Detailing all the skills photographers need to successfully create natural-light family portraits, this handbook covers all aspects of the process, from attracting clients and planning the session to posing small families or large groups. Techniques for working outdoors, at the family’s home, or in a natural-light studio setting are included along with detailed information on post-production, album design, and marketing techniques for attracting clients. Advanced amateur and professional photographers will learn how to create a picture-perfect rendering by manipulating ever-changing and difficult-to-predict outdoor lighting and cultivating a cohesive look through harmonious poses, expressions, and clothing. This unique handbook is essential for family photographers looking to engage the family and bring out their subjects’ interpersonal relationships and individual personalities.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Jennifer's work exemplifies the artists' heart in her photography. Her imagery visits emotions in your soul in a very loving way. She expresses for all of us the truth in her visual media." —Judy Host, master of photography and craftsman
"Jennifer George showcases not only her warm, sensitive portrait style but also shares with readers her work habits in the studio and on location." —Joe Farace on The Art of Pregnancy
"[This book] shows how to use natural light and natural home and outdoor locations to design flattering family portraits." —www.BookNews.com
"Amateurs and professionals alike will gain something from The Digital Photographer's Guide to Natural-Light Family Portraits." —www.CityBookReview.com (December 2011)
About the Author
Jennifer George is an award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in a variety of magazines, including American Photo, Forbes, Professional Photographer, Ranch & Coast, Rangefinder, and Shutterbug. She is the author of The Art of Pregnancy Photography. She lives in San Diego, California.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Rob Walstrom
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book, like so many books on portraiture seem to bite off more than it can chew in terms of content. I bought this book based on the 5-star reviews in hopes of improving my natural-light portrait photography skills. I was disappointed to see that only a small fraction of the book actually discussed this subject. Surprisingly, a number of the scenarios given mention utilizing flash. I'm not at all adverse to using flash, in fact I feel most comfortable using it. However, that was not what I was expecting based on the title.
There are an abundance of other chapters in the book that, in my opinion, do not relate at all to natural-light portraiture. The author spends over half the book talking about topics such as storing and backing up images, how to start a photo business, marketing your business, creating photo albums, and simple post-processing techniques such as head swaps and removing distracting items. In my opinion, all of these topics are well beyond the scope of the book. In fact, many of those topics are covered in books solely dedicated to them. The Photoshop techniques were very rudimentary and in some cases outdated. Most readers are going to seek a dedicated book for improving their Photoshop skills. For a book that purports to be about natural-light family portraiture, these pages on other topics end up being wasted filler.
Perhaps the author is not to blame for choosing the title of the book? Maybe the publisher is to blame? Regardless, I was so hopeful of improving my natural-light portraiture after reading the 5-star reviews of this book, but ended up sorely disappointed. There was too little info on how to actually use the natural light for your portraits, I felt the author could of gone into greater detail. Ultimately, the majority of the information wasn't new or helpful to me. I sold my copy just a few days after I read it.
There are an abundance of other chapters in the book that, in my opinion, do not relate at all to natural-light portraiture. The author spends over half the book talking about topics such as storing and backing up images, how to start a photo business, marketing your business, creating photo albums, and simple post-processing techniques such as head swaps and removing distracting items. In my opinion, all of these topics are well beyond the scope of the book. In fact, many of those topics are covered in books solely dedicated to them. The Photoshop techniques were very rudimentary and in some cases outdated. Most readers are going to seek a dedicated book for improving their Photoshop skills. For a book that purports to be about natural-light family portraiture, these pages on other topics end up being wasted filler.
Perhaps the author is not to blame for choosing the title of the book? Maybe the publisher is to blame? Regardless, I was so hopeful of improving my natural-light portraiture after reading the 5-star reviews of this book, but ended up sorely disappointed. There was too little info on how to actually use the natural light for your portraits, I felt the author could of gone into greater detail. Ultimately, the majority of the information wasn't new or helpful to me. I sold my copy just a few days after I read it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Eric L
Format:Paperback
I am on the verge of starting my own portrait business, and a large part of that will be families with children. There are a lot of variables and things to consider when shooting a small group of people in an environment where the photographer cannot control all of the circumstances that could make a photo great, or detract from it in some way. George's book is great for providing tips on technical issues, posing considerations, and dealing with different people; i.e. energetic toddlers or disinterested teens. I read this book through, gleaned some great advice and guidance, and I know I will refer back to it again. But, the title might be a touch misleading since it is not all a lesson in using 100% natural light. The author does use flash and/or reflectors in (probably) most of the sample photos. But, I liked it since my concern was getting a good overview of an excellent photographer's experience and advice. I can take a lot from this book and use it to improve my business. And she gives great advice on everything from marketing, communicating with people, handing situations, technical camera info, post-production, etc.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Photographers of all skill levels will want to keep this book handy for examples of the kind of portrait photography that is possible. The examples are stunning and include many different settings and types of subjects. The examples with discussion concerning composition and colors were very instructive. The book describes many techniques that will help people get started with digital photography or even begin mastering such advanced techniques as "head replacement" and digital filtering. For me the excellent photos make the book a gem.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
This book has a lot of information in it. Very helpful~! I really think this is a great book if you are looking to pose families and use natural light. Read more
Published 8 months ago by brneze
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well...It's a Good Starting Point
Very good book for the aspiring protrait photographer. Good illistrations and plenty of food for thought. Untimately, it'll come down to your own director skills. Read more
Published 16 months ago by G9Traveler
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good book
One of the better books I've seen for portraiture. Natural poses and the author provides some valuable insight and tips to a successful session. Read more
Published 21 months ago by barryb
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Wonders of Natural Light
This book really is an inspiration. Gone are the days of bland shopping mall family portraits. George really shows you how to capture families enjoying being together. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Adam Richards
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another fresh look at portraiture
This is the second of Jennifer George's books I have purchased and read. In both of her books its a pleasure to look at her actual photos. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Marilyn F. Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply a Photographer's Treasure
I can't say enough on what a Treasure this book is for the Photgrapher wanting to really understand Natural Lighting. Read more
Published on May 20, 2011 by Leigh Anne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential Photographic Guide
I am a new photographer to the business and I am always looking for helpful material to read. This book was insightful and organized in a way that makes it easy to learn.
Published on May 20, 2011 by Brian Ciuffreda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
This book contains great tips and insights on posing and lighting, how to direct groups so your image will have the best composition. it cover every aspect of a photo shoot. Read more
Published on May 20, 2011 by Missy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really helpful!
I'm not a professional photographer, but this book is written so anyone can benefit from it. It's concise, well organized and an easy read.
Published on May 20, 2011 by chris w. chen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great overview for new photographers
This is a very well rounded and presented book with absolutely gorgeous images that will really touch you and I'm sure were very satisfied clients. Read more
Published on May 18, 2011 by Kim Treffinger
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