Recent photos
 

These are some recent photos of my next subject. Just wanted to see which ones strike your fancy, it any. None of these may get painted, I think the Mom wants one of her standing, but I like these. Here we go again!

Here is another one.

And number three.

They are all quite wonderful photos. I personally like the first one as it tells more of a story to me than the other two. All too often as portrait artists we are stuck doing one or two figures just sitting and posing. While these are nice and certainly valid, I like portraits where the pose implies a feeling or story that viewers compose in their minds as they look at the painting.

:) Thanks Michael,

I like the first one also. I think that is why I posted it first. Her face looks very reflective looking out of the window. I really worked hard on this shoot. It was the second go-round. On the first shoot, we were doing fine until her mother came home and then it was over. She just wanted to be with Mom. I also shot a lot outside, but it was so hot and humid that day (Baton Rouge, LA) that her hair was just stuck to her head and her face was red and flushed.

The first one really talks to me, and I feel the same way you do. A portrait should say something rather than just be a reproduction of a face and body.

Thanks for the opine.

You must paint the first one, Alicia. It is perfect. What a great photo, your fingers must be itching to get started!

Thanks for your comment Margaret. I love the first one too. I think it is a beautiful moment in time in a little girls life. The Mom likes it too, but the dad wants to see more of her face. I am still waiting to hear the final verdict, but, I will probably paint it anyway. I need something to put on display for a small posh childrens' clothing store. That way I could get to keep it!

Hi Alicia,

I vote for #1 also although I think they are all fantastic. I love the lighting. Do you mind sharing some of your techniques, lighting and / or type of camera advice If not here, maybe in the Technique/Equipment section. :?

I would love to be able to photograph a subject like that. I agree with Margaret, I would definitely be itching to begin such a piece. Good job and let us know and post your beginnings.

Patt

Hi Pat,

Thanks for the comments and compliments. My technique is very simple. I'll post it in the technique section, but don't laugh because it is not very technical at all.

I am itching to start the portrait, but the Mom hasn't made up her mind yet. She is leaning to number one, but would like to see more of her face. She really wants a standing full body sideways shot (so she can see the bow), but with her head turned toward the camera and she also wants to be able to see the entire dress. She has similar portraits of her other two children. In them, they are just standing there staring at the camera. May have to do another shoot. I prefer the reflective mood. The child is 3 and she was watching her brother playing outside the window and I had to be quick, because she soon said "I want to go OUTSIDE!"

:) THanks Alicia, I agree. A mood reflected in a portrait means everything to me too. Isn't it funny how different we all are and our ideas such as the mother of your client sees her child differently of course than we do. Now will you keep those photos? And can you use them at all in the future for simply painting of a little girl in a setting of your choice or is that illegal or unethetical as an artist???

I cannot wait to see your "tecnical" photo clues. The dress has a wonderful color qualities to it in the photo. Love that lighting.
Patt