Emma
 

I really like this shot of Emma and have wanted to paint her since I met her over a year ago, but once I started sketching it out on the canvas it looked out of proportion. I think there may be camera distortion - if so, does anyone have any clues on how to fix it? Also, I'm questioning everything about the photo, including the lighting. Comments, suggestions? It was to be my next project, and now I'm not so sure.

Thanks, Janet

Janet,
I hope you don't think i'm following you around! ;)
To me, the concern would be the values. Most of her face is the same value. This could be problematic. I know it would be for me.
But she is gorgeous and I love what she's wearing. She seems a natural. I'd get her under some directional light and definitely paint her.
She might be good to paint from life if you can. Her features are subtle but she exudes a presence.
Well, that's my two cents worth.

Brenda

If you're gonna follow me around, I'll just follow you around back.

I won't get Emma again, I don't think. She worked at my place of employment this summer (second summer) and is back in Toronto for the start of school. She's taking illustration at my old art school - it's a four year degree these days!!! It was hard to get her to my place at all and I had to take the 20 minutes I got. I'd LOVE to paint her from life and I will ask her if she'll take $15/hour for it, but now there's a distance thing too. I had so many nice shots and took some in direct sun, but I think they will have to be drawings as the colour really did get bleached. I will show you: