How to Use Reference Photos

Most people don’t think about how to use reference photos. They usually find a picture on the internet, look at it, and try to paint the same motif. Then they compare the photograph and the painting. If they find them very similar, it’s a win. If not – it isn’t.

Would I recommend you to do that? No.

First of all, I’d recommend that you mainly use the photos you have taken. Because there is already a reason why you did it. There was something about the shapes, the light, the place, the atmosphere, the angle, something that attracted you. That is why you took the photo. (Maybe you were even a bit disappointed cause it did not capture your feeling of the place.) But for you, it is a reminder of the moment. And that is the kind of photo I would recommend you use. Cause it allows you to reconnect to your attraction to the place and feelings.

And then, you should aim to capture that feeling – the one the photo doesn’t convey. Always consider photos as visual reminders, helping hands – not goals. I can illustrate this with an example. An artist I mentor loves the sea. She brought a photo of islands to the class to use as a reference photo.

As a warm-up, I wanted her to talk about the islands. One moment I said I like to think of islands as giants sleeping in the sea. Her eyes opened widely, and she said: “Oh, no, Vera, not at all! Islands are like huge whales!”. I smiled. Now I knew she connected to her feeling of the place and was ready to start painting:)

That, of course, is not the only way to use reference photos effectively. As you move on your creative path, you will discover new ways, too.

Hi, I’m Vera …

I help courageous women who want to live better lives reconnect with their inner artists and express themselves through the arts.

Whether they are beginners or experienced creatives who feel drained or stuck, teaching them to open themselves to painting, I help them feel relaxed, fulfilled, focused, ageless and alive!

I am also the founder of the Rabbit the Creator studio (based in Ljubljana, Slovenia/ Europe) and have more than 25 years of experience working as an artist, creative director, and educator.

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