Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors (Photot) [Paperback]

Dave Wacker (Author), Jean Wacker (Author), J. D. Wacker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009 | Series: Photot

In this instructive resource, seasoned photographers illustrate how to become an elite senior-portrait photographer. Whether the student wants a simple headshot for the yearbook, classic studio portraits, or fashion-oriented images shot on location, this resource outlines every phase of the process—from selecting the right equipment, poses, and light to generating great expressions and using the computer to retouch the face. An emphasis to stay ahead of the competition in terms of style, technology, customer service, and advertising offers photographers no-nonsense ideas for shooting better images and providing more variety within the often very limited time constraints of a senior-portrait session. Packed with before-and-after images, sequential illustrations that show posing variations, sample marketing materials, and much more, this is a must have book for those entering the market—or those seeking to chisel out a bigger share.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Full of excellent example pictures of both good and not-so-good poses . . . A fantastic photographic resource."  —Photo-Seminars.com

"There is certainly enough meat in the text to make this book a helpful addition to the bookshelf of anyone doing seniors portraits . . . the information contained here is top notch."  —digitalweddingforum.com/blog

About the Author

Dave Wacker is a certified, award-winning photographer and photography instructor whose images and articles have appeared in InFoto, Lens, The Professional Photographer, and Rangefinder magazines. Jean Wacker is a certified, award-winning photographer who has implemented new techniques for digital transitions. J. D. Wacker is certified with Professional Photographers of America and has won several photography awards. He is the author of Master Posing Guide for Portrait Photographers. They all own the 100-year-old Wacker family studio in Clintonville, Wisconsin, where they live.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584282525
• ISBN-13: 978-1584282525
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great insight into the senior photo market., July 11, 2009

By 

Kirk Tuck "Kirk Tuck" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors (Photot) (Paperback)

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST SENIOR PORTRAIT BOOK EVER!, June 29, 2009

By 

Terry Harris (Fort Myers, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors (Photot) (Paperback)

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"

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The HANDBOOK for senior photography!, August 3, 2009

By 

Timothy J. Macdonald "Tim Macdonald" (Midland Park, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors (Photot) (Paperback)

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.