The ferrotype and how to make it - The Grian Press

COMPOSITION AND ILLUMINATION. 129
When called upon to pose the patrons of our
establishment, we should first inquire of each
individual their especial preference as to position
and view. If they have none, then it becomes
our duty to suggest; and to do this intelligently,
we should first scan the face, figure, and style of
dress of the subject, making up our minds as
quickly as possible as to which would be best.
To do this, we must consider with reference to a
et.anding position; is he or she tall or short, or
of medium height, of light or heavy frame, of
smooth or wrinkled face, and with regard to
style of dress, whether it is new and handsomely
fitting or otherwise.
*
The greatest difficulty will be experienced in
giving an agreeable and graceful effect to a
standing male figure. The attempt should never
be made without protest, except under the most
favorable circumstances, which are, first, medium
height, good figure, well-fitting clothes; second,
suitable accessories to fill the pictures ; third,
ability on the part of the artist to so pose and
arrange, so as to take away from the sitter the
conscious look as of having a picture taken,
almost inseparable from the position.
With the female standing figure, there is much
less difficulty ; the lines of the dress tend to
supi>ort each other, and the drapery, gracefully
flowing, removes any appearance of stiffness in-
cidental to the ])osition. For standing positions
of botli males and females, some suitable support
9