Remember that because you are tracing the image, your final product will be a replica of the photograph; if you want your final product to be a certain size, make sure you size the photograph appropriately (you can size it on a computer and reprint it) before tracing. [1] X Research source
You can use an ordinary table as a surface to trace a photograph, but you might be more comfortable if you tape the photograph to a drawing board and adjust the drawing angle to your liking. Consider buying a small tracing lightbox and taping your photograph to the glass. The lightbox will shine a light against the back of the photograph, making the image easier to trace. You could also try taping the photograph to a sunny window, allowing more light to shine through the image.
Tracing paper is a really thin type of paper that is easy to see through. Generic tracing paper from your local art supply store will work perfectly.
Fewer details will give the tracing a cartoon-like, or abstract, appearance while copying all the details of the photograph will result in a realistic copy. Once you have traced the photograph, you can get creative and add any colors or additions that you want.
Try pulling off the tape slowly at a 90-degree angle to avoid tearing the paper. [5] X Research source
Art projectors are built specifically for artists and are your best bet when choosing a projector to trace photographs. Art projectors can project HD images, include a range of options for adjusting colors and image size, and can feature grids to help create layouts. Some art projectors can also project 3D images. [7] X Research source There is a range in price and quality when it comes to art projectors, so pick the one that fits best in your budget.
Choose a photograph that has a fair amount of contrast so that you can easily see the lines when you begin tracing.
Once you’ve set the size, adjust the projector image so that it is in focus.
Since the image will project directly onto the paper, you can use any size or type of paper. Plain paper, poster board or art paper all work well. The final product will be on this paper, so consider what each type of paper would look like with your image traced onto it.
Trace the main structural lines first, and then continue tracing until the traced image has the amount of detail you want.
Once you have traced the outline, you may want to turn off the projector and continue drawing on your own. It can be fun to trace the basic structure of the image and then use your creativity to make it your own.
