What would you choose to paint?

[Julie Deane]

Hi -

A friend's daughter modeled for me, since I wanted to practice lighting techniques and maybe increase my photography skills (I used a tungsten quartz light shooting through an umbrella and a soft light).

Which picture would you pick to paint from, if you were given these choices?

I'll post them separately....

[Julie Deane]

slightly different lighting and cropping

[Julie Deane]

and a different way...

[Julie Deane]

a variation

[Julie Deane]

and since she loves my kitties...

[Julie Deane]

This one I probably will use as the basis of a figurative piece.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Hi Julie, all are grate shots but 3,4,5 and 6 would be the ones I would paint especially 3,4 &6. As for the lighting I would direct you to the arms and hands on photo 3 &4. This is the best sample of correct flow of light and a excellent value distribution. The highlight on the forehead of 3&4 is to strong and this flattens the forehead. I like 5 because of the pose but the distribution of light is not good for painting but it is workable if you understand what to look for. This is where the understanding when working from life comes in handy. 6 is quite special. The natural setting and pose, the gentle play of colors reds, greens and earth colors and I believe you like it as well. This one is not that simple to paint in order to bring the painting to life but in my humble opinion it would make an excellent work of art.

I hope this helps and I wish you a excellent brush work.
mischa

[Michele Rushworth]

I would go with number 3. The ones shot through the umbrella are very far off on color balance and would be hard to correct.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

I like the third one too Julie. The 5th one is pretty, but the lighting needs to be corrected.

[Julie Deane]

Thanks! I know I have a ways to go before I can consistently produce photographs with reasonable lighting. So your feedback is appreciated as I continue to learn.