The Best of Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from the Pros [Paperback]

Bill Hurter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

Filled with techniques and images from more than 50 top photographers, this unique guide serves as both a portrait photography how-to manual and an idea file that will jumpstart creativity and challenge photographers' assumptions about portraiture. Whether shooting weddings, fashion, group portraits, or executive images, digitally or on film, photographers will find new styles and advice to incorporate into their work. Included are tips for eliciting authentic expressions, creating dynamic compositions, using traditional lighting setups, composing family portraits to promote a feeling of harmony, posing and lighting children, and ensuring that clients are comfortable in front of the camera and lit in the most flattering way. A wide array of images representing the best in portraiture is provided-each accompanied by an analysis of the technical aspects of the print, from f-stop to film choice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Hurter's wonderful tips are certain to push your images over the top and away from the ordinary. I highly recommend exploring the benefits of this book for yourself."  —Shutterbug

"A complete, fully comprehensive guide for portrait photographers. Packed with invaluable information."  —Light and Shade

"From basics such as posing and composition, to technical aspects of focusing and lighting, this handbook addresses concerns for both amateur and professional photographers."  —PhotoSource.com

"A behind-the-scenes look at how the world's finest wedding photographers are using digital to shoot in more creative ways."   —PhotoGRAPHIC

"Packed with practical tips and truly dazzling images, this book will inform and inspire."  —Rangefinder

"This book is a must for anyone interested in creating portraits that are both marketable and memorable."  —PhotoStockNotes

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Bill Hurter is the editor of Rangefinder magazine, the former editor of Petersen's PhotoGraphic, and the author of Portrait Photographer's Handbook, Group Portrait Photography Handbook, and Best of Wedding Photography. He lives in Santa Monica, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584281014
• ISBN-13: 978-1584281016
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #741,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Hurter has been involved in the photographic industry for the past 30 years. He is the former editor of Petersen's PhotoGraphic magazine and currently the editor of both AfterCapture and Rangefinder magazines. He has authored over 30 books on photography and hundreds of articles on photography and photographic technique. He is a graduate of American University and Brooks Institute of Photography, from which he holds a BFA and Honorary Masters of Science and Masters of Fine Art degrees. He is currently a member of the Brooks Board of Governors. Early in his career he covered Capital Hill during the Watergate Hearings and worked for three seasons as a stringer for the L.A. Dodgers. He is married and lives in West Covina, CA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book to begin learning portrait photography, January 23, 2009

By 

Random Feature "Random Feature" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best of Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from the Pros (Paperback)

I've browsed quite a few portrait photography books and this is the best overall book I've found. It begins by discussing the goals of a successful portrait. This is followed by basics of posing, such as common frames, facial views, the difference between masculine and feminine poses, hands, the importance of camera height and pitfalls to avoid. Then compositional elements: rule of thirds, lines, pleasing shapes and tones. Then the 5 basic lighting setups: Butterfly, Loop, Rembrandt, Split and Profile. Then special situations such as child and family portraits. There are many inspirational example photos in a variety of styles. What is not discussed in detail is equipment such as the difference between softboxes and umbrellas.

If you are going to have just one book on portrait photography this should be it.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good overview with many tips, April 8, 2009

By 

Elyone (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best of Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from the Pros (Paperback)

I bought this after reading the other reviews and am glad I did.
The author showcases expert photographers and explains how their photographs illustrate the point he is making, whether about posing, lighting or how to interact with the subject.

This book is not a very technical book, notwithstanding the chapter with some diagrams describing lighting setups. Rather, this book will help push your portraiture to a higher level, if you already mastered basic technical understanding of how to set up your lighting, what settings to use on your camera and can already produce decent portraits.

It's written concisely, without too much bla bla and I found myself re-reading parts again - a sure sign this is a good book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting Great Portraits, January 25, 2009

By 

Julia Croteau Photography (Rescue, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Best of Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from the Pros (Paperback)

As a portrait photographer, this is a must have book, well- written and easy to follow. Several great ideas and they work. At times it can be hard to get that perfect posture for portraits but this book helps and gives a lot of great ideas too.