Question hub
Is it okay to use reference photos?
The answer
Yes, reference is a normal and respectable part of art study, used to see accurately and study poses that are hard to hold. Use it to observe structure and pose rather than to copy another artist's finished work line by line. Photographs you took yourself are the simplest choice, and rules about copying and sharing differ by country, so read the terms attached to any reference set and the photographer's licence. This is general information, not legal advice; when unsure, check the rules that apply to you.