The Beginning of a Family Portrait

[Marvin Mattelson]

Hi Patty,

I like the lighting in pose #2 but the position of the mother and daughter in #3. I'd like it even better if the father's head was a little more elevated. I also question his white shirt. I think darker is better. I like the way the clothing of the two females works better, making the daughter more important. You would have to change his posture to accomplish this. Sometimes it helps to use little clay models or buy action figures at a toy store to help visualize a good pose.

I always try to create a visual hierarchy and I would feature the girl. Each element can either make or break a good composition. Also outdoor photos on a sunny day tend to emphasize squinting. Not necessarily a great component to a flattering portrait. Pray for clouds! Good luck.

[Patricia Joyce]

Thanks Marvin and Julie, after much consideration and a generous conversation with Marvin I went out yesterday and dropped some bucks on indoor lighting equipment and a bigger lens. We are going to do another shoot in the families' home in three weeks. In the meantime I need a great learning curve to figure out my new equipment. Lots of family will be around this weekend, will be photographing allot!

[Chris Saper]

HI Patty,

I think that is the right decision.

If you plan on an outdoor setting for the painting, just get a sheet or fabric backdrop that is a mid- value desaturated green against which to photograph everyone. That will allow you to drop ion foliage, etc, without any difficulty.

Be sure to use a tripod, and do not change its height or its position relative to the light source, then you can marry up parts of different photos seamlessly. Good luck!

[Patricia Joyce]

Thanks for the good idea Chris. Unfortunately I do not have the indoor equipment for my photo shoot today, but I do have my new Nikkor55-200mm lens for photographing twins, both boys and 5 years old. If I don't get anything I will reschedule as I have with the other family for indoor photography. Will I always feel so inept with a camera???????

[Marvin Mattelson]

Originally Posted by Patricia Joyce

Will I always feel so inept with a camera???????

Not too long ago that's how you felt about painting in oil, right? Malcolm Gladwell says to achieve mastery you need 10,000 hours of practice. Eventually it will become second nature.

[Patricia Joyce]

I am happy to say that i got some awesome pics and may have gotten an upgrade to full figure!

[Marvin Mattelson]

I told you the longer lens would pay dividends. Didn't quite expect it to happen so soon. ;-)