Michele, those are beautiful examples of outdoor portraits. I agree that they're definitely something to emulate. Several of my own have a similar look in terms of lighting, and you may find that the finished portrait of the mayor is a lot more even in illumination than my reference photo. I've found that photos very much exaggerate shadows so I've learned to compensate. But I'll have to take a look at Zou's portfolio. And I certainly appreciate all the suggestions from the forum.

Beth, thanks for trying out some alternatives; I certainly like the teal better but I'm viewing the red as a challenge and will go with that. I mentioned wearing another color to my subject when I went back for the second session, but she really wanted red. So I'll try to make it work.

Leslie, you said: and I am confused, what do you mean by "style" and how does it dictate your approach to a painting?

Your adherence to "style" really seems to have interfered with "quality." The photo reference section of this Forum is the one place where all of us - both pro and beginner alike - are pretty much on the same footing. Taking pictures is just plain hard work. Unlike handling a brush, rudimentary knowlege of handling a camera is simply not beyond anybody's skill level. To take a poor picture and delude yourself that it is OK for any reason will probably get in the way of ever making a quantum leap in the quality of your work.

"Mayor of the Year" sounds like a verrrrry important commission and a lot of people will probably see your painting and it could do a lot for your career as a painter. Right?

I'd hate to see you do anything less than what I know you are capable of. Some people who do not know how to take a decent photo will hire a professional photographer to take the photo for them. At the very least they are assured of decent reference material and the cost of this is factored into the fee.

For example, there is nothing basically wrong with the Mayor's red shirt, it is just the way that you photographed it that doesn't flatter her. She is also an attractive woman, but that is not enhanced in your picture either.

I also don't discount the possability that you may surprise me, manage to compensate for such a poor photo, and really paint a portrait of her that knocks my sox off...I hope so.