Sarah

[Marvin Mattelson]

The point is we did see the other one. But that's really besides the point. The key is to ask yourself if any of these really do her justice. If the answer is yes then why are you posting these? Obviously you know something's lacking so you're asking for permission to assume one of these is workable.

Permission not granted! The answer is always inside you.

[Mary Sparrow]

Point taken. You are right. I just REALLY wanted to paint her, had a fleeting 10 minutes to try to snap some things before they left for home once the urge hit me.

The "pearl girl" picture, as mentioned before was taken as a "snapshot".

My main reason for showing the first three was to see if I was getting the hang - (in your professional opinions) of setting up the light properly when I am taking the pictures. For years I never understood what I was even trying to do with the camera.

I don't know what posessed me to throw that third one in there except for the fact that it was my personal favorite, despite the poor lighting. I think I was secretly hoping someone would tell me to use it!

The expression in the first one however, really captures "Sarah".

[Chris Saper]

Mary,

Yes you defintiely have the "hang " of it - the lighting in the first three is gorgeous, and they would be a pleasure to have as resources.

The Pearl Girl , though is so very compelling, and I think really the most engaging image. Cindy, nice job of tweaking the temp - Mary, if you have the time, why don't you just give it a try? The biggest problem may be the resolution. There is though a lot going for this image, even if you end up not using it as a portfolio piece. ( I have thrown out tons of portraits, as I am sure everyone here has) There is the challenge of two different lighting temperatures, which would be great fun, and a useful exercise. Lovely reflected color as well. You will want to play with the value of the background befor you begin, especially if you are going to do a vignette with La Carte. You might go with a different color/value paper in that case.

Here's a later PS:

Think about painting this as a study to work out all that you want - then when you photograph her again you will know just what you want to do, not just lighting, but background, clothing etc.

[Kimberly Dow]

Personally I love the first one - it has a nice angelic look going on. She looks more innocent in that one as well. The pearl one is great, except for that furrowed brow thing going on.

Just my 2-cents.