Hey Wayne- thanks for posting- theses are very interesting images for discussion here in this section. Under the circumstances you did a good job but let's talk about those circumstances.

As an advanced portrait photographer you need to take control of many aspects of each session in order to do you best work for the client/subject. Theses aspects are time, place lighting, costume, camera position and angle as well as makeup and hairstyle consideration- you need to make some strong suggestions with logical reasons for the client to understand what you are going to accomplish and enlist their cooperation.

You subject is very attractive, has great facial features, and absolutely lovely skin tone and color. Oftentimes, people of color have had poorly crafted pictures made where their skin tone was too dark, lackluster, lacking in detail, usually due to faulty exposure, bad lighting and inferior printing. This may be the reason for her wanting to be photographed in bright sunlight. You did a good job on the exposure so her skin tone is fine in all the images in both soft and hard light!

Sunlight- Direct sunlight needn't be unusable or inappropriate for portraiture- it mostly has to do with the direction of light at various times of day. Usually, in the later part of the afternoon, the sun is low enough to act as a “portrait” light, whereby you can move the subject into a position where you can create classical lighting patterns as you would in a studio situation. You can actually create broad or short lighting and simulate butterfly, modified butterfly, Rembrandt, split and kicker lighting. With a simple reflector or properly balanced flash fill you can control contrast via light ratio and make certain shadows are somewhat transparent.

Of course, open shade on a sunny day is easier to use but can oftentimes be a bit flat so you may want to consider SUBTRACTIVE LIGHTING, that is shading one side of the subject with a gobo (black flag) to introduce shadow and block lighting from directly overhead. Sometimes an overhang such as a porch will provide natural subtractive lighting. Another alternative method is to work in open shade and the pump in sunlight via a reflector- again various lighting forms can be effected.

Costume: The colorful and white garments in the shots are pretty and attractive, however, for a classic portrait perhaps they may be too attractive to the viewer's eye. A darker solid shade or a muted print would bring out her incredible skin tone and lead the viewer to her facial features. Again, there is a misconception that folks with darker skin and hair should wear bright colors . When you have a good ratio and ample shadow detail, darker can clothing make for dramatic imagery.

If you were shooting later in the day, you might have been able to effect short lighting with would be better for her facial structure. Unfortunately in some of the shots the lighting has caused distracting shadows from her eyelashes across her face. The “butterfly shadow” under her nose indicated just about high noon light- extremely difficult to control. This lighting tends to widen her face.

Her hairstyle is fine- it's her LOOK! The makeup, however, should have been much more subtle and toned down. YOUNG PEOPLE! I explain that extremely stylized makeup is what we used to call “night or evening” makeup- cool for going out to the clubs etc. In bright sunlight or any kinda daylight, this kind of application calls too much attention to itself. It ain't the best for photography!

True enough- some of theses kids do want a kinda fashion statement rather that a classical portrait. If that the case, I suggest we do it both ways. It's easier to do the more subtle shots first and the apply the more stylized makeup and change into the colorful clothing afterward.

Of course, in the portrait business the customer does “rule” and sometimes the won't go with good advice. In my on case, I usually do a pretty comprehensive pre-sitting discussion so that we can iron out problems well in advance of the shoot. Sometimes I will even do a few quick test shots at these meeting just to instill confidence in the client. Even in a fairly rough shot, I can allay many fears, issues, misconceptions folks have about their facial features, body style, skin tone etc. Also- when they see the final results in comparison the the first tests- they really appreciate what we have created for them.

Again- I think you have done a fine job under the circumstances. I really appreciate your participation in this section and bringing in some good images for discussion. Please post often!