Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

"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!!

A gorgeous book that is generous as well, making the author's hard-earned skill and experience accessible to the rest of us. Thank you , Marty, for doing your part to make the world a more beautiful place!

The book was in great shape and came to my house fast. The reading material was just not what I was expecting the information seemed a little out of date. The seller did their part very well the book just wasn't what I wanted.

An in-depth book outlining how to be successful in bridal portrait photography. This is accomplished by guiding you through the process of obtaining consistant results in exposure every time. Lighting set ups are illustrated in diagrams for both studio and on location. Finally, posing techniques for optimum dynamic is given. There is even a section on building comfortable relationships with clients to optimize the experience of creating artful portraits.

Inspiration on every page! Technical details for how on each page! Just what the dr ordered for a person wanting to add an additional $500 - $1000 to every wedding! Get these techniques and you have better images to show to the next client that will be compelled to purchase your services!

I am always looking for fresh new ideas for photographing brides and weddings...needless to say, these ideas were not found in this book. Most of the photos had to have been taken in the 80's, with big puffy sleeved dresses and bad hair. Too much soft lens work and WAY too posed...save your money.

This book is very useful and gives detailed descriptions of each shot, and also explains a lot of other fine details. Great book.

We have been in business for over 15 years and are looking for new ideas. This book is the same old stuff. There must be a book out there with fresh new poses? This book is plain boring!