Suggestions?

[Mike McCarty]

Mary,

Two subject composition is tough duty. I would try and give some variation in either head height, depth (front/back), body language etc. See if you can find another element like the arm of the chair or maybe a background lamp to play up and balance the overall composition. Michele did this very effectively just recently (using a lamp in 2 person composition.) Maybe one of those free-standing slender lamp stands about five feet tall. The son to our left, the father seated with legs crossed oriented toward the son, and the lamp to our right with the shade half way between their heads in height.

Personally, for men I don't think a close touchy pose is in order. The fact that these two men appear in the same frame suggests more than a little emotional closeness.

One more thought, often times body language can be suggestive of the "relaxed and casual" look. A man can look totally relaxed and at ease, even formally dressed, depending on body language.

You might try doodling on paper with just the big shapes.

I'm tapped out from here, I'll pass the baton.