 Glenn A. Blanchette |
Information on posing techniques I have recently been asked to do an informal family portrait for my brother-in-law. I explained that I am not a professional photographer and also that my equipment is limited to an on-camera flash which would greatly limit any expectations of a marvellous indoors shot. Nevertheless he likes my photography and wishes for me to proceed with the venture. Since his house is small and the ceilings are low I will probably attempt an outdoor setting in the snow. However, regardless of my limited equipment, I am aware that good technique can go a long way to acheiving very pleasing results. Here is my question: What would be a good book about posing techniques involving small groups of people in a non-studio environment? I can only afford one book and would thus like to make a good selection. Glenn B.
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John P. Sandstedt |
There are many good books on portraiture. Why not go to the library if you're short of funds? Mine has probably 7-8 Portrait Photography books. But, generally, don't look for a title on posing groups.
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Glenn A. Blanchette |
Thanks, My photo session got cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. For Christmas I got a gift certificate towards the purchase of a book.... Based on my previously described needs....do you have a favorite to recommend? GlennB
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Sarah G |
The art of people photography : inspiring techniques for creative results by Cantrell, Bambi Face to face : Rick Sammon's complete guide to photographing people 100 ways to take better portrait photographs by Lezano, Daniel Lighting and the dramatic portrait by Grecco, Michael Portraits of America by William Albert Allard All of these listed are in my library and I've used them all at one time or another. Some of them I haven't looked at in a while so I don't remember the details of them. None of these are posing books, but general portrait books. My favorite one is the first one by Cantrell. I'd highly recommend the first one, but what I like and what someone else likes can be two different things. The last one is more of a coffee table book, but I love looking at Allard's portrait work.
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
Go to Barnes and Noble or a comparable business and look through their selection. Sadly, I find most books on portraiture are heavy on photos and not much advice. IMO, it's the photographers way to get published....put them in his/her own book.
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Sarah G |
Amazon has these and you can get a glimpse of them on the website. I've never seen them or used them. Both are by Bill Hurter -- The Best of Family Portrait Photography Group Portrait Photography Handbook I personally use the library and IF I really like the book/get it out multiple times then I consider purchasing it. I haven't purchased any of the books I've listed in my 2 comments on this thread and I probably won't. I have purchased a Peterson book..."Understanding Exposure," but that is off the subject. :)
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Sarah G |
Dennis...you've said it right...what I love about the portrait how-to books are the pictures. I LOVE looking at the images.
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Kerry Drager |
Hi All, Interesting discussion! For anyone looking for an online course on the subject, check out the following courses ... both designed for non-studio portraits: Portrait Photography Using Available Light Posing and Portraiture Techniques Thanks!
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Glenn A. Blanchette |
Thank You all for the advice. Sorry for the delayed response..my computer had temporarily become disenfranchised with the outside world. I get alot of inspiration by looking at sample photos both in a books or on the internet. I have found wedding photography porfolios to be particularily interesting with regards to on-site group shots, creatively using depth of field to portray people in layers. I may try this within a forest area...just have to work out the technical aspects to get professional results with use of only one flash unit. I don't want to end up with "point and shoot" type of results. So I guess the plan is to check out the books that you have kindly suggested and see which one can best clarify the technical aspects required for these basic type of shots without the need purchasing extra equipment. I think I will check out those books listed by Sarah and look for the presence of a good balance between advice and sample photos as alluded by Dennis. After all sample photos are readily available in many books but it's now the advice which I am seeking. It should be an interesting project for me. And yes! I would love to take a course. That's been a dream of mine for years....but has never become a reality ...many years at sea (Canadian Coast Guard and Beaufort Sea Oil Exploration) and then rotating shiftwork have prevented me from accessing community sponsored courses which operate on a regular schedule. Working 6 days a week hasn't helped. The recent availability of on-line courses is the best thing that has happenned to amateur photography in decades... especially for the thousands of people who don't conveniently fit into society's typical work patterns. THESE ARE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES...For those of you who are able to follow Kerry's cue, I say, "Go for it!" I have read many glowing reports from people who have taken advantage of these opportunities. Not only do you get to partake in an amazing amazing learning experience, you also get to share the experience with others and possibly even develop incredible unforeseen friendships that will further enrich your pursuit of photography for years to come. In my case, my lifestyle will not sustain the luxury of photo courses and travel and significant equipment purchases. But such is life. I will always have my passion for photography and I am fortunate to have a Canon 30D and a 430ex flash unit. I will persevere and I will, with a bit of help and patience, eventually produce photos that I can admire. Checking out books and learning through trial and error will get me there. And, most of all, the friendly advice and the bit of support I receive from people like you will make the task a little less lonely and intimidating. Thanks all! And Sorry for getting carried away with the philosophical thing in the end.
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