Post an example of - A Good Reference Photo - Page 4

Mike McCarty · 03-12-2003, 01:54 PM

Quote:

For now I concentrate on the composition, natural lighting, facial expressions, etc.

Me too...

Here are a couple of photos which led to a painting. I first composed this in the view finder as a head and shoulder shot and then backed the picture off to be more inclusive (a bit too much, but it didn't matter).

One mistake I have often made is wanting to compose the perfect shot in the view finder and then when I go off to make an 8x10 I must then lose a part of my composition.

Mike McCarty · 03-12-2003, 01:56 PM

These are low resolution photos so they won't show very well but you get the idea. After I get my 4x6 images back I use the cropping guide and create my 8x10 image.

Leslie Ficcaglia · 03-12-2003, 02:01 PM

Thanks for the information, Michele, and I agree with you completely. I've used Nikons forever and so they're second nature to me, and I don't need to think about how to get effects with them. But I got a Canon G2 digital camera for my birthday in October and haven't really taken the time to learn it; so far I've just left it on its automatic settings and I'm sure haven't begun to plumb the depths of its capabilities. Another problem with digitals, for me, is the shutter lag. It's not bad on the G2 but it still prevents me from capturing that fleeting moment, and I've always liked to emphasize the spontaneous smile or intense expression that doesn't last when it's genuine. I also prefer the long 70-210 mm. lens over the smaller zoom on my digital camera. It lets me focus in on the subjects without making them feel that I'm invading their space. On the other hand, digitals seem to even out the light much more than 35 mm. SLRs and they're also more forgiving. I've been astonished at the excellent range I can get with the Canon compared to the Nikon.

Mike McCarty · 03-12-2003, 02:01 PM

I then paint from the 8x10 photo ...

Mike McCarty · 03-16-2003, 12:57 AM

In keeping with my beautiful women theme, here are a couple of sisters (would that make four?) ...

Mike McCarty · 03-16-2003, 01:06 AM

And then the blonde.

When I met these girls for pictures I brought the little beret. I posed the brunette with the beret and the blonde was left without a chapeau! As I was taking the above pose the blonde comes over and rips the hat off her head. Everyone needs their own hat, lesson learned.

Will Enns · 03-19-2003, 02:39 PM

Marvin,

I admire your work, and would love to learn more about how you accomplish your very believable skin tones.

You said,

Quote:

Color film is always inaccurate so I do studies from life to get my color.

Would you be willing to elaborate on this? Could you show us an example of a color study you did from life, and perhaps, point out how that same study would have turned out had you (or someone less experienced than you) attempted to do it from a photograph?

Will

Cynthia Daniel · 03-19-2003, 09:13 PM

Marvin,

You'll probably realize it, but this is another subject and should go into a new topic.

Marvin Mattelson · 03-19-2003, 11:36 PM

Will,

Flattery will get you everywhere. Here is the explanation you ask for.
http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...&threadid=2521

Hope it helps.

Denise Hall · 03-20-2003, 07:00 PM

Me play too?

I have a shot of Laura that I think is good enough to paint from - that is if my finger heals by June and allows me to paint again.

I'm not sure of the shadows but like the color. I used my vintage Nikon and natural light from the window and I think Portra film. Hope this works.