We have to observe our sitters keenly, but without obtrusiveness. They must be entertained in animated conversation, all apparently without special purpose. With little art they may be led to that part of the room where one effect or another can be obtained. In this connection, there is a great advantage in photographing the sitter in his or her own home. It is surprising how different one and the same person will appear under conditions which are quite familiar to himself as compared with his demeanour in the studio. We can safely occupy him with something or other, either writing or reading, in as easy a position as possible and leaving him the greatest possible freedom in his choice of position. Move the camera rather than the sitter, but watch him of course, with regard to the arrange ment of lines and light. It is obviously wrong to choose the position of the camera and make the sitter shift himself to suit the convenience of the instrument. Thus in sitting down there is no possible chance of obtaining the sameness of effect, since every one sits in a different manner, and no two people will ever automatically take up an identical position. One cannot, of course, do entirely without altera
tions or suggestions ; one must take precautions to prevent foreshortening or wrong perspective. But instructions to the sitter should be given as hints and suggestions rather than as definite requests. Let the alterations be made by him and never by the operator. Apart from the fact that the result will be forced, it should be considered " bad form " to touch your sitter.
An eye for harmony is more a matter of sympathy, strengthened by constant study of nature than a product of fixed rules of composition. Strive to obtain natural and sincere portraits and, in proportion to your efforts, so will come the success of your portraiture. . Do away with posed attitudes, try to observe the varied expressions of life instead, and remember in this connection, that a result is not neces sarily artistic because it is natural and according to nature. It is selection which makes nature artistic.