Client photo
 

This was a pleasant suprise. I rejected snapshots of this child for a commission for the usual reasons. I explained what I needed as best I could and they came back with this one.

The grandchild does not live nearby, so unless anyone sees any serious problems I will take this one.

I lightened this a bit in Photoshop because it scanned dark, now it's a bit off. I'll rescan and start over.

Hi Kim,

I have a couple of reactions to this photo.

First, I would confirm with them that this is in fact a typical recognizable expression for this child. She almost looks as if she is caught in-between expressions.

Secondly, if you attempt this portrait I would be careful of the light just beyond the bridge of the nose. I think I might try and fudge that some how to give a better read. I would lose the bracelet and I might give her hair a little more volume on top.

She looks really angry to me. Also I was wondering about the rough edge along her left arm. Do you know what's causing that?

Mike,

The grandmother told me that this was their favorite photo - hers and the parents (mine too, from the choices). She is smiling in the others, but the shadow from the window sash trim is badly placed. And, the smile is not as attractive as this, I think. Then there were a couple choices that were near the window, but looked as if flash was used as well.

This must be a normal expression if it's their favorite, right? I agree, the mouth is downturned though.

I have been asked to add to her hair since it is longer now and fuller - so it will come down the forehead more as well.

Michele,

On her arm is her birth mark, (hemogloblin, I believe). I won't be painting that as it will clear up before she hits her teens and has already started to they informed me.

I'll scan in the others and see what you all think tomorrow. She is for sure happier looking in the others.

Thank you both for your replies.

I personally wouldn't attempt to change a hairstyle from what was shown in a photo. You don't really know what the client has in mind and it's too hard to guess.

I am real leery of it myself. I've already sent them back once. Decisions, decisions.

Maybe they can send a snapshot of her now, just to give an idea of how it falls.

Michele, you are fast! I kept editing my post while you responded.

Well, I spoke to the clients again and they were completely convinced that this is her serious look and that is what they wanted. I told them that it read as a little sad/angry and they repeated that this is what she looks like - stubborn and pouty is how they described it.

Looking at the other pictures today I noticed that each one with a smile has a totally different mouth - so maybe the serious mouth is most common/consistant for her.

So, the light is good, they want that look, it's a go. I'll nix the bracelet as you suggested Mike. And I will really look at the bridge of the nose area as well.

Thanks!

Kim,

Since you will be proceeding with this photo, I would suggest losing the window mullion that intersects her forehead, and the attendant shadow.

I think that there are some artifacts - like the window mullion - that we readily accept in photographs, but will become design problems in a painting.

Chris,

Thank you for this suggestion, and for answering that nagging question about what that thing was called.

I did a little messing in photoshop, I think this is what you mean. Rough of course.

Would this read fine? Anyone?

The shadow band across her eye area is still there in the photo, from what I can see. You'd need to lighten everything between her mid-forehead to just below her eyes.