Customer Reviews

Black & White Model Photography: Techniques & Images

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although the title of this book suggests this would be a book to read to learn black and white model photography, it really is not. However, I still believe it is an excellent book to buy for a number of reasons, and well worth adding to your collection if your interest is in doing black and white photography of women, particularly nudes. First, the book has technical details of each image (film type, camera, lens, lighting, exposure, etc.) and that sort of information is very useful to a photographer who may be interested in, for example, how various brands of film compare. Secondly, there are some hints, which may prove useful. For the most part, these hints are excellent, but one has to be careful to evaulate each hint, as they are not all good in my opinion. Thirdly, the models are quite beautiful for the most part, making the book worthwhile for those who appriciate images of beautiful nude women.

Now, for the negative ... Although the women Bill Lemon has chosen as models are beautiful, the photography is a bit of a disappointment. In my opinion it is at the level of an advanced amateur. The author/photographer has found some image concepts that work, particularly the contrast of beautiful soft skin against rough wood, but that concept is repeated too much. The photos are not incredibly creative, and they tend to all look pretty similar. I do have to credit Bill Lemon for taking photos where the model looks beautiful, and I'm fairly sure the models who posed for him are quite happy with the photos he has taken. Most models, understandingly, care almost exclusively how they look in the photo, and are fairly indifferent to how creative or artistic the photo is.

I believe the positive aspects of this book far outweigh the negatives, and therefore reccomend it, provided the reader is aware of the above limitations and takes them into account.

After purchasing several other books in the field of glamour and nude photography, I came across this book, Black and White Model Photography. Although I do not usually shoot in Black and White, the techniques are presented in such a way that easy to understand. The author covers a wide range of situations that allowed me to learn more about my photography. When I was stuck on a particular topic, I telephoned the author who was very helpful in describing what needed to be done. I also learned that he conducts seminars throughout the country, and I fully plan to attend one.

You have to envy Bill Lemon for having such beautiful models to capture on film, and this book is worth buying for its gorgeous pictures. As a guide to technique, its hints and tips are good, but there is a sameness to many of the poses and locations. A good book to have in your photo library, but not a thorough guide to shooting B&W models.

Walking in her bare feet she moved in front of the weather beaten wood door of the old barn. The photographer gave her some last minute direction as she turned her body. There was a slight breeze in the air, the early morning sun still low in the sky. The model was in harmony with her background, the light, the pose and the photographer. 'Click'. Bill Lemon's new book 'Black & White Model Photography' is a brilliant showcase of this Photographers unique style of glamour illustrations. Leafing through his book is like leafing through his portfolio with detailed technical data and 'how to' instruction on each image. His style and technique are unequaled and paired with some of the most beautiful models I have seen in years. The 60 B&W images in the book are all creative and well crafted. If I had any problems with this work, it was that I would have liked to had read a longer more detailed interview with Bill himself. What was included is the start of a fascinating study of the man behind the camera. A man that 'boot strapped' his way to the top by using his talent and developing a technique that makes his images as unique as his finger print. What discoveries were not answered in his interview were answered in his photography. Subjects like posing, natural light, film, lighting, composition, printing, finding models, clothing and model selection were all covered in the text of the images. His pictures are fresh, rich with detail and well conceived. The overall harmony of his work makes "Black & White Model Photography" a book to be seen, read and appreciated.

In researching fashion photography for a modeling book, I came across Bill Lemon's work. From the breathtaking images to the informative way he goes into details regarding this style of photography - this book is a great resource. Not only for photographers interested in doing glamour photography, but for models who want to explore this artform as well.

Bill Lemon's book is filled with gorgeous pictures of young women, but what makes it extra special are the easy to follow directions for creating similar photographs. The lighting diagrams are clear and Bill's explanations of just how he made each shot help take the mystery out of how great glamour photographs are made.

this book was ok, the women where amazing and each photo had a lot of information on the camera used and how it was takin. a book that is worth buying if your are seriously interested in commercial or model photography.

Mr. Lemons book is very unique. His style of glamour/model photography sets him apart from the other photographers in the field. The book is informative with shot descriptions, equip. details and much more valuable information. A must for anyone wanting to learn a very beautiful style of photography.

Bill Lemon is a very accomplished photographer who has created a very simple book that cuts through all the hype and gets straight to the point and that is how to create a glamourous image. Each image is individually unique and the instructions are self explanatory. Bill is a fountain of knowledge and he imparts that in his new book. He is also an accomplished teacher and conducts very informative workshops. I had the pleasure of taking one of his workshops and came away with a portfolio that for me would have taken many years to compile. I heartedly recommend Bill Lemon's book. You will be happy to have it on your shelf, and you will create some fine images with the information in this book.

There is hardly any writing in this book. Just a photo and a few words on the opposite page. The few words that are there are really for beginners only. It's very, very basic stuff. And if you're a beginner you're going to need more info than this book provides.

I'm fine with nudes, but if you're not, don't buy it.

I feel bad being so harsh but it's a very poor example of a photography book.