Strengths: Nice layout. Reads like a well instruction
oriented lessons. Good glossary and index. Good photos and screenshots. Good
bold highlighting of the number of the chapters and the titles on the top left
pages makes for easy access and shuffling through the pages you want to find
or browse. Good basic information about software and editors.
Weaknesses: If your require more information about
photographic software and editors Chapter 10 is a good
start but you might want to use other books to sharpen those skills.
Introduction
Shooting portraits and candid photography is an
art in itself. It is not just luck and takes much preparation. But how do you
learn how to make better photos for portraits and candid shots whether for
commercial, your business or just of family? This book is a good place to
start.
The author is Erin Manning, DIY Network host of
The Whole Picture, who encourages photographers to take outstanding photos of
people. This book represents the author’s efforts to provide instruction in
this area. She helps readers gain
the skills and confidence to successfully use the digital camera as a tool to
create and capture life's moments.
The 10 chapters include in-depth instructions and
information about cameras, accessories, working with light, composing your
pictures. I particularly like how the author details the information
by focusing more concerning the using of your camera and using to its best advantage. Of course the technology and the basics are
introduced. But what is even nicer, the reader can better learn to develop their artistic eye, using
techniques that will help prepare for actual photography. Action shots are also
covered. The last chapter 10, also
includes some information about
enhancing and sharing your photos (even includes information about using Picasa
(Google) and iPhoto (Apple), Windows software , Adobe’s Photoshop Elements and
more.
Working with lighting, location, angle,
composition, physical characteristics, environment, and more, including the
unique challenges of photographing babies, group activities, and action, are
covered with insightful instructions. Every one of the ten chapter ends with an
assignment that readers are encouraged to complete. Users can even upload their
best image to Photoworkshop.com too.
Conclusions
It is rare for a book to clearly show the
photographer camera user how to study your subjects in their natural habitat.
There are great ideas within this book which related to observing, reacting and
interacting with your subjects and how make the photos come “alive”. The
techniques for improving photos of babies and children are very interesting and
well done. Learning to capture facial expressions and learning how to tell a
story with a series of candid photos is also included. There is a nice section concerning how
to add interest to large-group shots.
If you are looking for a great instructional
manual that focuses on techniques for portraits and candid shots, this is a great
book. The fact that the instruction is teaching tips and information are
performed in several ways other then reading the tests give you a better idea
of how to take better photographs. I recommend this book highly.
