When creating highly realistic and scientifically accurate illustrations of wildlife making sure you have reference photos is key to a successful drawing. Firstly, I pick a subject matter. While I started out my career with architecture, wildlife has been my primary focus for many years now. So, unless it’s a specific commission that is non-animal, I select a species and begin to do research on it. Let’s say, for the purpose of this tutorial, I’ve decided to illustrate a bird native to Peru: The Maguari Stork (Ciconia maguari.)
Now, as this is a rare bird – even in Peru – so there would be no opportunity for me to view the bird in real life. So my only option would be to review photos of the bird online. Here is where we immediately run into issues. Notably, you cannot simply use a photo you find online as reference to create a drawing. It is a misconception that creating a new illustration based on an existing photo is somehow acceptable because you are just using the photo as reference. Do not fall into this trap. If you use a photo as reference without first obtaining permission from the photographer, you run the risk of possible legal action in the future. The general rule is that if you can tell the illustration is based on the photo, that is infringement. If you are going to use a photo as reference for your images – and to steer clear of any legal or moral problems – you have the following options:
- Use existing photos, but create a completely new design that in no way resembles the source material. The photos are only for you to understand the anatomy of the subject.
- Get express permission from the photographer. Explain what you intend to do, offer compensation (as well as perhaps an offer of a signed print to sweeten the deal) and most importantly if you intend to sell the artwork commercially. NOTE: I’ve found most photographers have no problem if you are just using the image as reference for yourself, but want to be informed if you intend to profit from artwork based on their photo.
- Find images that have been designated public domain or have been similarly released for commercial use. Example: many of the photos found on Wikipedia are public domain.
- Find royalty free photos and find out from the seller if derivative images can be created from the source material.
Let’s return to our chosen subject, the Maguari Stork. Let’s say we’re going with the option of getting permission from a photographer. I have used the website flickr.com with great success. The reason I’ve had so much success is – unlike stock image websites – the photographers you find in Flickr are mostly amateurs or semi-amateurs. While you will encounter professionals, generally Flickr is home to many talented weekend style photographers. While this might result in images that are of slightly less quality than professional images you will find on stock photo websites, the fact that you can contact the photographer directly to ask permission far outweighs any difference in quality. The fact is that there are countless talented photographers on Flickr, and many will be thrilled that you took notice of their work and want to create a drawing based on their photo.
So, now we’ll talk about how to obtain permission. This is a method I have used for many years and with great success. We will also be using flickr.com (as well as exploring other options should this not result in a suitable photo.)
Now, in those years I have contacted hundreds of photographers. I do have a standard message I send to them:
Hello (name of photographer, using the formal Mr. or Ms.)
How are you? I came across your photo while looking for images of (type of animal)
(Insert link here)
That’s an excellent shot! So, here’s why I contacted you: I’m an illustrator and – with your permission – I’d like to do a drawing based upon this photo. I wonder if you’d consider this? When the drawing is complete, I’d be happy to send a print should you want one. Also, I’ll post the drawing to Flickr crediting and linking your original photo. Please let me know the fees involved and how best to make payment.
If you’re interested please look at my Photostream to see examples of previous drawings. Please feel free to contact any of the photographers – usually listed below the drawings – for references.
www.flickr.com/YOUR PHOTOSTREAM (or other link to where they can find your artwork.)
Thank you for your time and consideration,
– YOUR NAME
One thing to consider when contacting photographers – either on Flickr or other websites – is that often they have abandoned their content. It’s not infrequent that I find images I’d like to use, only to see that they haven’t been updated for many years. That means it’s highly unlikely you’ll receive a response. So when looking for reference photos, it’s a good rule of thumb to try and determine when was the last time the photographer added a new photo. It’s been over a year, it might be better to look elsewhere.
Once you have obtained permission to use a photo, then you can move on to creation of the illustration.
