26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read before you create your portfolio, November 20, 2005
This review is from: Photo Portfolio Success (Paperback)
As photographers, we live and die by our portfolios. They are our resume, our advertising piece, our list of references.
Thus there is a need for a really, really good book on how to craft a portfolio. And John Kaplan delivers with this book.
This book is an example of what I think that all photographic books should aspire to, its' subject is specialized, it sticks to topic, and it provides useful advice.
In many ways this book breaks many of the rules that I usually don't like. For example, Kaplan puts many, many address of sources in this book. Usually I would complain that such information belongs in a magazine, not in a book, but somehow they work here. Perhaps because the subject is so specialized.
What I like about this book:
1) Specialized subject, covered well.
2) Covers all types of portfolios, print, online, CD & multimedia, slide...
3) LOTS of resources. This book will not age well, because of this, but it is a valuable resource right now... suppliers, album manufactures, workshops, it's all here. Want to publish your work as a book? The resources are here for that, too.
4) Interesting sidebars, much like Ketchum's book. Consider: "Are you truly serious about your work" and "The ethics of captioning".
5) STUNNING images. Tell me the image on page 21 doesn't make you want to give up the studio and become a photojournalist.
What I don't like about this book:
Not much really, just a few points.
1) For example, under the sidebar "Web Design Don'ts" Kaplan advises 'Avoid Using Black Backgrounds'. I don't know about you, but EVERY single 'WOW' photographic website that I go to has in common a black background. This is an example of someone who came up in the print era trying to be a web expert... but don't worry about it, John, even Babe Ruth didn't hit 1000%.
2) Readability is above average for photographic books, but that's a pretty low benchmark to shoot for.
Still, buy this book. Worth the money, worth the read, worth the room on your photographic library shelf.
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27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST HAVE FOR SERIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS, November 1, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Photo Portfolio Success (Paperback)
In his new book, "Photo Portfolio Success", John Kaplan has created the most comprehensive, current, in depth and honest book for photographers who may be hoping to get their foot in the door, for those where the door is already open, and even the lucky ones with an all-season pass in the competitive and rewarding field of photography. This book debunks every myth you thought you knew and tells it like it is from the very top people working in photography today. A literary device using pull-out quotes from top photographers, editors and even New York photo agents subtitled: "Your Biggest Mistake", and "Your Best Move" also gives the reader more honest guidance of what they really need to know to succeed in an often cutthroat business. Here's a nugget from Detroit Free Press photographer J. Kyle Keener: "Don't show something in your portfolio that you can't do consistently." It's honesty like this that helps photographers get to the next level. Kaplan's book scales several mountain ranges with advice every sane person really needs to know if they want to keep a roof over their heads in making a living at photography.
In 13 chapters, this book covers all the bases and genres of photography and everything you need to know to get a running start. Photojournalism, wedding photography, freelance and commercial work, nature and wildlife, fine art photography and the extremely important areas of marketing and self-promotion are all covered. Detailed yet easy-to understand methods of building your own web page to promote your photography business are included. Necessary links to various companies providing presentation material like portfolio cases are also here. The book is well designed and beautifully illustrated with examples of some of the finest photography being done in the world today.
I think the really nice thing about this book is the underlying encouragement that Kaplan offers the reader throughout. Reviewing as a professional photographer myself, Photo Portfolio Success gave me a renewed sense of vigor and honest assesment of where I need to go in this crazy yet wonderful career of photography.
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14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Photographers Bible, October 28, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Photo Portfolio Success (Paperback)
There are alot of photography books out their to try to help people in different aspects of photography. But this book is backed with a punch. Author John Kaplan has a Pulitzer Prize to back his knowledge of the many different aspects in the photo business. This book cover it all, from wedding to nature photography Kaplan has brought to the pages some of the greatest photographers currently working. Kaplan even includes hands-on editing tests to test your knowledge. Every photo in the book is a example of the best in the business. Every photo school whether photojournalism or fine art should have this book in the classroom. Kaplan shares secrets that has made him an industry leader. This book can give the reader an edge over the competition by giving solid examples and information to help every photographer get in touch with whatever organization is avaliable to that aspect of their business. Finally a book for photographers everywhere. Don't be without this content driven book. Content is the key here, every picture example is extraordinary and inspiring. Everyone can learn more-so start here.
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