An object requiring the particular care and attention
of the operator is the proper focus. It is not unfrequently
the complaint of sitters that their hands are represented as being
magnified and greatly out of proportion with the general figure.
This is the case also with the nose and eyes, but in a less degree.
As this cannot be wholly remedied, it is desirous to come as near
as possible, and in order to do this, it is necessary to present
the figure in such a position as to bring it as nearly as possible
upon the same plane by making all parts nearly at equal distance
from the lenses. This must be done by the sitter inclining
the head and bust formed to a natural, easy position, and placing
the hands closely to the body, thus preserving a propel proportion,
and giving a lively familiarity to the general impression.
It is not an uncommon fault among our less experienced operators
to give a front view of the face of nearly every individual,
regardless of any particular form, and this is often insisted upon
by the sitter,* who seems to think the truth of the picture exists
principally in the eyes staring the beholder full in the face.

* I might here picture some curious scenes experienced
by our operators Every one is familiar with a certain class
of our community whose ideas of the importance of a free
and easy position of the body are too closely confined
with stays, attention to toilet, tightly fitting dress coats
and the like, to admit of being represented as if nature
had endowed them with least possible power of flexibility.
To such we would suggest the following, to be well learned
and retained in the mind while presenting themselves before
the Daguerreotype camera: