[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Kim and Elizabeth -

Boy, there's nothing like a Sargent to keep a person properly humble. Not that I have any problem with that, when I see all the beautiful work shared on this forum..

I am (obviously) still struggling with learning how to light a subject. I don't have a softbox (yet) and am making do with a light with a reflector that has barndoors and a softening filter. Plus I use my large north light window. The living room is configured in such a way that I don't have room to use a zoom lens if I position the model to get a better shadow pattern using the window's natural light. Makes me want to take a sledgehammer to the wall dividing it from my dining room studio. Then I could stick the camera through the hole in the wall and get the shot I want!

I will run out of time soon if I don't get started doing this sample. The problem is, I like aspects of both of the last photos, and I don't know which one to pick.

For photo no. 2 - I can downplay the detail work at the bottom of the gown and the bodice to keep the emphasis on her face.

Photo no. 1 - when I put my finger over the skirt on the right, it makes for a much slimmer look. And she has an elegance to her stance.

Photo no 2 seems warmer in emotional tone - which is neither good nor bad - just different).

What to do, what to do......