Fiasco with a great portrait

[Julianne Lowman]

Here's a new one for me. A woman at church commissioned me to do a portrait of her for her mother's Christmas Gift. I took reference photos and in 6 hours had a completed portrait. Her only request was that I remove as many wrinkles as possible. I just presented it to her and she cried. Happy tears? NO Way! She said, "Is that how I really look? I look dead". She then showed me a photo of herself taken about 6 years ago and stated THAT was what she wanted. Well, it doesn't look anything like the woman I photographed or painted.

I realize that many people, as they get older, view themselves at a certain age, then when confronted with reality are VERY disappointed with the results. Her husband, I might add, also sees her several years younger.

My question is, how much do I tweak this portrait to suit the client? She wants the hair color changed, and to look happier (like in a "cheese" photograph).

I am very pleased with the outcome as are many mutual friends.