Customer Reviews

Digital Masters: People Photography: Capturing Lifestyle for Art & Stock (A Lark Photography Book)

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I just received Nancy Brown's "People Photography" book and am inspired and in awe. The gift she gives to people with her talent, must be very satisfying and rewarding. Besides beautiful images, she seems to bridge the connection found in the "moment" between herself, the camera and the subject, allowing the viewer to somehow also be a part of the connection - very intimate and powerful. What I really like about this book is the presentation of beauty found in people all of ages. In fact, many of the subjects are more mature adults and the beauty found in their faces and forms isn't due to a make up artist and overworked Photoshop techniques, but with the skillful capture of an artist like Nancy, that allows you to see the spirit and uniqueness of each subject -- raw, and joyful. This book is a pleasure to own and to learn from.

The subtitle of the book "Capturing Lifestyle for Art & Stock" is more of a sales pitch then indicative of the content inside. The book is very basic, entry level for beginners and not for stock photographers or anyone with any photography experience. While the author is a good solid successful stock shooter, important information like finding models and organizing complex lifestyle shoots or working with art directors and stylists is no where to be found inside the pages.

I absolutely love this book. The photos in it are rich in color and quality and have a soft, pro lighting. Most importantly, it's inspiring!! The writer makes it very personal and talks about her own experiences and makes it easy to relate to her.

Things it talks about:
-working with people
-setting up "shoots"
-capturing emotion and the moment
-basic lighting, fill flash and using reflectors etc.
-connecting with kids
-a little bit about stock vs. commercial photograpy
-detail
-working in a studio
-selling photos and legal matters

This isn't the type of book that gives you a ton of information about lighting and equipment. It's a lot more personal and more about finding emotion and inspiration. After reading this book, I have been more motivated to experiment and achieve richer, more meaninful photographs. One of my favorite photography books!!!! :D

This book by Nancy Brown is full of wonderful examples of stock and commercial photography, shot both in the studio and on location. The reader can get a good idea of what a good setup is with an infinity cove studio, appropriate lighting techniques as well as what camera gear and lenses are appropriate for the job. Most examples portray a high key look with a white background and well lit subjects. Many of the photos in the book can be borrowed for other photography purposes as well, such as portrait, child and family photography. An easy to read and understand book with good concepts and many examples.