Indoor portrait help
 

Hello,

Most of my portraits in the past have been outdoor portraits. I recently set up a homemade lighting setup and took some photos of my son and his girlfriend with my digital camera. I took quite a few photos and could use another one, but I like her face in this one. Does the fact that her lower hand is cut off seem awkward? I know her shirt is a little much, but I figure I can tone it down. I would appreciate any input.

Thanks.

Dear Jane:

What I like about the photo is the light and shadow pattern on her face which you were careful to set up. Also of interest is the contour of her curls continuing into the ripple-like contour of her top.

What I don't like is the missing hand which in my opinion is a compositional error. You are being lead by this arm and at least want to see part of a hand.

Stripes are real attention getters taking much away from the subject.

It bothers me that the form of her shoulder, neck and face are cut not once but twice by the black strap and part of her hair. It's perhaps more desirable to see a continuous flowing of form in that area.

Her lower back revealed as it is should not be painted.

Perhaps you might consider painting a head and shoulders portrait instead of attempting to adjust and tone things in the reference photo.

Hope this is of some help.

Jane,

This is not a bad image. However, as you suggest, the right arm tailing out of the frame is a bit bothersome.

Without just saying go take more photos, I would offer a few solutions for this image. The first would be to just come up slightly from that problem area at the bottom of the frame.

Another solution might be to eliminate the left hand altogether ...

And lastly, a simple head and shoulder which I like (eliminating the strap).

Thanks, Mike and Scott.

I did spend so much time worrying about the lighting on her face that I let the rest of the stuff drop - I agree with you both that the hand going off just doesn't work - you are right that the head and shoulders is preferable. I have one more pic that I had considered, but again I think that the stripes will be too much, even darkened - but I think the pose works better as a whole. This would probably work out as a good head and shoulders also.

Thanks so much for your responses - very helpful.