Photographing Children in Black & White [Paperback]

Helen T. Boursier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

While color photography is the expected style for children's portraiture, this book teaches photographers the skills they need to create highly marketable black-and-white portraits of children. Guidance is provided for seeking out locations and props that are the most amenable to black-and-white portraiture of children-from portraits with siblings on the beach to a child alone with a treasured toy. Tried-and-true secrets are given for getting kids to behave, while also making sure that the children are having a good time-crucial for capturing those PRICEless expressions that set every child apart from the crowd.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Helen T. Boursier is the author of Black & White Portrait Photography and Family Portrait Photography. She lives in East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 121 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158428014X
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280149
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,496,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children Painted in Black and White, September 22, 2000

By 

Becky Winger (W. Lafayette, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Photographing Children in Black & White (Paperback)

"Photographing Children in Black and White" was a pure joy in everyway as the author describes in detail all aspects of a shoot. The fine documented prints in the book illustrate her ability to capture not only the child's physical qualities, but also their unmistakable personality. From the beginning of the book, the author shows her true love for children and the relationship of each of her "shooters" and how they come to life in the pages, whether on a sandy beach at dusk, or in the surf at high tide. The chapters explain everything from what film speed and film works best in certain situations to what clothing the subjects should wear for a shoot. Although technical in nature, the writing was easily understood by myself, a somewhat novice in the field.

I would recommend this book for anyone that wants to learn to all aspects of children's photography. The author's prints tell much more than the book on her creative gift of capturing a treasure of paper...the simple face of a child.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Photographing Children in Black & White, October 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Photographing Children in Black & White (Paperback)

I found this book to be extremely helpful in many ways. From dealing with film selection to "getting parents to step aside", each chapter has multiple ideas regarding photographing children. I was especially pleased with the sections on lighting, groups and adding family pets to the portraits. Also, the photography included in the book is inspiring. I consider this to be a great resource for amateur photographers and a terrific idea book for the professionals.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, June 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Photographing Children in Black & White (Paperback)

Helen Boursier made her artistic talent shine. Her book was practical and inspiring. Her photographs are wonderful in how they depict the childs personality without intimidating the reader. Her work and words were inspiring. One of the best photography books I've read.