Expectant Mother

[Kimberly Dow]

I am going to post several different shots here of my friend. This is my first time photographing purposely for a painting (besides landscapes). My references have always been given to me or snap shots. This is not a commission. I have tried to utilize tips I have read here.

My concerns are as follows:

1. Her eyes are looking down, but on the monitor, unless enlarged, they look closed.

2. I am torn as to where to crop on the belly, so I will post 2 different crops.

3. I want to get rid of the fence and do a painterly background of greenery, but will that look strange since I am not showing she is on a porch, as if to ask why isn't she in sunlight like the greenery behind her?

4. The one I will post taken inside with natural light coming throught the window I like, but not how her hair darkens at the top of her head. Plus, the wall colors are hideous - how would I change this & keep yet keep it similar.

These are cropped tightly to show the details, I will add more space around her when I paint. Any help would be appreciated. Feel free to digitally manipulate them.

Thank you!