Painting from my photographs
Yes, you’re welcome to use my photographs as a painting reference. It’s an honour to see them become paintings, drawings and carvings. Here’s all I ask.
- 1
Credit me as the photographer
Wherever the painting is shown or posted, include "Reference photo by Joshua Smith, Joshua Smith Photography".
- 2
Tag my page
If you post it on social media, please tag my Facebook or Instagram page directly so people can find the original.
- 3
Send me the finished piece
I'll likely share it with my followers, along with your page or the post you made, so they can find your work.
What’s fine
- YesPractice, classes and gifts
Go ahead. Credit me if you post them.
- YesPosting your painting online
Please credit me and tag my Facebook or Instagram page.
- YesSelling your original painting
Yes, with the credit line kept alongside it. Commissions for a client are the same.
- YesArt shows and competitions
If the rules ask for written permission from the photographer, send me a message and I'll provide it.
- YesPrints, cards or products of your painting
It's your painting, so it's yours to reproduce. Keep the credit line on them. When you're ready for prints, I'd love to make them: museum-quality giclée prints, color-matched to your original, made here in West Monroe. See prices and get an estimate
- Not allowedUsing the photograph itself
Printing it, posting it as your own, selling it, painting over a printed copy, or running it through filters or AI tools to make "art".
Crediting
Put this with the artwork wherever it’s shown or posted: on the post, the listing, or the card beside it at a show.
Reference photo by Joshua Smith, Joshua Smith Photography
Show me your painting
Send a photo of the finished piece by Facebook message or email, or drop me a note here with a link to your post. Questions, or need written permission for a show? Ask here too. You can find every photograph in the shop.