How to Choose a Photo for an Oil Portrait — Source Requirements
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The quality of a portrait begins not with the canvas — it begins with the photograph. A good source gives me information: how the light falls on the face, what colour the eyes are, what texture the skin and hair have. A weak source forces me to guess — and even with excellent technique, the result will be a compromise.
The good news: a "suitable photo" doesn't mean a studio shoot. Often the best portrait comes from an ordinary phone photo taken at the right moment. In this article I'll break down what makes a photograph portrait-worthy, and what to do if there's no perfect shot.
The Main Requirements for a Photo
1. Sharpness of the face
This is requirement number one. I need to see the eyes (pupil, iris, highlight), the line of the lips, the shape of the nose. If the face is blurred, the details aren't there — I'd have to invent them, and an invented face loses the likeness.
The test is simple: zoom in on the photo on your screen. If the eyes stay clear when enlarged — the photo works. If they dissolve into a blur — look for another shot.
2. Natural lighting
The best light is daylight — from a window or outdoors in light shade. It shows the true skin colour, the volume of the face, soft shadows.
What ruins a shot:
- Direct flash — erases volume, flattens the face, causes red eyes and harsh shadows behind the head
- Yellow lamps — distort the skin colour
- Backlight (a window behind the person) — the face sinks into shadow
- Midday sun — hard black shadows under the eyes and nose
3. A sensible angle
The face straight on or in a slight turn (three-quarter view) — ideal. Strong angles from below or above distort the proportions: from below, a heavy chin and a "swallowed" forehead; from above, a huge forehead and a tiny chin.
4. Sufficient resolution
Send the original file, not a screenshot and not a compressed version from a messenger. WhatsApp compresses photos heavily — details are lost. Better to send by email, a cloud link, or in a messenger as a "file/document" (without compression).
What Is NOT Necessary
Let me dispel some common worries:
No professional camera needed. A modern smartphone in daylight photographs in enough detail for a portrait of any size.
No studio shoot needed. A lively photo with emotion often produces a better portrait than a staged one with a frozen face.
No perfect background needed. I paint the background myself anyway — to your preference: plain, blurred, an interior, a landscape. On the photo, only the face and the light matter.
No perfect hairstyle/clothing needed. Clothing can be changed in the portrait, the hair gently tidied. We'll discuss it at the sketch stage.
Old and Imperfect Photos — What to Do
An old black-and-white photo. I work with these regularly. A black-and-white shot provides the structure of the face, light and shadow, character. The colour of skin, hair, and eyes I'll confirm with you or take from other photos of the person.
A faded photo from the 80s–90s. The orange or blue cast of old film isn't a verdict. I see "through" the distortion: from contrast and tone I reconstruct the real colours.
A single photo of poor quality. I'll say honestly what's possible and what isn't. Sometimes additional photos of the same person help — even at a different age, from a different angle. From several sources I reconstruct the features more accurately.
A photo with failed lighting or a cropped head. Often solvable: I build the light anew in the portrait, and complete missing elements following the logic of anatomy and other photos.
How to Choose Among Several Photos
Send me 3–5 candidates — I'll help you choose. But if you want to judge for yourself, here are my criteria in order of importance:
- The expression. The most important thing. Choose the shot where the person looks "like themselves" — with their characteristic gaze, a natural smile. Ask yourself: "Do I recognise them in this shot instantly?"
- Sharpness of the eyes. Check by zooming in.
- Light. Soft, daylight, no flash.
- Angle. Straight on or three-quarter.
A technically weak photo with a lively expression is often better than a perfectly sharp one with a "passport face." The expression is what can't be restored — the technique I compensate with craft.
FAQ — Common Questions About Sources
Can a portrait be made from a social media photo?
Technically yes, if the resolution is sufficient. But social networks compress photos. Better to find the original in your phone's gallery and send it as a file.
Will a selfie work?
It depends. A close-up selfie distorts the proportions (the nose looks bigger, the ears "drift"). A selfie at arm's length or from a distance is better. Send it over — I'll assess it.
I only have photos with glasses. Can the portrait be without them?
If there's at least one photo without glasses (even an old one) — yes, I'll reconstruct the eye area from it. If not, we'll discuss: either we keep the glasses, or I reconstruct carefully but will warn you about the limits of accuracy.
Can the face from one photo be combined with the pose from another?
Yes, that's common practice. What matters is that the lighting of both shots is compatible — or I'll bring them to a common light in the portrait.
How many photos should I send?
Ideally 3–5. One main (the best) and a few additional ones — they help me understand the volume of the face, the exact colour of the eyes and hair, and the characteristic features from different angles.
Checklist Before Sending
- The face is sharp (checked by zooming)
- The light is daylight or soft, no direct flash
- The angle is straight on or three-quarter
- I'm sending the original file, not a screenshot
- The expression is characteristic — the person looks "real"
- There are 2–4 additional photos to clarify details
If at least three points are a "yes" — the photo will most likely work. And if you're in doubt — just send what you have. Assessing the sources is free, and I'll tell you honestly what result is possible.
Not sure if your photo will work? Send it to me — I'll take a look and answer honestly about what's achievable. The consultation is free. Already chosen your photo? Leave a request in the portrait order form.