Choose an original showing the face and area to edit
The original defines the person, expression, pose, and background. Choose a photo where facial features and the edit area are distinct, rather than a blurry image or one with a tiny face. Strong filters or excessive retouching can also make comparisons harder by removing real texture.
For hair, keep the top and side silhouette inside the frame. For wardrobe, include the neckline and the body area where the garment will appear. Do not expect exact reconstruction of areas that are not visible in the original.
- Check that the face is not obscured or cut off at the photo’s edge.
- Choose an in-focus photo with recognizable shapes.
- Include enough of the area to change within the original frame.
Limit each reference to a clear feature
References are not intended to copy a person’s identity or an entire background. Define the feature to apply, such as hair length and texture, lip appearance, or a garment silhouette, and choose a photo that shows it clearly.
Dramatic backgrounds or several people in one photo can make the intended reference area ambiguous. Look for an image where the desired detail is easy to identify.
Hair, makeup, and wardrobe need different information
Even a high-resolution image may be a poor reference if the important area is hidden. Check whether you can evaluate the selected feature, not just the file size.
- Hair: choose a photo showing length, parting, outer silhouette, and hair flow.
- Beard: choose a photo showing coverage, density, and texture around the chin and mouth.
- Makeup: choose a photo with clear eye, lip, or skin details and distinguishable colors.
- Makeup details: choose a photo showing the location and shape of the effect you want.
- Wardrobe: choose a photo showing the neckline, sleeves, fastenings, and material without excessive cropping.
Distinguish the effects of lighting and angle
Strong colored light can alter apparent colors, and a front or side view can make the same hair or garment look different. Consider whether you are seeing the material’s color or the effect of light and shadow.
Very different angles require interpretation of areas that are not visible. Start with references that show the intended area clearly from a similar direction when possible, while remembering that matching angles does not guarantee the result.
- Check for strong color filters or lighting that illuminates only one side.
- Check that hands, props, or hair do not hide the intended area.
- After composition, compare color and texture with both the original and reference.
Separate multiple references using pins and selected features
To review hair and wardrobe together, connect each reference to a separate pin and select its feature. For competing styles on one area, use separate projects to keep comparisons clear.
For example, when comparing short and long hair on the same original, keep other conditions similar and note which hair reference each project uses. Intermediate results can also show when an unwanted change first appeared.
Check the photos and selected features once more before starting
Connecting a photo does not mean all its details will transfer as intended. Before starting, make sure the actual reference image, pin position, and selected feature all express the same goal.
- Is this the person and framing you want to review?
- Can you describe the exact reference detail to apply?
- Does the reference match the feature selected in its pin card?
- Are any important areas hidden or cropped beyond recognition?
- Are you ready to compare the generated result with the original yourself?