Offering inspiration as well as guidance for portrait photographers to use during sessions with infants and toddlers—notoriously difficult subjects for posing—this guide takes a uniquely visual approach to instruction through its 500 stellar shots. With the challenges faced while working with children, it is easy to end up in a rut of go-to poses. The book counters the stock image effect with its broad variety of creative options, and incorporates experience-based knowledge on achieving successful results, such as creating a comforting zone for the child or the potential assistance of integrated props. The poses highlight what the parents love to see while considering what will work with even the most willful of young subjects.
It’s the portrait photographer’s job to create a flattering—perhaps idealized—likeness of the subject in front of his or her lens. There are countless things to consider both technically and artistically in order to make that happen. One thing is for certain: The more you show in the portrait, the more of the body that you will need to carefully position and refine. Nowhere is this more true than when photographing a full-length subject. Every part of the body, from the hair to the tips of the toes, must be posed, clothed, lighted, and shaded in order to look its best. The truth is, most photographers have trouble with conceptualizing and carrying out their client’s full-length poses. They have their clients strike a pose and try to envision how to make it look natural, comfortable, and photogenic. Unfortunately, their attempts often result in a stiff, unflattering, flat, or just plain awkward presentation. This visual sourcebook features a wide range of full-length poses designed for men, women, teens, kids, and groups—in the studio and on location. Photographers will find examples of poses for subjects of all ages that work perfectly for any portrait style, from reserved to edgy and fashion-forward, in seated, standing, and reclining presentations. Featuring studio and location (indoor and outdoor) portraits from twenty heralded portrait pros, this book will allow photographers to find a pose to re-create with their client—and adventurous shooters can use a sample portrait as a springboard for a new pose they conceptualize to suit their unique client or one-of-a-kind portrait concept. Complete with text on posing basics, this book is an indispensable resource that you’ll turn to over and over again.
If you’ve got great camera skills and want to take the plunge and make your passion a career, you’ll need to build a solid business foundation from which your passion and creativity can take flight. If you’re like most artists, the business side of things seems a bit dry—and it may be something you dread. Fortunately, Lori Nordstrom takes the sting out of your studies and gives you all of the skills you need to plan your business, attract the attention of the clientele you want to serve, recruit a staff that supports your creative and financial objectives, create a top-notch customer-service experience, and show and sell your unique images to happy clients, time after time. Lori Nordstrom is an award-winning photographer and an active lecturer and blogger who inspires other photographers to make smart business decisions that positively impact the children-and-family portrait industry as a whole. In this book, she’s compiled her hard-won tips, sharing clear, simple ideas for developing your personal style; identifying your ideal client base, creating a referral system, constructing displays, getting media coverage, and hosting events. She’ll also help you understand how to hire a staff, create a budget, schedule your time, manage your workflow, and establish a sense of value and a cost structure that allows for a nice profit. Because all of your pre-session efforts should lead to a successful photographic experience for your clients, special attention is given to cultivating a standout studio experience that allows clients to feel relaxed, happy, and yes, pampered. Nordstrom also helps readers work through some issues that are notoriously challenging for photographers—breaking free of pricing set points, selling their products, and overcoming client objections to close the sale. This book offers a fresh, exciting, and friendly approach to building a sustainable business that affords photographers the opportunity to confidently create—and make a great living.
The iPhone is revolutionizing photography. Never before has a camera been so portable yet powerful, so versatile and ubiquitous. Yet, as this book shows, this amazing device has untapped potential for taking jaw-droppingly detailed, sharp, professional-quality images. In this book, commercial photographer Robert Morrissey investigates the photographic capabilities of the iPhone, right out of the box, then moves to advanced uses that will surprise even seasoned photographers. Starting with the basics, Morrissey teaches readers critical strategies for taking great pictures—from how to properly hold your phone, to how and why to use the flash. You’ll learn simple ideas for improving your photos—from crafting a strong composition to posing subjects for flattering results. Next, you’ll learn to use the iPhone’s panoramic and HDR features to take your imaging to the next level. You’ll also get some great insights into how to photograph action, scenes with non-average tones, landscapes, and much more—with natural light and flash.
The key to being a successful portrait photographer is choosing a style of photography you are passionate about. While many photographers work in multiple areas to fill the off season or offer a variety of options, most photographers focus on one style of photography. Oftentimes, the photographers’ location will dictate their style. For author Krista Smith, the sunny beaches of Florida are her inspiration to shoot primarily natural light portraits, and she applies that to capturing authentic and joyful family portraits. Whether photographing entire families, kids, babies or all of the above, Smith brings an ease and comfort to the shoots that is immediately evident in her pictures. And shows you how to create the same look in your environment or clients’ homes. While passion plays a key role in creating memorable portraits, employing the right techniques is essential for consistently getting those perfect shots. Smith begins by detailing what equipment you’ll need to get started and gives some insight on how and what to use. She emphasizes taking the time to figure out and hone a personal style of shooting. The book lists a number of tips for finding a style that fits, including taking inspiration from other photographers you admire, and deciding what kind of feeling you want to present. Once you start to find your style it’s important to build your portfolio. Organizing shoots with friends and family and offering free shoots to aspiring models is a great place to start. Outdoor shoots are the most ideal settings when using natural light as your primary light source. The author lays out the shoot requirements and gives tips for scouting the best locations. To create a photo that stands out, it’s important to be versatile. While a sweeping vista covered in flowers or grand mansion may be preferred as backdrops, these are often not an option for many. A city street with multiple building textures or a small field can be used from a variety of angles to create the feel of something grander. From there the author moves onto the basics of lighting in an outdoor setting. By explaining the fundamentals of the direction and quality of light and the use of reflectors, it allows the reader to prepare for any outdoor scenario. An entire chapter of the book dedicated to shooting strategies over the course of twelve hours. There are different requirements for shooting at different times of the day. The reader will learn how to make the most of the “golden hour” and adjust for problematic midday lighting. Adapting your approach for morning, evening and sunset sessions is also covered. Sometimes weather does not cooperate for an outdoor shoot. Luckily, there are plenty of options for using natural and available light indoors. Shooting in a client’s house provides a comfortable setting for the family and this ease can come across in the photos. Window light is a powerful tool to have an understanding of for these shoots. It is possible to get a variety of shots from one window. Being able to see beautiful light in all kinds of locations opens up countless shooting opportunities. While lighting is essential, thoughtful posing plays many important roles. In a well-done family portrait, the models look relaxed and natural. Some people look this way naturally, others need assistance. And posing isn't always a static thing; it can be more like orchestrating, grouping people together and getting them to move around in just the right way. It can also be used to help distract from physical problem areas, and bring added style to a photo. In addition, pointers are given on how to relax anxious children, organize families for group shots and encourage spontaneous moments. Finally, Smith discusses the business side of portrait photography. As she states in the closing chapter, there is more to the business than taking amazing photos. Without a stable financial and marketing plan it is difficult to stay competitive and possibly, stay in business. Realistic pricing packages are key. Pricing competitively is good, but it’s important to consider all of your expenses when deciding how much to charge. Marketing is imperative to the success of any business and social media can play a large role in that. Tips for using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogging are given to help keep a business current and their clientele updated. An equally important part of marketing is branding. Establishing a brand helps you stand out from all of the other portrait photographers out there. Putting your style and passion out front helps clients know who to choose for their portrait needs. And pointers are given for customer interaction both over the phone and in person. This book provides a comprehensive overview of each aspect of professional family portrait photography. Smith takes the passion she has for creating beautiful, natural light portraits and lays out the steps for the reader to capture memorable shots on their own. Readers are also guided through what is involved with establishing a successful and vibrant portrait business. Drawing from her own experiences starting a portrait business from the ground up and providing indispensable tips for almost any shooting scenario, Smith has created an essential guide for natural light portraiture.
No one likes to admit it, but photographers often reach a plateau where they feel like they've reached their creative limit. Adding the right prop to a portrait setup can elevate every aspect of the image—easing the posing process, inspiring more interesting lighting, and engaging viewers in a more personalized story about the subject. In this book, Tracy Dorr shows you how to make the most of props, making savvy choices for individual and group portraits created in the studio or on location. Packed with inspirational techniques and images from ten contributing photographers (among them, Andrea Crabb, Ashley Warren, Aileen Treadwell, and Mimika Cooney), this book will inspire you to create more evocative images of any subject—from infants to engaged couples—and enhance your brand through the effective use of props.
From yearbook advertisements, postcard mailings, and promotions to website development and digital graduation announcements, every corner of the teen and senior portrait market is covered in this book of advice. Featuring the artistry of top senior portrait experts, this book showcases the blending of posing techniques with creative compositional and design methods in order to capture each subject’s full personality. Advice on posing, communication and expression during sessions, studio lighting, outdoor lighting, working with different client personalities, pricing, and proofing is provided.
Babies are universal symbol of innocence, warmth and new beginnings, of hope for the future. Whatever our adult opinions on religion, race, politics, or nationality, everyone loves and wants the best for babies. Accordingly, social science has shown that babies lift our moods, boosting our optimism and fostering a sense of empathy. In this book, top photographers share some of their favorite baby photos, capturing the sweet innocence, tiny details, warm interactions, and developmental milestones of the first year of life. Inspirational quotes about infancy and growth add another level of optimism and love. This book is perfect for moms, grandparents, teachers, or anyone who might need a little lift. Just a few minutes with these adorable faces provides a boost that will last all day!
Ready to turn your passion for photography into a viable business and profit while doing what you love? In this book, award-winning portrait and wedding photographer Tracy Dorr (from Williamsville, NY) shows you how to visualize your perfect business and execute the necessary steps, one at a time, to reach your every goal. You’ll learn how to choose a specialty that suits you and gain experience in your chosen field. You’ll also discover the perks and drawbacks of small vs. large studios, learn how to choose the right studio location, and find tips for managing the business end of the profession — from hiring employees, to creating contracts, to taking tax deductions, and more. Dorr also shows you how to grow your business via word-of-mouth referrals, social networking, and developing an attention-getting marketing and advertising plan. In addition to sharing her insights on every aspect of starting and operating a thriving photography business, Dorr includes tips from pros across the U.S. You’ll get varied perspectives on many of the topics covered and, armed with this information, you’ll be poised to chart a course, tackle obstacles, and achieve professional success.
The Complete Book of Poses for Artists combines hundreds of photographs and illustrations helping demonstrate how to accurately render the human form in hundreds of realistic poses - the perfect resource for artists of all skill levels.
