[Garth Herrick]

Hi Brenda,

Steven's thoughts are great; I am glad you could incorporate some of them and I hope the client eventually appreciates all you have done to balance this portrait. Posthumous portraits are never easy!

I have some thoughts too, but they are not practical to incorporate now that you are about finished. Basically I have the same response as Steven. In a future portrait, I'd recommend making the subject more a central focus, with all in the background more subordinated. I wonder if you need the entire fireplace mantle, which commands more central attention than your subject. Another bothersome part of the composition to me is the overlay of the group photo completely contained in the fireplace. With the contrast of the firebox framing the photo, it is the first thing I see, and it almost appears to be odd, having the family photo effectively on the coals (I know it isn't, but it does look that way at first). If your client is happy with everything then leave it alone. These are thoughts to consider for your next composition.

I wish you the best,

Garth