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Mara, I just want to add one thing to the very helpful critiques you have already gotten here. That is, remember YOU ARE THE ARTIST! Although pleasing the client is an important aspect of portrait painting, don't let the client tell you what to do. After listening to the client and taking into consideration his/her wishes, go back to your studio and create a proposal out of of what you feel is the best combination of the client's input and your vision. You need to make the preliminary decision and then talk to the client in a way that wins him/her over to your proposal. You should never agree to paint a portrait that raises concerns before you start. There is a way of doing this that is totally positive and non-confrontational. You can do this and still never disagree with the client. But remember that you have to believe in your vision before you can convince the client of it.
Also, if the family lives near you, you can always go back and take more photos. There is nothing unprofessional about this.
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