It is presumed the student has thoroughly mastered and applied all that has preceded this chapter, especially the matter of-tone, otherwise it is no use attempting to make pictures, which means attempting composition.

Presuming then the student is master of the subject as already treated, we will now proceed to offer some suggestions on picture-making, but be it distinctly understood they are only suggestions.

We shall divide the subject into two sections, beginning with out-door work.

Out-Door Portraiture

Very fine portraits and groups can be taken out of doors. In taking such pictures, it is admissible to dictate the dress of the model, and to arrange tea-parties, sporting, athletic, and other groups. But if the student intends to make them artistic, he must be very particular with his types, and see above all things that the sentiment is true. For example, it is a fine parody on nature to photograph a gaunt and self-conscious girl in aesthetic clothing, for dress it cannot be called, with a tennis-bat in her hand. For a tennis picture, fine girls, physically well-formed, should be chosen.

Background

Next the student should choose a simple background, which with the dress and flesh tints form a harmony or fine study in tone. The model's dress should be very simple and well-fitting, such dresses as were worn by Botticelli's women (dresses quite unlike the modern aesthetic gowns), being very artistic for women, while flannel shirts or simple white trousers will look well on the men. All monstrosities and exaggerations of fashion should be avoided, such as flowers, chatelaines, wasp-waists, high heels, and dress improvers. The best material for dresses for pictures is a coarse, limp, self-coloured muslin (butter-cloth is excellent for the purpose). All jewellery should be eschewed, the only decoration of this kind that photographs simply and well is perhaps a string of pearls, which looks charming.

Materials for dresses. Jewellery.

The work must be true in sentiment, and the student must choose an appropriate treatment of the subject. The portrait being out of doors, we must be made to feel that fact; thus; a girl resting from tennis, a girl in a riding-habit, or better still on horseback, would be very appropriate. The background must be carefully selected to be in keeping with the figure, and to help to tell the story fully and emphatically, and yet it must be kept subdued.