Infrared Portrait Photography [Paperback]

Richard Beitzel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

Exploring the dynamic possibilities of infrared portrait photography, this book presents more than 50 black-and-white portraits and explains how each one was created. Using both traditional and conceptual poses and subjects, the reader will discover what portrait compositions photograph best in infrared, what to expect from different compositions, and which ones to avoid. It includes an explanation of the difference between types and brands of film, focusing techniques, and techniques for customizing and displaying infrared portraits. This guide also offers advice on selecting the best equipment, film, and filters, and tips for handling, processing, and printing sensitive infrared film.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Beitzel is a professional portrait photographer and photographic studio owner. He lives in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584280123
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280125
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,495,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Study of Infrared Portraiture, February 8, 2000

By 

Patrick Rice (North Olmsted, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Infrared Portrait Photography (Paperback)

Richard's book sheds new light on Infrared portrait photography. I am glad to read a book on Infrared photography that can be utilized by working professional photographers to help increase their revenue. Many of the other Infrared books I have read , although technically very good in their content, left me with very few ideas to make Infrared photography profitable. This book goes beyond being a "pretty picture" guide for photo enthusiasts and offers the reader an exciting way to add a profit center to their photography business.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Some good tips, portraits are mostly tacky, June 24, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Infrared Portrait Photography (Paperback)

This book has a few decent tips for doing portraits with infrared film, such as avoiding certain colors and applications of fabric and women's makeup that will absorb or reflect too much infrared light. And examples of how IR can cover skin blemishes or give a romanticized feel to a photo are explained and depicted well. There are also a handful of nice pastoral shots here.

Beyond that, the information is vague and the portraiture is largely tacky. Many of the models are shown in unnatural poses. In some cases, their modern wardrobes and hairstyles are completely inappropriate for the dreamy/old-time/otherworldly locales in which the photographer has placed them. Subjects/clothing that have a more timeless quality---baby photos, wedding portraits, boudour (sp?) photos, theatre costuming, 4H photos, etc.---can work great in IR. Most of the graduation portraits here do NOT, and are almost painfully pretentious.

Although not about portraiture, "Infrared Landscape Photography", also by this publisher, gives much better technical and aesthetic information on the uses and special considerations of IR films.