Sample for a Dance magazine

[Kimberly Dow]

Julie - out of these last samples, the first one is the most flattering for her figure. It lacks some shadows though, but I'd still do it.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Julie out of these last few I like the concept of number two.

I think it's important you get it right if it's for an ad, so taking the extra steps is very smart of you!

Here is one of my favorite Sargent's that shows how he handled the issue Chris and Michele have pointed out.

[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......

[Mike McCarty]

Julie,

If I might further complicate the situation. You might try darkening the dress.

[Julie Deane]

HI Mike -

I kind of like the light blue, but admit it might look better darkened down some.

[Julie Deane]

I think I will go with photo no. 2.

I can disguise the figure flaws and I like the facial expression better.
Plus the hands are easier to read.

Hopefully you will see a work in progress within the next week.

Thanks again for the help!

[Elizabeth Schott]

Originally Posted by Mike McCarty

Julie,

If I might further complicate the situation. You might try darkening the dress.

Mike is so good at this stuff Julie. I actually liked the number two in the second set.

I must apologize I am stuck in a Holiday in at a very long volleyball tournament, so I spent a little time roughly playing. Tryin to move the hair back you will see I have made her skin tones muddy. But this is just for an idea. You would need to re shoot and I wasn't sure how much time you had left.

Good luck!

[Elizabeth Schott]

Julie I must have posted after/with you.

Now that I am home, wow here skin looks bad in my re-do!

[Julie Deane]

What's that skin pigmentation thing that Michael Jackson has?

Anyway, the thought and the work is appreciated.