Ben
 

I'm going to be doing a head and shoulders of Ben. Do you think any of these will be good references? And if not, please tell me why not, I'm trying desperately to learn how to take a decent photo.

For the record, I don't have a clue why they look so fuzzy now, they were clear as a bell before I resized to upload.

Photos
 

Hi Mary,

I will offer you my opinion for what it's worth, I too am working hard on trying to get good resource photos. But maybe my fresh eyes can help you.

I don't think there are enough shadows, enough value contrast, in the second and third photos. I have learned that when I take a photo outside, the sun is so bright from all over that it's hard to get good shadows. Plus, the sunlight washes out the lit side of the face.

You have a lot of value contrast in the first photo. Though from what I've read it is difficult to paint with that backlighting, but why not give it a try? I think it's difficult because basically the whole face is in shadow. From my recent look at your website I think you could do it! Chris Saper does this a lot, you might look at her book.

Could you take pictures of this cute little guy with a more defined light source? For example, light coming in from a window? Otherwise I would go with the first one.

Hope this helps,

Joan

OK, so...how about these? I only have a couple hundred from which to choose. ;)

Mary,

If I were given the first bunch of three I would loose numbers two and three. The first one has interesting lighting. His expression is a little smerky but it may be dead on for him, I can't make that call. I would make an attempt to loose the hands completely and drop them to his side. You could try this on the computer and see what if.

Of the second three, the last one gets tossed. The indoor shot was beginning to develop some good light, but the arm up and the expression don't do him any favors.

I think you could turn the second one into a nice painting. Cute expression, interesting light. I would choose this one of the ones you've shown.

Cute boy!
 

Hi Mary,

Wow, these are great. Is this your son? He can't take a bad picture! I think, in my limited experience, that any of these would be much easier to paint from mainly because there is more variation in the values. I really like his expression in the second one, though any one of them would make a darling portrait.

As an afterthought, I couldn't see enough dark values in those two I mentioned in your first post, but that might just be my monitor.

Joan

Ok, let's look at a couple more if you don't mind.

Mike, the mom actually mentioned she wouldn't mind catching his smirk.

Joan, I am afraid I can't lay claim to anyone that blonde.

I would nix both of these.

In the first one you could get much better results if you would back him away from the window and turn him toward the light. Your first window light attempt above was much closer.

Mom input
 

Mary, I agree with Mike about these two. The poses in the first two batches were better, in my opinion, I would choose one of those.

Will you choose the ones you think are good and then show those photos to the mom? I'm curious how this part of the process goes for you.

Joan

Thanks Mike.

Joan, We took a quick look at these pictures before I ever left their house. The problem I foresee happening now, is because she thought they were all good, she has her favorites, and her favorites just may not be the best for painting. So I will be in for a battle I have a feeling. I need for this one to be good because her mother wants 8 (of each grandchild)!