The following tips can help you take photos (or choose photos) which will result in a great painting or collage. Although directed at photographing people or pets, they also apply to photographing objects, structures or scenes.

• Good even lighting will capture your subject's features most clearly.
  
• Natural outdoor light is best if possible, either in the morning or late afternoon. Bright sunlight can bleach out detail.
  
• A photograph that is a bit too dark is better than one that is too light.
  
• Avoid using flash (except fill flash), which may cause red-eye, destroy natural hair and eye color, and distort color in general.
  
• Capture the most characteristic pose and expression of your subject.
  
• Photos taken at the subject's eye level, rather than above or below, are the most flattering.
  
• The subject should take up at least 30% of the photo and be in clear focus.
  
• Simple backgrounds which don't detract from the main subject are best.
  
• Avoid small prints, checks, or plaids if possible. They don't always transform well into painted form, and can be too "busy" in collages.