Customer Reviews

The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Tired of buying photography books that cover the same old stuff? Have you ever purchased a posing book that shows you a picture of a camera, softbox, umbrella and a reflector and then proceeds to show you a gallery of someone's photographs. Where do those books reside now? I have a ton of them sitting on a remote bookshelf, covered with dust. Well, Sandy Puc's book is a little different. Sure, she shows you the equipment, but, it is the equipment that she uses everyday and she explains why she prefers this equipment. The book proceeds through different age groups, yes showing you her photography, however she goes into the process behind the shots, both mentally and physically. This book covers real-life photography experiences, the joys, successes and also the pitfalls with solutions. I am now anxiously awaiting the release of her new book on Bellies and Babies.

I am interested in going semi-pro with children's portrait photography and was trying to get some ideas on technique.
This book did not do a thing for me and I regret wasting money on it. My main criticisms:

1. The author spends a lot of time discussing how her studio operates, what her assistant does when clients arrive, how she greets clients in her sales room, etc. Many beginning photographers cannot afford their own studio space, much less employees, so these sections of the book were largely inapplicable to most people's situations.

2. The author's style of photography is what I would call old fashioned, stuffy, traditional. These photos could have been taken in the 80s. I was hoping to get more tips on contemporary, "lifestyle" photography- not to get info on how to pose kids stiffly in formal wear or dress them up as fairy princesses. The author's style is about manufacturing false images and not really capturing children as they truly are. If that is your style, then get this book, but if not, consider another one of the many books out there on children's photography.

3. Finally, she does not include enough technical information on lighting and gear, particularly on-location.

Do yourself a favor and page through this book in a bookstore before purchasing on Amazon to make sure her style and "advice" justify this purchase.

This is great book that will continue to be a well used reference and resource for all of us photographing children. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to take photos of children that take your art to that next level beyond sit and shoot portraiture.

Sandy Puc is an extraordinarily talented photographer and is blessed with a desire and the ability to very effectively communicate and share her experiences (good and bad) with the rest of us. I recently attended a seminar of hers, and walked out with more information than I ever imagined I could, along with being completely rejuvenated and recharged. The woman, no doubt, loves what she does. This book is packed with a wealth of information, and is full of beautiful photographs and ideas. If you may be thinking children's photography is not for you, read this before you throw in the towel! No regrets whatsoever on buying this one!

I'm not saying I want to be Sandy, but I do want to be a children's photographer one day. Sandy has lots of useful information in her book. She is very down to earth and the reader can tell she absolutely loves what she does.

The information in the book is helpful and informative, but I don't know that I learned a lot. Although there are some great pictures, it's not necessarily a posing book. There are some great tips for what/how to photograph children of different ages.

A thorough and insightful book which addresses the challenges and expectations of photographing children of all ages. Valuable tips and suggestions are given for creating a rewarding experience. Specific examples reinforce the learning curve such as what type of portrait works best for a certain age. Sandy's expertise extends beyond photography as is evident in chapters concerning marketing and sales. This is the book to own for anyone interested in including or expanding children's photography as part of their business repertoire.

Sandy's tips and tricks are as wonderful as her final images. I have already implemented some of her marketing ideas and product suggestions, as well as, some of her lighting technique. I am just starting out but it is already working.
Great read for sure!

Sandy Puc is a master! I have waited and waited for this great book so I could learn a little of her genius. I got the book yesterday and devoured it! Now it will be a well used reference. I love the lighting tips, studio ideas and best of all little trick she uses photographing children.

There are many useful tips from protecting your time, marketing, making moms and kids feel useful etc. This is a truly valuable book.

Sandy's writing style is easy to read with a great balance between entertainment and a great deal of very useful knowledge.

Anyone wanting to get into the art of photographing children, babies and infants or just improve their current skills should buy this book.

I thought there would be more specifics on the lighting, posing, selling, etc. I was unimpressed.

This is one of the best children's books I've seen! This book is really wonderful for any skill level, I wish I had something like this when I first got started! Sandy is truly a Master in everyway..bravo!