National Geographic Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits [Paperback]

National Geographic Society (Author)

Book Description

Series: National Geographic Photography Field Guides | Publication Date: March 1, 2002

When's the right moment to snap a sunset? How do you "freeze" your child in action on the soccer field? What subjects photograph best in black and white? Let this information-packed guide supply the answers to these questions and more as you learn the secrets that have made Naitonal Geographic photography so well-known. Some of the most treasured photos you'll ever take will be posed and candid portraits of your family and friends at important moments. Discover the best camera angles, lighting, and lenses to use for capturing the spirit of of those moments. Learn how to turn a two-year-old's tears into laughter...portray the character of a grand-parent...compose a formal family portrait. Get tips on taking candid pictures that tell a story. This guide is one of two launch titles in National Geographic's new photography instruction series (Landscapes is the other) Each guide is filled with easy-to-understand advice on a different subject. Future volumes in this series will include Wildlife, Black and White, Digital, Adventure Photography, and more. All include details on what lenses to use, lighting, composition, you name it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792264991
• ISBN-13: 978-0792264996
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.4 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Will Inspire and Teach!, March 23, 2002

By 

David Enzel (Chevy Chase, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: National Geographic Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits (Paperback)

This book describes what you need to know to make good pictures of people. The book begins by discussing composition and then turns to equipment and lighting. The book then focuses on various types of people photography: street photography; people in action; portraits; familar subjects (family members) and the photographic essay. The book includes a list of useful web sites and explains how three professional photograhers work. They are Cary Wolinsky, Sisse Brimberg and Lynn Johnson. I love these different viewpoints because they provide food for thought.

The photographs leap off the page. They are stunning and make me want to get out and photograph. I highly recommend this book. It also is of a size that will easily fit in your camera bag.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact and Informative, May 6, 2002

By 

Bukkene Bruse (Iowa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: National Geographic Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits (Paperback)

The People and Portraits Field Guide continues along one branch of the first NGS field guide. Somewhat more advanced composition and technical advice is provided, tailored to the specific art of capturing people in their environment. Caputo writes a book that is not only succinct, but also enjoyable to read.

Continuing with the format of the original are the profiles of National Geographic photographers, each with their own set of advice. This is a primary strength of this set of field guides and something that separates them from other books. The bios are interesting reading in themselves and give a brief glimpse into the work and vision of different artists.

27 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER WINNER FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, February 27, 2002

By 

Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits (Paperback)

Photography buffs take heed, this is a book you will definitely want to add to your library. While master photographers may not learn anything dramatically new, amateurs and novices will find tons of useful and helpful information among these pages by an expert in the field. Ever wonder how to "freeze frame?" This book will tell you how, along with providing guidance in taking those wonderful family portraits under all types of conditions. The section dealing with various lenses was of particular interest. The book is well organized and the instructions are clear and easy to understand - that in itself is a major plus over other books in the marketplace. If it's National Geographic, it's bound to be good!