composition is a subject in itself, at it's simplest and oft quoted level, (the rule of thirds) every point of interest ought to appear at a place approximately one third into the picture - try it - divide the picture into thirds and see if I did it according to that rule . . . .

The sting in the tail . .. . . the rule of thirds is not the only way of composing a picture, a more accurate method is to use the golden mean . . that works on something closer to two fifths (or forty percent for the metricated among us) once you suss that one out, there are many more ways of composing to work on . .

Louise.

very pretty girl - very blonde
(in the nicest possible way)
with a very sensible head on her shoulders.

 

seen to the left in a simple portrait,
I like the texture of the mouldy old wall - it's a good foil / contrast to the smooth skintones and silky hair.

 

Louise came to the studio with an idea of a picture involving rose petals.

we went through heaps of variations
(and petals) in pursuit of results.

 

 

oddly enough - the picture to the left has no petals

it wasn't planned so carefully as the petals idea well.

I like the swirly lines formed by hair and it's shadow

I also like the introspective look on Louise's face

 

it looks like more than just a model photo . . .