Another Christmas Commission

Patricia Joyce · 12-09-2007, 01:19 PM

Whew it is getting down to the wire! Here are some samples of photos I took of this 18 yr old. Her grandmother is commissioning me and I am taking these pics to her tomorrow night. The girl was moving from Cleveland to California (oh, the dreams 18yr old have!) so I only had one hour to get these shots. I am pretty happy with a couple of them. What do you think? My vote is for the one of her looking over her shoulder. (recognize the gray t-shirt? She brought her girlfriend and like all teenagers were dressed practically the same!)

Also, the first two would be head and shoulder, for the third pose to work I would do the figure as you see it. She says her father loves her suspenders, and this portrait is for her dad. I can't get past the fact that I feel that showing teeth makes it less of a proper portrait, though. Would love to hear others opinions on this.

Patricia Joyce · 12-09-2007, 01:44 PM

Here are a couple more images that are slight possiblities. I really cropped them so you could see her face, since these would just be head and shoulder.

Mischa Milosevic · 12-09-2007, 02:24 PM

Pat, I like the last one but would suggest that you straighten her head (could be done in photoshop). Her she is so natural even the smile.

The first one, the over the shoulder look, is nice but has that seductive look. They mite pick that one being that some young girls wish to give that 'I'm old enough' look. Still, I think the best for the portrait, if you straighten the head, is #5 (the last one).

All the best to you.

Patricia Joyce · 12-10-2007, 01:27 PM

Thank you for your imput Mischa. These last two I found only by restudying all of the shots (90 of them). This one is a definite possibility, though I do not have photoshop, I could cut and paste with printed images, the old fashioned way! I really like the over the shoulder but I know there is a good chance grandma won't like it! Will let you know after I meet with her today!

Thanks again

Alexandra Tyng · 12-10-2007, 03:17 PM

Patty, could we see more of your shots? I'll understand if you don't want us nosing among your rejects, but maybe there are a few more that you've considered. Or maybe some variations in facial expression with the same body position. So far I like the last one best, too. Even though some of the others make lovely photos, this one has an expression I could live with--it captures more than a moment.

Claudemir Bonfim · 12-10-2007, 05:44 PM

I second Alex's words, I wanna see more shots.

Laurel Alanna McBrine · 12-10-2007, 09:02 PM

Hi Pat,

When I read through the other posts I discovered that Mischa had expressed my sentiments pretty much exactly. I think the last one is the best of the bunch and that Grandma would love it. She looks very pretty and I actually like the head tilt. The first one seems a little too "Lolita" with that come hither look and pose. Just my two cents! Maybe you have another gem hidden among your photographs that hasn't jumped out at you yet.

Patricia Joyce · 12-13-2007, 08:50 PM

Here is the client's choice. I think it is a good one because the lighting is flattering, the shadow is not too strong that we miss out on the reflected light in the cheek in shadow. I can lighten the hair for more depth in photoshop. I also like the fact that both eyes are bright. Grandma believes her granddaughter is more herself in this pose - ain't that what it's all about!

I may be positng for critiques in the next couple days!! Here are a couple more shots to give you an idea how MOST of them looked, typical teens...

Thank you for your help and interest