100 Ways to Take Better Portrait Photographs [Paperback]

Bjorn Thomassen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2006

This is an easy-reference guide to the many aspects of portrait photography, from informal social photography to professional commissions. It features more than 100 stunning photographs from BIPP International Fine Art Photographer of the Year winner Bjorn Thomassen. It also includes 100 practical and inspirational techniques and tips for finding new ways of composing portraits, making the most of colour, black and white and digital, and earning a living as a professional portraitist.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bjorn Thomassen has won many prestigious awards including the BIPP International Fine Art Photographer of the year. His work articles have featured in many of the UK's leading magazines and educational journals. Daniel Lezano is the editor of popular magazine Photography Monthly. He is the author of The Photography Bible, D&C 2004). Bjorn lives in Stamford, Lincolnshire, Daniel lives in Peterborough.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Ltd (September 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715323229
• ISBN-13: 978-0715323229
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,153,735 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little bit of everything., May 19, 2007

By 

Al Nowak "photo buff" (mid Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 100 Ways to Take Better Portrait Photographs (Paperback)

I have a simple criteria for selecting photographic 'how to' books. If the images in the book don't appeal to me, I pass on the book. Admittedly, that's sometimes a problem shopping here. Anyway, this book has a variety of portrait images, and I find them quite appealing. They range from travel shots to glamour fashion shots, and include a good collection of images of kids.

There is also a lot of practical information, but the book assumes you know your way around photographic equipment. The equipment section is only two pages! None of that 1/3 of the book telling you what a camera or a studio flash unit is for these authors. Bravo! I hope more photographic books follow their lead.

The book doesn't attempt to give you step by step instructions to creating a specific image. It's more of 'Here's a shot you might try and here's some things to be aware of.'

I consider myself an advanced amateur photographer. I take pictures because I enjoy it. I shoot mostly portrait and fashion type images. That's just so you'll know where I am coming from.

The book will definitely serve you well as inspiration. It's a great browsing and 'Gee, I oughta try that' book. I like it a lot, and I think you will too. It's also reasonably priced. Buy two and give one to a friend who is a photographer, but don't lend your copy to him. You won't get it back!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars down to earth, March 17, 2007

By 

Judith A. Worthington - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 100 Ways to Take Better Portrait Photographs (Paperback)

this book really gives you ideas to expand. you can look at one of the photos and expand your vision with it. one of the things i liked about this book was that if you were an amature or just a beginner with photography. you can understand the book. it doesn't use a lot of big photographic words that can go right over your head. and the sidenotes about the photo on the page really helps give you an idea of how to creat a photo with that style or theme

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent Idea Book, February 11, 2007

By 

K. Ko (Sunnyvale, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 100 Ways to Take Better Portrait Photographs (Paperback)

Photographers are always looking for inspiration. This book fits the bill; quick reads (1 page per example), decent explanations, and lenses used make this a good reference. The printing is great too so sample pictures look very pleasing.

If you are looking for something to teach more of the mechanics of posing, facial analysis, or lighting you probably should look at another book though. I don't think it was the authors' intention to deal with these subjects.