Tim, I don't speak "Tyler", I hope it was a compliment. Lynn thanks for yours.
Peter, Peter... I know you don't like my blues, I don't think Jeff does either. But let me explain; this wasn't meant to be a formal portrait, more of a satirical look at the first day of school. (I am thinking you do not have teenagers). This time of year can mean dread to the teenager, but the mother is dancing in the streets.
I chose the blue (which I adjusted to be closer to the sketch you mentioned) because it, one pulled out the color of her eyes, which says it all here, (with the exception of her upper lip, which - trust me - is perfect) and the colors in her skirt, basically with the addition of her skin tones this makes up the whole color scheme.
I think the background lighting is just fine, see the reference above. The way she was lit the shadow would be to our far right.
Thanks for catching that hard edge, it was softer at last post, but I think when I was rounding her face with value changes I forgot to adjust the hair near the lighter area. I'll fix that, plus some spots on her shirt.
Beth
I forgot to thank the mod's for the photography lesson.