When it comes to figure reference I think it’s fair to say that working illustrators can never have too much. Artist and educator Bastien Lecouffe Deharme currently has two sets of reference photos available through his Artstation web store. The first, “Modeling Session 01,” contains 700 HD photos while the second, “Modeling/The Fighter,” includes over 400. Live models aren’t available all the time—especially when short deadlines loom—and at a modest $16 @, these sets can be a lifesaver. Hit the links and check them out.
Thanks. I have a lot of figure reference photo books, and one of the most irritating things about most of them is the lighting. Many times the models are photographed in front of a white backdrop (or they are cropped out of the photo and arranged on a white page). The resultant flattening of the images makes using them in a scene very difficult. These images are nicely lit in front of a medium dark background, letting you understand the sculptural form.
I bought one of the reference sets from Deharme a few weeks ago, and loved them so much I bought the second one shortly after! I can’t recommend them enough. I missed the importance of reference at the start of my artist career but after discovering the likes of Deharme and MuddyColors, I’ve found the confidence and understanding to use it.