look at the photo the more obvious it is that there is a lot of missing details. Also I don't know what it is with cell phones but the photos taken with them seem to be poor quality. Hair and details seem all blurred together and not crisp at all. I've had to lighten dark photos on my computer to see the details better which helps a lot. This is a helpful video on having good reference photos so you aren't having big problems later when you're trying to do a portrait.

[@laureendavis2369]

Thank you so much for sharing your techniques for poor reference photos. I just got done working through a rough one myself. I'm definitely going to check out those software suggestions you made!

[@rosanesilva6830]

Yes, this video was very useful, imagine that in the 21st century, someone doesn't speak English. well, I don't speak. So imagine my difficulty understanding what you explained while looking at For subtitles lol!!but I did it. I understood about the quality of the photos ...and how sometimes bad photos make us have to evolve at work. Thank you, from Brazil.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

You are as amazing as always my friend. I am looking into being able to get that software but there are several versions of it or portions of it can you please advise me on what in particular I should purchase

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

It's the Topaz ones :)

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

here's a link topazlabs.com/ref/446/ and use code HOYT15 for a 15% discount :)

[@shannahayward4108]

This is great thank you for this Bonny but can I ask not sure if your know what’s best app on the phone to help with photos.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I use the tools I’m my iPhone to be honest. They’re really good 🥰

[@shannahayward4108]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy that’s great thank you so much I will look at the tools is that in photos when edit.

[@zalexia27]

I use clip studio art , either a sub or flat out, it costs about 90 us dollars . its better than photoshop in my opinion. i've used most soft wares its my go to. i also do cgi on my surface pro

[@rosanesilva6830]

5:22

[@Zhiavanja]

Is this still the program you use? Topaz?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Actually now I don’t tend to use anything and work from the photo I’m given 🥰

[@Zhiavanja]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy Thanks so much, Bonnie! I am doing that as well. I tried a few ai photo enhancing programs with the reference photo I'm going to be using next and honestly I didn't like what they did with it and decided to just use the original. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I appreciate you and all you do!!