Glad you are addressing this issue. I feel that the “painting only from life” crowd has greatly exaggerated the benefits of painting from life to an almost religious level. I find that there are specific advantages for both photos and live sittings. It is up to the artist to make the best use of each. I have seen some artists who paint strictly from life whose paintings look dull and lifeless. Conversely I have also seen artists who work from photos whose work was life-like and vibrant.