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Connie Bradley

Hooking a portrait can be a daunting prospect. I’ve found that following a series of steps can make the process much more manageable—and increase the chances of ending up with a  portrait that truly captures the personality of the hooking subject.

Step One: Know Your Subject

The key to creating a successful portrait is capturing the special something that sets your subject apart from everyone else.

My father had a friendly disposition and a contagious smile, so after he passed away, I decided to hook his portrait. I found two photos that captured my father’s cheery attitude—and some well-worn smile lines and wrinkles, too.

Portrait of Dad, hooked by Connie Bradley, Wellington, Ohio, 2009.