Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers [Paperback]

Douglas Allen Box (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2009

Often overshadowed by complicated lighting techniques or advanced postproduction tips, this resource seeks to remind the professional photographer of the fundamental importance of a subject's pose. Conveniently designed in two-page spreads—a striking portrait on one side, a comprehensive how-to of the strategies used on the other—this reference includes countless techniques for studio sessions as well as outdoor and location shoots, with individuals or groups, male or female clients, and in sitting, standing, or lying poses. With advice from a well-known and respected professional, it covers all the basics, showing how to emphasize a client's assets and downplay perceived flaws, how to create a cohesive, engaging group photo, how to use natural elements on location to enhance an image, and how to ensure that the result flatters the subject and adds the essential professional polish to an image.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"You will surely gain more understanding."  —sacramentobookreview.com

About the Author

Doug Box is a professional portrait and wedding photographer, a lecturer, and the author of Professional Secrets for Photographing Children, Professional Secrets of Natural Light Portrait Photography, and Professional Secrets of Wedding Photography. He lives in Caldwell, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (March 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584282487
• ISBN-13: 978-1584282488
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Portraits

More About the Author

Doug Box

Master.Photographer
Photographic Craftsman
Certified Professional Photographer

He is the owner of ProPhotogs.com, a photographic forum with an educational leg for all levels of portrait and wedding photographers.And the Texas Photographic Workshops, an internationally recognized educational facility where he and his wife LaVelda host photographers from around the country teaching all levels of photography.

Doug has taught at seminars and conventions in 47 states in the U.S. plus Canada, Mexico, Scotland, Wales, England, China, Ireland and on 5 cruise ships. He was chosen to teach at the International Wedding Institute and has taught at 18 different PPA Affiliate week-long schools. He is one of only 20 Kodak Mentors. He is only one of four people in the history of PPA to earn over 1,000 PPA Merits and is an invited member of the prestigious CameraCrafstmen group, one of only 40 in the world.

He is Past President of Texas Professional Photographers Assoc. and currently the Executive Director of TPPA. He has served as Executive Director ASP (American Society of Photographers), Published ASP Magazine, and is currently on the Board of the Professional Photographers of America.


He is an award winning photographer who has owned very successful studios in Houston, Brenham and now Caldwell.

His articles and images have graced the pages of most professional photographic publications. He is the author of "The Power of Business" marketing systems and
has written several books including "Professional Secrets of Children's Photography", "Professional Secrets of Photographing Weddings", "Natural Light Photography" and "Posing for Portrait Photographers", and soon a book on Off Camera Flash published by Amherst Publishing.

His students claim Doug is the cross between an stand up comedian and a Baptist
preacher. He is one the most fun and easy to learn from instructor you will ever encounter.
You can contact Doug at [e-mail]

www.DougBox.com
www.ProPhotogs.com
www.DougBoxPhotography.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Foundation for Posing September 27, 2009

By W. Hancock

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book provides an easy to understand, practical foundation for posing. I agree with 95% of the author's opionions. However, some of his examples for posing men in this text are not much different than for women, and that's where I have some differences. But hey, there's no monopoloy on what's "correct" so that's OK. Generally speaking, I like men to have their forward shoulder lower than the rear shoulder which requires most to place weight on the front foot for 2/3 view and full face shots. In the author's opening example of the Posing Men chapter, he says, "Though this handsome subject had his weight on the wrong foot..." when I actually think this is the correct way to pose men.

His advice on posing hands is very good, and the depth with which he discusses hands is not found in many of the manuals out there.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good quick reference for posing people.

79 of 91 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Above average photography book August 29, 2009

By Carlo R. Montoya

Format:Paperback

I bought this book because of the high ratings here.

What's good about it

I did learn a few things that would certainly help me capture flattering portraits (candid or otherwise). Most of the photos helped illustrate Doug's points.

What I didn't like about it

In my opinion, I didn't like how Doug refers to "other photographers." Yes, I know that some photographers don't take the time to learn the art and science of photography but I don't think the book is the right place to compare himself with other "other photographers." It's tiresome to hear someone say, "they do this and it's bad, I do this and it's good."

I understand that this book is written for experienced photographers who already know what gobos, lighting ratios are. Sadly, I'm not one of them. He could have added a glossary at the end of the book to describe them.

I feel that the last part which talked about 'hiding' imperfections was rushed. While he provided an photo example for double chins, he only described how to hide the square and narrow chins. I'm a visual person so it's very hard for me to imagine his descriptions.

Last words

I paid good money for this book and feel a little cheated. If it were half the price, then maybe the book deserves 4 stars. It's not that bad so I can't give it less than 3 stars. If you're lucky to find this in a library or a bookstore with a copy you can scan, please do so before buying it. Just an above average book that should be sold only at around $12 not $23.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Some good information, but overall a bit thin August 29, 2010

By rawdul

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found the first quarter of the book to contain some good information, e.g. about C and S pose and the importance of positioning the talent's feet, classic views (full face, two-thirds, profile), and classic portrait lengths. The author shows how to obtain "classic" posed portraits - which to me look like as if the talent is forced into an uncomfortable and unnatural position. What I didn't like so much is that the book often isn't very clear (e.g. I had to search the web for a better explanation before I understood the C and S pose). The images aren't very didactic either - to keep with the poses: The picture explaining the position of the feet clearly shows a shadow falling to the left, but the light actually comes from the left also - confusing at best. The text then goes on to explain the position of the shoulders and head - but the image only shows the legs. Not good teaching. The remaining three thirds of the book are written very general, e.g. "my portrait require good lighting", and feel a bit like the author had to fill the pages to make it a book. I am also not a big fan of the author's self advertising - I've already paid him for the book, so why am I now harassed to go and check out his lighting products? Overall, the book contains some valuable information about posing and how to achieve a classic portrait studio look, however, I think there is quite a bit room to improve and expand on topics.