Mike:
Nice example of Allan Banks.
"Banks" rhymes with "Shanks". It is interesting to compare these two masters.

Patty,

It's typical for younger children to grow tired of cooperating in a photo shoot. One suggestion is to employ the help of the parents. A simple interview with them to find out what would work best for holding the boy's attention will help.

Make sure the parents understand it is typical for these type of problems to occur and get them to expect a possible reshoot again. This will help you by taking some of the pressure on you.

In my previous life I worked with models. When children were involved it is normal practice to double book, that is we had two children for every shot in case the first one happens to be uncooperative.

I hope this helps. Good luck and be confident. You can do it.

That sounds like really good advice, John.

Patty, I can SO identify with the difficulties you had with these two.

I'm really frustrated. The parents wanted to retry outside again (I dragged all of my indoor lighting and backdrop equipment) before shooting indoors and they had set up a TV for the kids to watch on the porch where the light was actually good. Howevrer, it was only 50 degrees, both kids were sick with colds...you guessed it, I did not get one decent image.

They really like this one. I am going to reveal my ignorance about these things, can you tell me why I shouldn't use this image? If I have to a third shoot I may suggest bringing them to my studio, maybe the kids will a bit more interested and interesting...

To me the problem is the teeth more than anything. Especially at this age, they don't have attractive looking teeth. Also, as you mentioned earlier her shoulder blocks her lower face. I wouldn't try to invent what may be going on behind that shoulder.

Patty,

How good are you in judging the lighting conditions that this shot was done under? If you have a good idea of what type of light you were working with you could try along with other poses of both children a bunch of shots of just the girl in the same light and orientation (direction of the sun). This should be easy if you shoot at the same location, same angle, etc. as the first shot. Then you might have an option of putting two photographs together using the best of both kids.

I do agree with Michele, I would avoid the teeth if possible but if you are careful you could get a good painting from the boy's current photograph but the girl is beyond as a good reference.

Remember, you are the pro. Don't settle for 2nd best and politely stay confident in getting the best resources possible. To accept less will doom you to a painting you may not be proud of.

Everytime I asked the boy to close his mouth he just wouldn't. I don't think he every does close his mouth, except to make faces, and he makes allot of them - he is adorable!

I have requested another photo shoot. Maybe third time's a charm.

third shoot
 

these pics were shot in my studio with mom and grandpa. My camera is giving me fits, I'm sure user error. The pics are better quality than what you see here because whenever I shring them they looks all fuzzy.

Anyways, I think I like some of these and would like your response. the boy has bad allergies and when he closes his mouth looks like he is suffocating...

some more

Patty,

It's up to you and your client as to which represents the personality of each child. Your responsibility is to lead them to pick the best for a portrait.

Without knowing your clients and the children I believe your best shot is the first. I have attached a sample cropping that looks appealing but one of the other items I don't know is the place where the portrait is to hang.

I hope this helps.