it can be artistically arranged.
But certainly the safe plan is to venture as little as possible when an
Artist's hand cannot harmonize the Lines and the Lights, as in a Picture.
And as the Face is the Chief Object, I say the safest thing is to sit for
the Face, neck, and Shoulders only. By this, one not only avoids any
conflict about Arms and Hands (which generally disturb the Photo), but
also the Lines and Lights of Chair, Table, etc.

For the same reason, I vote for nothing but a plain Background, like a
Curtain, or sober-coloured Wall.

I think also that there should be no White in the Dress, which is apt to
be too positive for the Face. Nothing nearer White than such material as
(I think) Brussels Lace (?) of a yellowish or even dirty hue; of which
there may be a Fringe between Dress and Skin. I have advised Men Friends
to sit in a--dirty Shirt!

I think a three-quarter face is better that a Full; for one reason, that
I think the Sitter feels more at ease looking somewhat away, rather than
direct at the luminous Machine. This will suit you, who have a finely
turned Head, which is finely placed on Neck and Shoulders. But, as your
Eyes are fine also, don't let them be turned too much aside, nor at all
downcast: but simply looking as to a Door or Window a little on one side.

Lastly (!) I advise sitting in a lightly clouded Day; not in a bright
Sunlight at all.

You will think that I am preaching my own Photo to you. And it is true
that, though I did not sit with any one of these rules in my head; but
just as I got out of a Cab, etc., yet the success of the Thing made me
consider afterward why it succeeded; and I have now read you my Lecture
on the Subject. Pray do not forgo your Intention--nay, your Promise, as
I regard it--to sit, and send me the result. {25}

Here has been a bevy of Letters, and long ones, from me, you see. I
don't know if it is reasonable that one should feel it so much easier to
write to a Friend in England than to the same Friend abroad; but so it
is, with me at least. I suppose that a Letter directed to Stoneleigh
will find you before you leave--for America!--and even after that. But I
shall not feel the same confidence and ease in transcribing for you
pretty Norman Songs, or gossiping about them as I have done when my
Letters were only to travel to Kenilworth: which very place--which very
name of a Place--makes the English world akin. I suppose you have been
at Stratford befor