Drawing reference guides
Each guide shows real photos at one hard angle, such as a head looking up or a hand pointing at the camera, and lists the landmarks that move at that angle.
Open the same search in Angle Ref from any guide to turn the angle yourself.
Heads
- Back of the Head, Three-Quarter: Reference PhotosReal photos of heads turned mostly away, seen from behind and to the side, plus the landmarks that show: ear, nape, skull bulge, crown. Free reference.
- Face From Above: Bird's Eye Reference PhotosReal photos of faces seen from high above, the chin tucked, plus the landmarks that move: crown, forehead, chin, jaw width. Free reference for artists.
- Head Looking Down: Reference Photos and What ChangesReal photos of heads bowed forward, chin down, plus the landmarks that move: crown, ear height, mouth line, eyelids. Free reference for artists.
- Head Looking Up: Reference Photos and What ChangesReal photos of heads tilted back, chin up, plus the landmarks that move: nose underside, ear height, jaw plane. Free reference for artists.
- Looking Over the Shoulder: Head Reference PhotosReal photos of heads turned just past profile, as when looking back over a shoulder, plus the landmarks: nose tip, far ear, jaw, skull. Free reference.
- Face From Below: Worm's Eye Reference PhotosReal photos of faces seen from far below, the camera under the chin, plus the landmarks that move: crown, nose underside, jaw plane. Free reference.
- Three-Quarter View Face: Reference Photos and What ChangesReal photos of faces turned a three-quarter view, plus the landmarks that move: far eye, far ear, centre line, side plane. Free reference for artists.
Poses
- Back View Standing Pose: Real Reference PhotosReal photos of standing figures seen from behind, plus the landmarks that show: shoulder slope, nape, waist and hips, backs of the hands.
- Figure From Below: Low Angle Pose ReferenceReal photos of standing figures seen from far below, plus the landmarks that change: chin, feet, belly, horizon, ear height. Free pose reference for artists.
Hands
- Back of the Hand: Real Reference Photos and LandmarksReal photos of the back of the hand, fingers open, plus the landmarks that show: knuckle arc, nails, finger webs, wrist bone. Free reference for artists.
- Hand Holding Pose Reference: Grip Photos From the SideReal photos of hands in a holding grip seen from the side, plus the landmarks that show: wrapped fingers, thumb, hidden palm, knuckle ridges. Free reference.
- Hand Reaching Toward the Camera: Foreshortened ReferenceReal photos of hands with the fingers pointed at the camera, plus the landmarks that compress: fingertips, hand length, wrist, thumb. Free reference.
- Hand From the Wrist Side: Edge-On Reference PhotosReal photos of hands seen edge-on from the pinky side, plus the landmarks that show: the thin wedge, covering finger, two edges, wrist bump. Free reference.
- Open Hands, Palm Forward: Reference by AngleReal photos of open hands facing the camera, from straight on to a slight turn. Pick a range, open the guides, search the full set. Free hand reference.
- Pointing Hand Reference: Photos From the SideReal photos of pointing hands seen from the pinky edge, plus the landmarks that show: index knuckle, finger taper, folded fingers, back line. Free reference.
Animal heads
- Cat Heads From Every Angle: Reference PhotosReal photos of cat heads from the front, side and three-quarter views. Pick a range, open the guides, search the full set. Free animal reference for artists.
- Cat Head Three-Quarter View: Reference PhotosReal photos of cat heads turned three-quarters to the camera, plus the landmarks that show: far eye, muzzle, cheek bulge, nostrils. Free reference.
- Dog Head in Profile: Side View Reference PhotosReal photos of dog heads in true profile, plus the landmarks that show: one eye, the stop, full muzzle length, ear base. Free reference for artists.
- Horse Head Front View: Reference PhotosReal photos of horse heads facing the camera, plus the landmarks that show: short muzzle, tapering outline, side-set eyes, chin. Free reference for artists.
Animal poses
- Bird in Flight From Below: Underwing Reference PhotosReal photos of raptors seen from below, plus the landmarks that show: underwing rows, keel body, tail fan, tucked feet, wingtip slots. Free reference.