A realism tattoo is only as good as the photo it starts from. The right reference makes the difference between a portrait that looks alive and one that looks flat.
What makes a great reference
- High resolution, in sharp focus, especially around the eyes.
- Strong directional light that creates clear shadows.
- A simple background that does not compete with the subject.
What to avoid
Heavy filters, flash photos and screenshots of screenshots lose the subtle tones black and grey work depends on. If all you have is an old or blurry photo, bring it anyway. We can often combine several images into one strong reference.
Size matters
Detailed faces need space. Most portraits work best at palm size or larger. Browse our portfolio for examples, then send us your photos for an honest opinion.
