Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I love the way they explain the behind the scenes of the industry and also their techniques. You learn posing elements And compositional elements aS well as lighting and retouching images.He also explains the different types of portraiture, like children, familys, and groups. This is a must have book. I am glad I purchased it!

Bill Hurter has put together a book that is very unusual for a professional photographer. Instead of packing the volume with his own photos, he's gone out and gotten the works of some of our generation's best portrait photographers (not that he couldn't be among them). The result is that the reader gets to see many different interpretations of lighting and posing set-ups, instead of just one. It's nice to see a photographer who is secure enough in his own accomplishments to fill a book with other people's work instead of his own.

No book on portrait photography could hope to cover every aspect in one tome. This one concentrates on lighting and posing, to the virtual exclusion of technical settings for the lens and camera. This is how it should be. There are plenty of books which cover those, and Hurter concentrates on the subtle nuances of things like the pose of the hand, the tilt of the head, the turn of the shoulders, etc.

All-in-all, this is a well-done book which any aspiring portrait photographer will appreciate.

I am an amateur photographer with a skill level between hobbist and a skilled amateur. I found this book verry
helpful and informative. I used this to polish my skills that specifically apply to portraiture. It covers all
basics and some very useful tips specific to this field - including lighting, poses, relative position of camera,
and many more... I would highly recommend it.

Bill Hurter's BEST OF PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY is packed with techniques and images from a range of professionals who make their living through portrait photography, so any would-be pro will want to have this. It covers both technical and aesthetic qualities of portrait photography, provides image examples in sepia and color, and is filled with professional insights.

The author has once again put together a great collection of fine portraits from photographers across the globe. Mr. Hurter's position as editor of Rangefinder magazine has enabled him to get to know some of the greatest contemporary photographers anywhere.

This book showcases some great images. My only disappointment is that many of the images were in the first edition of this book (which I also own). Although the older images are very very good, I would have liked to see all new images with a subjecy area this diverse. Some images look somewhat dated as evidenced by the wedding dress on the bride on page 41.

Even with these minor complaints, this book is well written and well illustrated. I would recommend it to anyone looking for inspiring great portrait images

I found this book very helpful. The author is very knowledgable and offers great ideas, tips, and advice on how to properly pose and illuminate your subjects.

Many great examples throughout the book.

If you're stumped on "how to" in general, this is a GREAT place to start.

I would, without hesitation, give two thumbs up on this book.

I received it quick n with no problem!!!! Im just a nobody who moved to san diego and felt like I had to comment...Thank you for the book!