Aspen Champagne: is this $16 stack worth it for Photography?
Staring at a blank canvas or a fresh digital canvas can freeze you faster than any other part of the creative process. You know the composition you want, but you lack the specific light, angle, or facial expression to make it feel real. That is exactly the gap Howard Lyon fills with Aspen Champagne, a reference pack designed for painters and illustrators who need high-fidelity human anatomy without the cost of booking a live model session.
At $16, you are not buying a generic stock photo bundle; you are getting a curated library of 860+ high-resolution images of a single model captured in varied lighting conditions. This is the kind of resource that turns a weekend sketch into a finished piece, giving you the structural confidence to push your work further. If you are tired of hunting for disjointed references across social media, this single-source reference pack is a practical investment in your workflow.
Quick answer
| Best for | Painters, illustrators, and 3D artists who need consistent, high-res human references for portraits or full-body studies. |
| Skip if | You need commercial stock photography for advertising, or you only want raw photos without the context of an artist’s curated selection. |
| Price | $16 |
| Format | 1.88 GB download of 860+ high-resolution images |
| One-line take | A dense, lighting-variant reference library that saves hours of searching for the perfect pose. |
What you’re actually buying
The core value here is density and consistency. Most reference packs are a hodgepodge of random angles; this is a deep dive into one subject, which means you can study how light hits the same face from dozens of directions. You get 860+ images, which translates to a 1.88 GB download that covers a wide range of expressions and setups. (Aspen Champagne)
Lyon emphasizes that he painted this model from life years ago, which informs the curation. You are not just getting photos; you are getting images selected by an artist who understands what makes a reference useful for painting. The pack includes different lighting scenarios, which is critical for artists working on value structures and color temperature. (Aspen Champagne)
The license is clear and artist-friendly: you can use these images to create your own art without copyright restrictions on your final work. You just cannot republish, sell, or distribute the raw photos themselves. This makes Aspen Champagne safe for portfolio pieces, client work, or personal studies.
Beyond the files, the purchase includes access to Lyon’s Discord server. This is a small but meaningful perk for a $16 purchase—a space to share your work and connect with the community that supports these reference projects. (Aspen Champagne)
Why it’s on our radar
This pack stands out because it solves a specific, high-friction problem: finding consistent references that match your artistic style. The sheer volume of 860+ images for a single model is unusual for this price point. Most artists pay significantly more for fewer, less curated shots. (Aspen Champagne)
The inclusion of varied lighting conditions is a major differentiator. If you are struggling with how to render a face in warm vs. cool light, or how shadows fall on specific features, this pack gives you the data to solve that problem visually. It is a tool for learning as much as it is for production. (Aspen Champagne)
Lyon’s invitation to tag him on social media when you use the references adds a layer of community engagement. It transforms a static file download into a shared creative practice. For artists who want to stay connected to the source of their inspiration, the community access is a nice bonus that extends the value of the purchase.
What actually matters
Before you buy, check the file format and resolution. The listing specifies high-resolution images, but you should confirm they are compatible with your software (Photoshop, Procreate, Blender, etc.). The 1.88 GB size suggests these are large files, which is good for detail work but may require some storage space. (Aspen Champagne)
Consider your current workflow. If you already have a robust library of references, this pack might be redundant. But if you are starting a new series or working on a specific project that requires consistent character design, the consistency of a single model across many shots is a massive time-saver. (Aspen Champagne)
Pay attention to the lighting variety. If your current work is stuck in one lighting mood, the different setups in this pack can break that habit. Use the images to study how the model’s features change under different conditions. This is where the real learning happens. (Aspen Champagne)
Finally, verify the license terms. The restriction on republishing the raw photos is standard, but ensure it aligns with your specific use case. If you are creating a tutorial that shows the reference images directly, you may need to check if that falls under “distribution.” For most artistic use, the license terms are straightforward and permissive.
Mid-check
If you are ready to stop searching and start creating, this is a low-risk, high-reward purchase. (Aspen Champagne)
FAQ
Can I use these images in client work? Yes. The license allows you to use the references to create your own art, which includes client commissions, as long as you do not distribute the original photos. (Aspen Champagne)
How many images are included? The pack contains over 860 high-resolution images, providing a deep library of angles and lighting conditions. (Aspen Champagne)
Is there a community component? Yes. Purchasing the pack gives you access to Howard Lyon’s Discord server, where you can share your work and connect with other artists. (Aspen Champagne)
What is the file size? The total download size is 1.88 GB, which reflects the high-resolution nature of the images. (Aspen Champagne)
Do I need to credit the model? While not strictly required by the license, Lyon encourages you to tag him on social media (@howardlyonart) when you share your finished work. This helps him share your art with the model. (Aspen Champagne)
Bottom line
Aspen Champagne is a no-brainer for artists who need a reliable, high-quality reference library. The combination of 860+ images, varied lighting, and a clear license makes it a practical tool for anyone serious about their craft. At $16, it is an affordable way to upgrade your reference workflow and join a community of fellow creators.