The Camera: a useful tool in the hands of a competent artist » Art Center Information

The camera is a useful tool in the hands of a competent  artist.  They are a great advantage for allowing an artist to try dozens of compositions  of a subject from which he can finally choose the best, or combine the good features of several.

Photographic shots can be taken from unusual angles–downshots from above, or shots from near the floor and upward.  Artists would find it very difficult to work in these awkward position while trying to sketch or paint.

It is also an excellent tool to create reference material when posing people are involved in the painting.  It is a satisfactory way to record poses which a model couldn’t hold long enough to permit the completion of the work; as well, it allows the painting to go on in the studio when the model is not present.

Although photographs are useful for reference, remember, you’re the artist.  A photograph is just that–reference.  I highly recommend you turn your photos into black and white images by desaturating the color.  It will keep you from being influenced by photographic color.

Also, remember the camera produces an image in which only one plane of distance is in focus at a time.  If you are sketching or plein-air painting what you are photographing at the same time, then you will see what I mean.  Your camera will miss some of the much needed things in the picture because the photo-sensor is unable to pick up relative extremes of bright and dim light.