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: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

W. Hancock (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers (Paperback)

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.

71 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Carlo R. Montoya "Toy photographer" (Cebu City, Cebu Philippines) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers (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.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, helpful information, April 11, 2009

By 

Dawn Johns "DAWN" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers (Paperback)

This is a good book aimed at educating the reader on all aspects of posing. It begins with basic posing elements to develop a strong foundation. From that point, techniques are applied to specific situations which include men, women, children and groups. Optimizing portrait quality according to lighting and portrait length are covered as well. I felt the layout along with good illustrations made for an easy opportunity to learn from.