Bart & Heather Photo Critique
 

Here are a few pics that I would much appreciate some feedback on. This will be a portrait of my daughter and her soon to be husband. This will be a wedding gift. The painting will be rather large somewhere int he 30" x 40" range. Please feel free to alter these images at your own discretion.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

I think I like the second one the most. Nice looking couple!

Hi Mike,

My friend Amanda and I like the third one. That's a great background and I like the feet.

For what it's worth, I lean strongly toward the first (cropped 3/4). I like the spontaneity of it, the glance toward the viewer that includes us in the moment of intimacy, as opposed to the stiffer posed quality of the other. But that's just my bias showing. -- John C.

Mike,

I prefer the first one. The stone background is really striking. It is very simple visually but made up of some incredible textures and colors. I love the warm colors in it, and the deeper tones near the bottom.

The figures are also interestingly-placed at an angle to the picture plane, and I like the way they are holding hands--not corny, but in a natural, relaxed way. This expression of their relationship places it beyond the others in my opinion, because in the others they are side-by-side but mostly relating to the camera. I also like the rich, understated colors in their clothing.

The absence of sunlight makes the colors richer and subtler at the same time. If you can compensate for the slight blandness of their flesh tones, and try to bring out warm shadows, I think this is a classic reference photo, and that's hard to do outside.

Also, the others make great photos but thewy look too snapshotty for me--I would keep them as photos.

I like the 1st pic, in a 3/4 format. Taking a cue from Alex's points, the simple textured background makes a wonderful backdrop for the couple. What made me incline towards the 1st photo, is the lively pose connecting (literally!) the couple. I think that's very important to me when it comes to displaying couples in love.

I forgot to say that I also think a 3/4 format, or just-below-the-knee cutoff point, would work well.

Thanks to all of you for your input. I too agree that the first one would work well. I always strive to have my portraits become a "stand alone" piece rather than just trying to capture a likeness. I think from all the reasons already mentioned that this reference photo will accomplish that. This photo was also the one the couple chose. I then had them read your comments and they were thrilled.

Thanks again and I will post progressions of the painting as it get's underway!