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by Doris Carol Doyle and Ian Doyle Soft cover, 127 pages. Amherst Media, Inc.
I like this book very much because the photographer/author stresses something I have always believed--a child doesn't have to look perfect, prim and proper for a portrait. In fact, professional portraits of your child having fun and just being a child will probably be your family's favorite and best remembered photographs. The use of black and white film for these photographs gives them a character and style of their own, and lifts them from the realm of being informal snapshots to the medium of art. Photographer Doris Carol Doyle introduces herself in the front of the book and tells how she started doing children's portraiture in her home, using equipment and props that were available. She produced some striking images, so if you are getting started as a photographer her example will give you confidence that you don't have to have a complete and expensive studio to get started. Accompanying each image is a diagram of the layout she used, and a complete description of her equipment. Doyle takes the time to discuss the little things that make all the difference when taking a portrait. For instance, seating the subject a little lower than the camera causes the child to look up, showing more of the whites of their eyes and making the eyes look bigger and brighter. By watching a child's hands and stance you can get an idea of their comfort level and she stresses don't limit yourself where backgrounds are concerned. Parks, fences, buildings and beaches make delightful backdrops for children's portraiture. Doyle includes a section for various age groups of children in her book. This is helpful, because each age brings new delights and new problems. She discusses photographing a child with their pet, their friends, family members, favorite things and while involved in favorite activities. Location shooting is discussed as are using fill flash, reflectors and natural light. A smaller photograph shows the exact placement of the camera, flash and reflectors for many of the images. A complete description of the area and circumstances during the shoot is explained. Most important, Doyle uses examples of her photographs where the child's face is not key to the image, and how such images can be successful. A photograph on the back book cover shows two young boys walking away from the camera. They are on a beach, the taller of the two has his arm around the shoulder of the smaller boy. If this were an image of my two sons, I know this photograph would be a favorite of mine. Children are shown giggling, laughing and looking down at things. Childhood is such a fleeting time, it's important to have photographs of your children enjoying that wonderful, magical season and this book will help you do that. Because of the small details Doyle shares with readers, the ease of reading and the clear illustrations, I give this book a strong four star rating.
Marilyn Dalrymple
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