The Art of Bridal Portrait Photography: Techniques for Lighting and Posing [Paperback]

Marty Seefer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2001

Focusing solely on the bride, this wedding portraiture book provides methods for pre-wedding shots, on-location photographs, and studio sessions. Included are ways to achieve proper exposure and contrast, tips for orchestrating props, and lighting and posing techniques to minimize and conceal flaws. Accompanied by stunning full-color photographs and accompanying technical tips, this guide also includes a complete listing of all the details and preparation work that will ensure a smooth shoot, including pre-wedding appointments and ways to eliminate distracting background elements.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Marty Seefer owns and operates a photography studio and has won numerous awards, including Kodak Gallery Awards and Fuji Masterpiece Awards. He lives in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584280670
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280675
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,839,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Intricate, complex and elaborate feast for the eyes, March 19, 2003

By 

Nicholas M. Sullivan (Hermitage, Tn United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Art of Bridal Portrait Photography: Techniques for Lighting and Posing (Paperback)

Marty Seefer has produced a beautiful book packed with elegant images showing his approach to bridal photography. His approach, unfortunately, is beyond the reach of the beginning wedding photographer and many intermediates. His style is very complex, intricate, and elaborate, often requiring as many as eight lights for a studio shot. Photographers who have reached the level of success where they have the studio space and materials necessary to execute many of these photographs probably already have their own successful styles and do not need this book.
There is some valuable information for those attempting to get started or grow in the business - particular in the area of metering a set and dragging the shutter to assure correct metering of everthing in the set - and most of Seefer's sets are extremely elaborate. Whether it is necessary or even desirable to create such elaborate settings, or if they are so complex that they distract the viewer away from the center of interest - the bride - is up to the viewer to decide.
The photographer, regardless of level, should keep in mind while enjoying this feast for the eyes, is that Seefer's way is not the only way to produce beautiful portraits of brides. This is why books, such as The Best of Wedding Photography by Bill Hurter which shows the work of many top photographers, is much more valuable to those attempting to launch a career in the business than the long-evolved style of just one individual.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you have this book, you can photograph a bride., August 17, 2002

By 

Marilyn Dalrymple "MaLing" (Lancaster, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Art of Bridal Portrait Photography: Techniques for Lighting and Posing (Paperback)

One of the reasons I like Amherst Media's books is because everything is spelled out in easy to understand terms and visuals are always provided. "The Art of Bridal Portrait Photography" by Marty Seefer isn't any different. The author holds nothing back and shares his experiences as an award winning photographer as a true teacher would.
Subjects covered include: Portraitist vs. Journalist, Previsualization, Metering, Film Tests, Planes of Exposure, studio shooting, Location Portraits and a Bridal Study Suggestion Sheet. Also covered are Studio Lighting, Lighting Ratios and Corrective Techniques. All subjects are generously illustrated with drawings and beautiful photographs. Whether you are new to bridal photography or are an experienced pro, this book has something of interest for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference tool for all professionals!, January 25, 2002

By 

mark fandel (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Bridal Portrait Photography: Techniques for Lighting and Posing (Paperback)

"The Art Of Bridal Portrait Photography" hits a home run with regard to providing all professional portrait/wedding photographers with a reference tool guaranteed to help them master the techniques of their art form. As an owner of a professional photographic processing lab and very active within the industry community, I would (and will) highly recommend this book to the photographers who use our lab in the hopes it will make our processing and finishing efforts much easier! Specific approaches to lighting and posing techiques are critical towards providing the client (subject) with the perfect image they are looking for. Marty Seefer's experience in the studio clearly reasonates throughout the material in a concise and understandable way. This book is a must for professional photographers striving to enhance their fundamentals and creativity. I am sorry five stars is all I can give for a rating of this title!!