[Chris Saper]

HI Patty,

I think that is the right decision.

If you plan on an outdoor setting for the painting, just get a sheet or fabric backdrop that is a mid- value desaturated green against which to photograph everyone. That will allow you to drop ion foliage, etc, without any difficulty.

Be sure to use a tripod, and do not change its height or its position relative to the light source, then you can marry up parts of different photos seamlessly. Good luck!