Comments on: how to guide Interrelated Article

By: Tanon

Tanon — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:40:20 +0000

This is an excellent book for all levels. Every single page of it contains at least one wonderful photograph with very useful “creative” and “technical” comments on what was the artistic intention of the author and how the picture was done technically including the type of lens, film, lighting, etc. Many of the “technical” comments also include schematic view of the scene and the sources of lighting. I have read many similar books on this subject and consider this one to be the best. Honestly, I was looking for such a book for very long time. The photos in the book are depicted with great taste and each represents a unique approach and vision in portrait photography.

By: Quach

Quach — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:36:40 +0000

All this book does and show pictures and describe what the photography was thinking when they took the photo. It gives little to no technical details (beyond what the camera settings were). All of the photos are also taken with film cameras so the “meta data”, if you will, is based on film and what type was used, etc. Not for modern day pro or advanced amateur photographers. Steer clear.

By: Iverson

Iverson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:52:49 +0000

Expected alot more. No comparison to Brian Peterson books. Photograhy just wasn’t that exceptional considering the great locations. Mostly film. Gave it to my daughter before finishing it.

By: Joyner

Joyner — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:30:22 +0000

This book came highly recommended, and while it does have very good photos and decent examples to guide the beginner into taking better portraits, the typography is actually quite bad. Half the time, when there is more than 1 picture on a page, the way it’s designed it’s hard to tell which photo is being referred to. Also, ever couple of words they change sizes to emphasize a word or two in a sentence. while this is cool for say chapter introductions, when this is done on every single page, it makes for very difficult and slow reading. I am very dissappointed.

By: Nordvedt

Nordvedt — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:44:49 +0000

This book is exactly what I was looking for when searching the shelves for a good portrait photography how-to. I am an ameteur photographer with a digital slr camera and wanted something to help me with lighting, lens and filter choices for various scenarios to help me expand on the quality of my portrait photography. The primary thing I was looking for when choosing a book was that it had to be a photographic guide (not just a bunch of text) and contain lots of beautiful and inspiring pictures.

This book definitely delivers. The book contains page after page of gorgeous, glossy full-color photos, with brief how-tos for each.

As far as the complexity of the book: I believe both beginners and amateurs can get a lot out of this book. I think it is best if one has a basic knack for composition, but even if you don't you can get some great ideas here. The books is very easy to understand, shows lots of examples in different lighting scenarios, and is beautiful just to peruse and get ideas for your own photography.

I absolutely love it and would most definitely purchase it again. In fact, I am going to give a copy as a gift to my father when he gets his digital slr next month.

By: Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:23:36 +0000

I found this book to be a great find, I loved the humor and found the cartoon drawings a simple way to get passed the unneeded detail of explaining. I am sure it will pay for its self. Thanks

By: Ogilvie

Ogilvie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:27:31 +0000

I have to say that I love this little book. It may not seem like much when you first get it but the content in the book is great. Very useful information on how to pose people.

By: Manuel

Manuel — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:07:00 +0000

By far, this is the best book of its kind I have ever purchased at any price. I don’t do much portrait work but when I do, I find I myself pulling out the copies I made of the hints at the back of the book to refer to and use them as a “cheat sheets”. The “cheat sheets” are not only helpful for me but also for the the sitter. I have tossed the “cheat sheets” I drew years ago in favor of the ones from this book. As to the cost, I judge a books worth by how much I use it and this little book is used in some way every time I do portrait work. I only wish I would have had a copy many years ago. I would urge everyone interested in portrait work to buy this book first, I think you will find it may be the only book on posing you will ever need.

By: Ungles

Ungles — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:53:48 +0000

So called experts claim there is nothing new here. Yep they are right, but if you are not experienced with posing people this is the book to get. I have been a shutterbug since the 80’s, but most of my work was landscapes and street photography. People love my work and I am often asked to take their portraits, unfortunately, I have never been truly satisfied with the results when photographing people who are not naturally photogenic. This book changed all of that; I now know how to pose people who are uncomfortable in front of the camera.

I read some reviews that stated the book was overpriced, that is seemed to be printed in some guys back yard press. Well if you want to invest (as I have in the past) in countless of posing books distributed through large presses, just to hear boring stories about how great the photographer is, then buy all means skip this little treasure. I have spent $$$ on many books that never came close to explaining rules as well as this little book. Again, there is nothing new here; you will not be the next Yousuf Karsh after reading this.

By: Lowder

Lowder — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:59:40 +0000

This is a great book…very easy to follow with great visual guides. Very helpful!