Customer Reviews

Professional Wedding Photography: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers (Pro Photo Workshop)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I sincerely wish I'd read this at the bookstore, and then left it there. There's not much in this book that you can't already easily find at just about any decent wedding photography web site. I was very disappointed at the extremely shallow depth of coverage that each photographer provided. I read it from cover to cover (didn't take long, it's only 129 pages, mostly images), but I doubt I'll ever pick it up again. Save your money for a different book.

Overall the book met my expectations and it was interesting to read about the paths others took to start and maintain their business. The photographers who were interviewed for this book were not in one area of the country but rather spread out from coast-to-coast and they gave insights as to what techniques (hence the title) are working for them.

I was excited to see that one of the photographers in this book is Dane Sanders. He is one of several photographers who inspires me and it's wonderful that he has given his readers a glimpse into his business life and workflow.

This book was written by Lou Jacobs Jr. and he has provided wedding photographers a great resource by his interview style and beautiful layouts throughout this book!

I have bought a few books from the same publishing company and have enjoyed them more. This one is more of a review on how other photographers conduct business. It is helpful for how to run a business a little more smoothly, but not so much in advancing one's skill as a photographer. Good buy if you're looking at how to conduct business, which can never hurt. Bad buy if you want it to talk about "How To's."

I found this book really refreshing and honest when it comes to the business of photography. It's written specifically for wedding photographers but other photographers could probably benefit too. Format of the book is to quickly interview different wedding photogs all over the US, asking them questions like "what's your workflow like?" or "how did you get started?". Each successful pro that is interviewed provides a different perspective on running a successful business, day-to-day operations, inspiration and more. Given, this book doesn't have alot of detail, but I found myself inspired and more dedicated to wedding photography every time that I picked up the book. It's 120 pages, lots of pics and more like reading a magazine, which some folks like. Highly recommended!

Here is an excellent guide, stunning pro photos, business models, and marketing techniques that are very useful. Experts describe how they started, developed clients. Those interviewed describe their work flow, standards they maintain, and monetary policies they practice to make sure they get paid. I've been in and around photography for nearly 50 years and I found this book filled with useful information, advice that can eliminate a lot of heartache attached to shooting highly charged emotional events like weddings.

It`s one of my favorite books of wedding photography. It`s interesting since it does really have substancial experience taught by some world wedding photography icons. I recommend!

Vinicius Matos

www.viniciusmatos.com

A compilation of interviews of ten industry leading professionals and what makes them a success. It is interesting to go behind the scenes of others to find out about their points of view. Adjustments in their philosophy can then be applied to tweak your own practice. I drew some valuable insights that I know others can also benefit from.

Sadly, photographers who are not looking to be a full time professional, or have no interest in shooting weddings may pass right by this book because of its title, but they would be making a terrible mistake as this book is for anyone interested in being a better photographer.

Maybe they should re-title the book to something like - "If you are interested in stunning imagery, the inside workings of a studio, how to better organize your workflow, grow your business, and become a better photography, this is your book".

Here are just a few things I like about this book:

There are 10 very different, very successful photographers that come from varied geographic settings and equally diverse shooting styles interviewed for this book, so you get a behind the scenes look at their thoughts, their ideas, and the business approach of each one of them.

Every page has more space dedicated to image presentation than words. The images are stunning and give you an idea of what other photographers are looking at (and thinking about) just prior to hitting the shutter.

Of all the questions asked of each photographer, one of my favorite is "who are your influences and mentors?" because it provides a great insight into who and/or what has influenced these photographers, giving you a broader look into the world of successful photography.

It asks (and answers) the questions that every photographer starting out in business has struggled with, here are just a few of them:

1. How do clients find you?

2. How do you handle retainers and fees?

3. How do you address the needs for contracts with your clients?

4. Do you have any tips for handling the unexpected?

5. How do you light your subjects?

6. What is your workflow?

7. How do you promote your business

Again, you get the answers from 10 different photographers, and what lends more weight to all those answers is that they come from photographers who have "been there, done that". 10 photographers that started out with a camera and idea and each having grown into nationally recognized, award winning photographers.

A business coach will tell you that one of the keys to success is to learn from those who are already successful.

If you are looking to take a better picture, improve your workflow, or start a studio, the first step to your achieving your goals, your first step to success, would be to get this book.

Scott Eccleston

www.WeeklyPhotoTips.com

I think Professional Wedding Photography by Lou Jacobs Jr. will be a very helpful book for any wedding photographer who wants to know how 10 professionals make outstanding wedding pictures. I am pleased to be represented in Lou's book, and really enjoyed reading through my colleagues' chapters. It's a fantastic way to take a 'sneak peek' into the studios and businesses of some great industry talent and the images are inspiring. It is truly an honor to be included in Lou's latest book...I hope you all enjoy it and find it helpful!

Stacey Kane

www.staceykaneblog.com

I have long been a fan of Lou Jacob's books and this proves no exception. I wish this book had been around when I was starting out in photography. The insight into the work of photographers across the country makes for a very interesting and informative read.