I finally told her to stop smiling

[Janet Kimantas]

This is my son's girlfriend, Sam. She is normally a very vivacious, smiley person with a great big toothy grin. I really like this shot, though. Maybe it's just me, but she looks like some kind of Nordic mermaid. I guess that sounds silly, but I find the gaze compelling. The question is whether or not it's a quality reference shot for a painting. I'd appreciate any input on this.

Thanks, Janet

[Michele Rushworth]

Light coming from directly above, like in this photo, emphasizes her nose too much and creates dark shadows under the eyes. Top lighting happens on a hazy or cloudy day when you're out in the open. The best place to photograph someone outdoors in that kind of lighting is to position them beside something (a tree, a wall) so that there's some sideways directionality to the lighting, which is much more flattering.

This shot looks like an okay kind of snapshot that might make an okay kind of painting. With such a potentially gorgeous model you could take some reference photos that would take your breath away and make it so you can hardly wait to get started painting. That's the kind of reference you want. Planning, planning, planning will let you get that kind of reference photo.

She's a beautiful girl and if she's willing to pose for you you could get some spectacular shots. Have her dress nicely, style her hair a bit, put on just a touch of makeup to smooth out her complexion and try a bunch of different lighting situations. (Outdoor backlighting when the sun is low, side lighting in the shade, indoors next to a window, etc..)

Take 200 shots (I'm not joking) of her in half a dozen different settings and poses and you're sure to get some you love.

Study the threads elsewhere on the Forum to learn how to take great reference photos. You don't need to learn all that much about your camera (I know virtually nothing about F stops and apertures) but learning everything you can about lighting and posing will make all the difference.

Study the outdoor portraits of artists whose work you admire. Check out the SOG artists who are part of the main sites here.

Study some portrait photography books, especially those that talk about outdoor or natural lighting. There are many recommendations on the book section of this website, or check out a few at the library.

You can't make a great painting from so so reference. Nobody can, really.

[Janet Kimantas]

Thanks, Michele.

You are, of course, completely right. I'm going to do all the things that you mention. I really appreciate the time and thought that you put into your comments. I know I can get some drop-dead gorgeous shots from this girl. I took almost 50 shots of her (and the guy she's with) and selected the least classically beautiful. Attached, for the record, is the cover girl shot.

Janet

[Michele Rushworth]

Much better!