There are lots of famous quote on portrait paintings. In this post, I just want to share 5 of the best that I have picked.

“There are only two styles of portrait painting, the serious and the smirk”
~ Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870). An English novelist of the Victorian era.

“A photograph is a portrait painted by the sun”
~ Anonymous (Photography)

“I do not paint a portrait to look like the subject, rather does the person grow to look like his portrait.”
~ Salvador Dalí (1904 – 1989), A Spanish surrealist painter.

“When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait.”
~ Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973). A Spanish painter, draughtsman, and sculptor.

“Most of our modern portrait painters are doomed to absolute oblivion. They never paint what they see. They paint what the public sees, and the public never sees anything.”
~ Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900). An Irish writer, poet, and prominent aesthete.

Viewpoint for shooting portrait refers to the best position from which you photograph the subject. This is one of the basic aspect that most amateur photographer has neglected. It is so easy to hold the digital SLR camera and photograph the subject at eye level. The outcomes of having a humdrum photography maybe effective, provided your subject is spontaneous, experienced to modeling, and constantly having different pose in front of the camera. Think twice, do you want to hire a high-paid model just to learn basic portrait photography? So how to achieve the most effective viewpoint for shooting portrait? Simply put it, which shooting angle is best to produce a more flattering result in your composition? Below showing 4 methods for using viewpoint that enhance your portrait shooting.

1. Experiment with different height and angles. Be proactive. If the your subject is static, you should be the one to move and try shooting at different position. Shooting at high or low angle can drastically change the effect to improve the overview results and creativity. Try kneel down and shoot at waste level, or from extreme low ground to produce majestic statues-alike. Viewpoint can also have a subtle effect on how the subject appears – looking up can make them appear submissive or cheeky; looking down can make them seem dominant or even naughty.
2. Identify the unique facial features that characterize your subject. In caricature for portrait drawings, key features are intentionally exaggerated to make a face more easily recognizable. Likewise, have an extreme shooting angle for a portrait close-up will also achieve a whole new dynamic. For example, shooting from above will accentuate the feature of high cheek-bone, portraying one with stern look and strong character.
3. Use wide-angle lens for portrait close-up. Most versatile zoom lens for that I have used is Canon’s EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. For more professional, I would recommend EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM. For ultra-wide, use EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM. Or EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye, for unique and intriguing effects. As a beginner, would you choose to invest on a good SLR lens with resale value or to hire an experienced model who has to pay hourly?
4. Its always better to have eye contact. Your subject without eye-contact in portrait will reflect your composition with voyeuristic feel, than with intimacy mood. Re-quoting from a popular photography blog “Without eye contact, the whole mood of the image changes – the camera is now simply an ‘observer’ and this is a great opportunity to show a subject in a different way.” Source from http://digital-photography-school.com/eye-contact-in-photography

Here is an examples for shooting at side angle and slightly above eye-level.

Viewpoint of Portrait Photography. Source from Flickr: "TheHopscotch's Photostream"

Portrait caricature refers to a figurative drawing with an exaggerated facial expression. Beside drawings, artists also include paintings for photo caricature. Some using free hand to complete a drawing within minutes, while others with an aid of software.

Caricature are different from the portrait painting where every features on the face look exactly on the real person. Caricature emphasize on the specific feature, such as a broad nose, dimples, freckles, high cheek-bone or big round eyes. This features are intentionally exaggerated to boost the uniqueness of the subject. There are also drawn in a distorted manner, such that the overview of the portrait still depict it’s likeness and recognizable to the real person.

Another characteristic of caricature portrait is to be amusing, thus, there are drawn in a comical appearance. Like the form of satire and comical art. It help to reduce the sense of seriousness, yet able to carry the message to viewers literally.

I have recently visited a Chinese Art exhibition. One of the booth was portrait caricature by Chinese ink and water. Surprisingly, painted within 5 minutes on the spot. Below is the photo shots of their poster ads to share with you. What do you think of the caricature drawing from this Chinese artist?

Portrait Caricature by Chinese ink and water

With the use of photographs, portrait artists is able to paint accurate and realist paintings. As a means for providing static references can be priceless. Especially, in situation where portrait is taken as a candid shots in a party or at the peak of the snowy mountain. These occurrence can never be repeated as exactly as it was, or will you takes another tiring effort to climb the same mountain again?

Below you will be reading 10 reasons on why compact digital camera is worth buying, typically for an amateur who learn oil painting from photos, and not for techies or geeks.

1. Design to have point-and-shoot capabilities with automatic setting, for specific subjects such as portrait and landscape. I always named it as “post-and-shoot and ever-ready cameras”
2. Have basic features for digital zooming, focusing and macro shots. Most of the newer compact camera has 3x to 5x ranges of zooming. Suitable for portrait and closeup.
3. Small, lightweight, compact and sleek. Best for smaller bags or even in pockets. It is as good as pack-and-go item. Some of the girls are carrying it everyday, taking it out from their handbag as and when there wanted to have a snapshot of people.
4. With advancing technology, these gadgets are becoming more affordable with an easy-to-use operating interface. Remember that your purpose is to take reference photograph for portrait paintings.
5. Technically speaking, compact cameras are less sophisticated and easy to learn. Otherwise, painters will have to start flipping those thick operating manuals on How-to topics. Spend more time on learning how to achieve better painting skill is more worth doing it.
6. Unlike the bulkier and heavier digital SLR cameras, this is much lighter. Hassle-free and doesn’t require special storage, such as the dry cabinet. In addition, you don’t need to carry loads of detachable lens and filters in your sack. I personally experienced that when I was in Tasmania, doing a 10-hours bush trekking; it was more of a burden than a pride that I wanted.
7. You don’t have to invest on an external flashlight. Compact camera have integrated with flashlight. In fact, I personally encourage user to do shooting without flash lighting. It does make your portrait photograph having hard edges, due to harshness of bright flashlight. Please read “How to have portrait photography without lighting studio”
8. Higher end compact camera give better quality photographs. CCD sensors of 8-10 megapixels; perfect to print up to A1 paper size. Do you still consider camera phone with 3-5 megapixels? Just for your info in today’s technology market, an iPhone has 3 megapixels and Nexus One only has 5 megapixels.
9. Much faster processing time than your camera phone, that is why compact camera are capable for taking burst-rate. Imagine how many portrait shots can u take, if the subject happen to be a hyper-active child?
10. Make you stay focus on using the compact camera. At times, function of phone camera will be disabled when there are interrupted by incoming calls. I’m trying to say, “Don’t miss your best shots!”.

How to have portrait photography without lighting studio, commonly know as studio portrait. As an amateur photographer, I have used SLR camera, as well as, the point-and-shoot compact camera. Both has given me some experiences that portrait photography can possibly be done, even without a proper light studio for the professional.

I enjoy taking photographs of friends or family. These days, any user can easily learn to take pictures without worrying of its setting or adjustment. Modern cameras are build in with with lots of automated features, such as auto focus, exposure, zooming, face-detection, etc. The results can be excellent most of the time. At times, the outcome can be so badly that one continue to snap more picture till the good one appears. So what actually contribute to a good portrait photography without proper studio? Below are 2 factors that can help anyone to have notice a major difference and better results.

1) Using of on-camera flash

On-camera flash is never flattering; not only does it show every flaw and blemish, but the harsh directional light creates ugly shadows and the dreaded red-eye.

Studio portrait photographers use large flash units on stands with special softbox attachments to diffuse the light. For the home studio, all you need is an overcast day. Simply named it as ‘natural light’ in photographic terms. Place your subject by a large windows, seated so they are facing slightly towards the light. For outdoors, recommended place will be under a shade in the day.

This is all you need to do, though if the other side of their face looks too dark, you might want to employ a sheet card a a reflector to bounce some of the daylight back. A oversized white sheet taped to the wall behind them is perfect.

Most of the cameras if set to full auto, will have their on-camera flash triggered upon detect insufficient lighting. You can st it to “Without Flash”.

2) Zoom Setting

The key thing here is not to use the wide end of the zoom. If you have a 3x zoom on your camera, step backwards and use the longest zoom setting. If the zoom is longer, aim for at least the mid-way point. This will produce more flattering perspective – and avoid the ‘back of the spoon’ effect of shooting with a wide lens. The negative effect of ‘back of the spoon’ tend to be more prominent with wide angle lens, especially for SLR cameras. If the framing of the portrait is only to the face closeup, it will look kind of ‘stretched’ or slightly rounded.

Photo Portrait Painting, an unique art of photorealism by combining
more than one photos, and magically transform them into a single oil
painting artwork on canvas. Preserving traditionalism, yet contemporary
and distinctly personal and real.

Below are the price guide for photo portrait painting, using oil
color paint.

People Portrait

* All price shown is in US currency
* This price guide is published on 26th Oct 2009
* Free Shipping to US & Canada
* Painting work will take 10 – 30 business day, or 2~6 wks.

Check out the steps of how this works. Click Here

Free to send me your enquiries on painting your favorite portrait photos by clicking Contact us.

How to send us your Photo for Portrait Painting

Step 1. Send us a Text Message

Send us a text message by clicking here. Sending a portrait photograph may take up memory of 500Kb. Some with very high quality photograph are usually 3000kb that is consider a large files. We understand that your portrait photos are personal, therefore, we don’t use it and disseminate to our artists as a training materials. As such, we would recommend short text messages that take not more than 10kb; lesser memory, fast and efficient. This will also allow us to briefly understand by listening to your requirement. All mails are welcome, and I read every mails.

Drop us a message. Contact Us.

Step 2. Send us your Favorite Portrait Photographs

This will only happen when Step 1 is completed, or vice versa. (if we know your contacts through other means of communication). Please send us your favorite portrait photos. Ensure your photo is a minimum of 100Kb in size. If you are scanning your photo, make sure it is no less than 600dpi (dots per inch). We will contact you right away, if there is any problem with your photos. My mail box is capable of receiving large files, therefore, we will still be able to receive your photographs at any size.

Step 3. Initial Deposit of 30% to Secure Your Order.

After reviewing your photographs for its complexity, we will propose to you an official quotation. This quoting service is free of charge. Upon price agreement, an initial deposit of 30% of final payment will be required to start off the painting process. A web link will be provided to direct you for secure payment. Leading you to the next following steps at checkout, the web address will begin with “https”, meaning “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure”. We use Paypal, the most secured online payment. No membership registration is required. No password is necessary.

Step 4. Portrait Painting work started

Portrait painting work started, upon receipt of payment. We assign artists who are trained and experience in portrait painting for oil painting on canvas. Skill for portrait painting includes people, family, wedding, friends, pets, etc. Also in charcoal sketch drawing, pastel portrait, watercolor portrait painting, watercolor landscape and etc.

Step 5. Preview of Portrait Painting

When painting is completed, we will send a photo of finished painting for your preview, confirmation and approval for shipment.

Step 6. You can request for modifications if necessary after reviewing

Most of our customers approve the custom oil painting once receiving the first preview email. However, please do not hesitate to email us any modification request if there is any reason that you are not satisfied with your artwork. We will amend painting as your instructions till 100% satisfaction.

Step 7. You confirm painting and pay the balance

When you confirm your painting, you will be asked to pay the balance of 70% payment before shipping. Same procedure as you have paid initial deposit. Or we can send a Money Request through Paypal.

Step 8. We delivery finished painting to you

Your custom oil painting will be shipped with a well protected package. to the address you have supplied. We ship by express company such as TNT, UPS, DHL, EMS and etc.

Photo Portrait Painting, Portrait Photography and Photorealism Art. Portrait Painting From Your Favorite Photograph of Family, Wedding Couples, Colleagues, Friends, Children, or your Lovely Pet. Your Beautiful House, Mansion, Panoramic Landscape or Architectural Skyscrapers. Painting Directly From Your Photos or Transform and Merge More Than Two Photos Into One Single Painting on Canvas. Without Any Digital Transfer, All Genuinely Hand Painted by Experienced Artists From East Asia, China. Blogging, Learning & Sharing. Topics on how-to and tips for portrait paintings and photography for beginners.

Welcome to Photo Portrait Painting.

Traditional method of portrait paintings has been originally from oil colors. Now, we can bring this tradition back to modern days, by converting your photos into oil painting portrait on real canvas. No more looking at mundane and lifeless digital print or faded old photo frame hanging on the wall. Portrait oil painting will bring new look and vibrant color, lasting memories and revive a whole new experience from viewing digital printed photos.

Portrait oil paintings are genuinely hand-painted. No digital techniques or transfer printing, no assist by using projection devices, no art paper prints or pretentious posters that you can find at shopping malls. All portrait oil paintings have its “unique” qualities to reflect the essential character from the photos.

Many fine painters, both past and present, have taken advantage of benefits photography has offer. They are brilliant at capturing a moment in time. As a means of providing reference material it is invaluable, especially capturing transitory expression of people in an occasion that can never be repeated; the unforgettable moment of human gestures and lovable pets can be recorded, for careful study; and holiday photographs can provide a generous source of paintings of new landscapes and cultures when it hasn’t been practical to travel with painting kit. And in these digital days, photography can be view on the computer screen, inspiring ideas of portrait composition approaches that can be depicted by genuinely hand painted artwork on real canvas.

Oil painting of people, whether family members, wedding couples, personal, children, friends, or even with pets, a panoramic landscape, your beautiful house, European mansion or with your luxurious car. Portrait oil paintings directly from photos, is one of the most challenging and satisfying of all branches of art. Traditionally, portrait paintings is most often associated with oil painting. This is partly because most of the portraits studies of the past have been in oil color. Oil painting for portraits is not easy, which can be scraped down, overpainted and corrected in a number of ways, allowing artist to make false starts without being bound by them. Turning your photos into portrait oil paintings is even more unique. But however free and spontaneous a portrait study may look, it has to be based on sound knowledge and observation.

Xiamen has strong industry advantage in commercial oil painting, which has two main manufacturing bases – Wushipu Oil Painting Village (乌石浦油画村) and Haicang Oil Painting Village (海沧油画村). In this region, our artists for portrait oil painting have acquired high standards of academic education in fine art, to attain good painting technique and art style. Over 20 – 30 years of great depth of knowledge and experience in this specialty art skill. There are talented artists, committed to their life on oil painted canvas art, diligently in their painting works, and genuinely hand crafted on any works of oil painting art produced.

There is this famous Chinese artists has once said that a portrait painter should immerse his emotions and creative mind, to visualize deep into the person who appear in the photo. Indeed, our talented artist delegates their time and thoughts on emphasizing the importance of expressions and movements, with completeness on how facial muscles work and how the individual moves and speaks, and to gather something about their character outlook and interests.

We can assure that anyone will be amazed by their extraordinary skill to produce an outstanding portrait oil painting. Our commitment is 100% customer’s satisfaction guaranteed.

Feel free to contact us on any request for Oil Painting Reproductions.

Or visit my Color Painting Art on topic about Color Painting from different media, such as oil, acrlyic, pastel, etc. Includes topics on Artwork Reproductions with Chinese Culture. A website for blogging, learning & sharing knowledge.

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