Customer Reviews

Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a well written and illustrated view into the business of senior photography. While you are constantly reminded that styles are different from region to region and even from city to city the building blocks that the Wackers give the reader are universal. Everything from handling sales to equipment to sets and locations. If I were building a business with a strong component of senior photography this book would serve as the central research for my business plan.

While some of the photos can be kitchy they have their chops down technically. Get past any stylist differences and get to the meat of the book and you will be rewarded with pure prime beef information.

I also liked the way the call outs were in nicely designed green boxes. It was a nice design touch.

I just finished the BEST BOOK on photography of the high school senior that I have ever read. If I had this book at the beginning of my career, I would have saved 30 years. This is a MUST READ BOOK for every photographer who would like to add seniors to their studio business. The Wacker Family tells EVERYTHING you will ever need to know about this business. M. Terry Harris - Master Photographer, Cr. and President of "Senior Photographers International"

This book is literally the handbook for senior photography. It covers everything from posing and lighting, to the presession consultation using images, diagrams and well written text. I have read over this book at least ten times so I do not keep pulling it out of my desk drawer before sessions. Another thing to take from this book is that these tips and techniques can be applied to other kinds of photography as well senior portraits. I give this book two thumbs up and would recommend it to any professional and/or amateur photographer.

I have had the pleasure of being part of the team at Photography by J.D. for the past nine years and this book gives all the steps of a successful professional photography studio - including great illustrations that are very informative and of superb print quality.

All the shared information is truly how Photography by J.D. operates and what makes them so successful.

Every photographer can benefit from this book.

I like this book, but I'm a bit tired of profesional photographers constantly putting down amateurs. I've seen many amateurs do fantastic work. Do amateurs belong photographing seniors or weddings? Maybe, maybe not. Not for me to decide. But maybe an amateur like me just wants to read this book to gain tips when photographing friends kids, etc., and doesn't want to read on the first three pages how I'm a "wannabe". The author comes across a a bit of a jerk. I'm not sure I'd want him to by my photographer.

Once you get over this hurdle thuogh, the book really does have some good content. I wish there was a bit more to posing seniors, but it certainly wasn't lacking.

Lots of photo examples made this a worthwhile read.

I am an amature photographer and really needed guidence on what to do for Senior Portraits. This book gave me nearly everything I needed to know on a basic level. It has excellent advise on how to get your customers (the seniors) to choose a professional photographer as opposed to taking the photos themselves. The authors have been in the photography business for nearly 100 years, so I think they know what they are talking about. The images they provide are certainly a goal to work toward. I highly recommend this book to beginners and professionals alike

This book has all the information you need to begin a Senior Portrait Studio. This is not just a book on posing or lighting. As well, planning for the future of your business.It is a definitive handbook for your business as well. My favorite chapter is on Image Processing. Step by step tutorials on how to set up work flow on your computer for the most effective use of your time and the most used and helpful tools in PHOTOSHOP for you retouching.

Originally I bought this book to learn how to work well with teenagers not to specifically do just senior portraits, however I found the read to be very interesting and found lots of new ways to interact with teenagers when doing sessions with them. It had beautiful example images and plenty of well thought out plans. I would never of even thought of making a photo park of my own. This book has really helped me understand teens as well as lighting better.

I have read this book cover to cover, and let me tell you, the Wackers give a wealth of knowledge and years of experience in this book. If you are new to photography, a professional photographer or somewhere in between, you will find very useful tips throughout this book. It is also filled with lots of beautiful photos of seniors that they have taken...great ideas to go off of! They even include a how-to portion for touch-ups and fixes with photoshop that make all of the difference in your portraits. They teach you about marketing, tips, techniques, you name it, it's in there!!! A must have book!!!

From the very beginning of the book, I was impressed with the honesty and candor of Dave, Jean, and J.D. Wacker. They were not afraid to share what has worked for them in their studio and more importantly, what did not. Not only is this book essential to the newcomer to the profession of photography, but the established veteran as well. Dave, Jean, and J.D. cover all the aspects of photographing high school seniors, beginning with how to market to the students and their parents to equipment, posing, creativity and workflow. The Wackers' upbeat, positive tone continues throughout the book and is the reason why the family has been successful in the photographic industry for 103 years. The book guides the reader to be a successful senior portrait photographer and culminates on the final pages with how to prepare for the future. As a veteran of more than 36 years in the photographic industry, I heartily give this book five stars.