Interesting light

[Will Enns]

Mike,

As a new member and rather inexperienced portrait artist, I don't take myself or my opinions too seriously. I suggest you don't either, but sift through my comments for anything that rings true.

In the first pose, I found myself thinking that the girl's raised right eyebrow suggests a certain 'come hither if you dare' attitude, in view of the lack of visible clothing. The nudity is only suggested, but the expression conveys a worldliness we rarely see depicted by such classic painters as Bouguereau. I think you would be hard-pressed to portray the girl as being innocent in her nudity (which turns out to be false anyway) in this composition.

I find Michele's comnposition the most satisfying because, while there is still an impish suggestiveness about her expression, it's not blatantly sexual because now we see some clothing. Sensitive people will still find it too suggestive, but I personally don't.

She is a lovely girl, and you are a fine photographer. I would love to see you develop the shadows in a painting, since the photo does hide the detail in there.