The Beginning of a Family Portrait

[Patricia Joyce]

I took over 500 photographs of this family and it came down to three, but I am pretty sure I am going with image one. My question would be how bit should I make the painting? I know Marvin you have mentioned painting in a size you are comfortable with, but I have only done oils as head and shoulders except for my "Four Children on the Beach" which was a very different approach.

I am thinking the heads should be about six - 7 inches which would make the canvas 40 x 30? That seems so huge to me!!!

Any input from you fellow experts would help me immensely. I have arthritis in my hands so I cannot stretch my own canvas anymore. Any suggestions as to where to purchase a larger linen stretched canvas?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Patricia Joyce]

Obviously wont be painting a car in the background, will probably use a simple background, any ideas about that???

[Julie Deane]

Hi Patty,

Personally I like photo no. 2 best, because you have more interest, with the heads at different levels and a nice diagonal dynamic to move the eye around.

With no. 1, I'm thinking you will have to use strong yellow greens in the background, because they are showing up in the reflected lights on the face.

Funny photo on no. 4 - you can tell they are a sweet, connected family!

[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. ;-)