Can someone lend me a photo?

[Marina Dieul]

Hi Jeff,
check your mail, I sent you something. Hope it help.

[Marina Dieul]

The mail didn't work. Did you change your email adress?

[Jeff Fuchs]

The mail worked just fine. I got several pictures from you. Thank you very much.

I'm on my all-too-short lunch break now. I'll give them a harder look later.

[Michele Rushworth]

Jeff, as much as you probably don't want to hear this, copying someone else's photos will only make you a good photo-copier, not a good artist. Even a $10 disposable camera will take good enough photos for you to paint from. An absolutely essential skill (if you want to work from photos) is to learn to take good ones. An even more essential skill is to work from life. Pay or bribe some real live human being -- anyone -- to sit for you, even if they're watching TV while you're paiting them. You'll learn so much more and a lot faster than just copying someone else's photographs.

[Jeff Fuchs]

Michele,

Yes, this is good advice, if you can find a model. I can't even get my own wife to pose for me. As you may know, there are two other threads addressing this topic right now.

I'm thinking about offering a free portrait to anyone who will pose. That's no incentive for my wife, but others might be interested. I was thinking about posting something on the local freecycle board.

[Allan Rahbek]

Jeff,
How about.........compose your self in a simple light that emphasize your characteristics in a flattering way. Don

[Michele Rushworth]

I'm thinking about offering a free portrait to anyone who will pose.

Great idea. That's exactly how Sargent got started.