What angle did you shoot these from? You seem a bit high as the man's thighs are telescoping down. Also did you use a portrait lens? You seem rather close and there is some distortion.
Do not fret, your eye for a figurative compostion is sound and these are well lit and posed.
Is this a commission or are you doing this for yourself?
Squinting is best for both photos AND painting.
At this point in your career, you want to give yourself the BEST reference possible. The photo works because it is a photo. Some photos do not translate well into paintings, This is only adequate, the distortions which will become more apparent in a painting. Only paint from reference that is photographed from where you would be standing to paint the picture. Unless you want a less traditional and edgier piece, which this particular subject does not lend itself to, you can photograph it from any angle and use any distortion.
It will not make a great portfolio piece, but if you need the money, who am I to say.
it was a small room and my back was against the wall. Where they are standing in the photo was the best light.
Hybrid Mode
