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Erik Valind
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Portrait Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots 1st Edition

by Erik Valind (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 221 ratings
In Portrait Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots, author and photographer Erik Valind shows you how to get the best shots of your subjects–whether you’re in a studio or outdoors, at a family get-together, or at a formal event.

Starting with the fundamentals of portrait photography, including how to select the right camera settings and lenses and how to compose your shots, Erik covers building a rapport with your subject, and offers suggestions for poses that flatter your subject to achieve great shots. He then addresses the problems and opportunities of both natural and indoor light, offering ways to resolve lighting challenges of both, showing when and how to use a flash and how to add and modify light to improve the quality of your images. Finally, he walks through several portrait scenarios, including creating single-person shots such as headshots and environmental shots, and group shots such as family and wedding photos.

Follow along with Erik and you will:

  • Learn the basics of capturing great portraits, such as focusing on the eyes, stepping back and zooming in, and turning your subject into the light
  • Evaluate focal length, compression, and working distance to select the best lens for any given shoot
  • Establish trust with your subject and provide helpful direction and feedback so they feel at ease and look their best
  • Address challenges associated with natural light such as shade and direct light–and tame or redirect the light for improved photographs
  • Improve the light with modifiers and other helpful tools such as strobes, umbrellas, and reflectors
  • Go “behind the scenes” and walk through the process of creating great portraits with two chapters of start-to-finish examples

Beautifully illustrated with large, vibrant photos, this book teaches you how to take control of your photography to get the portraits you want every time you pick up your camera.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0321951611
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0321951618
  3. Edition
    1st
  4. Publisher
    Peachpit Press
  5. Publication date
    March 25, 2014
  6. Part of series
    From Snapshots to Great Shots
  7. Language
    English
  8. Dimensions
    7.4 x 0.6 x 9 inches
  9. Print length
    264 pages
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Erik Valind is a commercial lifestyle and portrait photographer, born and raised on the Florida beaches. Airy and energetic lifestyle imagery defines the style and vision of this Westcott-endorsed Top Pro Photographer. Inspired by the form, activity and diversity of people, Erik has lent his expertise to shape the public image of numerous national brands and campaigns. Erik shares his visual approach, techniques and passion for photography internationally at major photo events, as an author, and online as a Kelby Training instructor. Erik is based in New York, NY.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Peachpit Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0321951611
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0321951618
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.4 x 0.6 x 9 inches
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ From Snapshots to Great Shots
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 221 ratings

About the author

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Erik Valind

Erik Valind

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Erik Valind is a freelance photographer, born and raised on the Florida beaches, now living in New York City. Specializing in commercial lifestyle photography and environmental portraiture, airy and energetic imagery defines the style and vision of this top pro photographer. Inspired by the form, activity and diversity of people, Erik has lent his expertise to shape the public image of numerous personas and national brands. Erik also shares his visual approach, techniques and passion for photography internationally as a speaker at major photo conferences, as an author, and online as a KelbyOne and CreativeLIVE instructor.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
221 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this photography book informative and easy to understand, particularly noting its beginner-friendly approach. The illustrations are well-explained, with one customer highlighting the detailed diagrams showing camera and light placements. Customers praise the book's readability and its effectiveness in portrait photography, with one mentioning it helped them successfully complete their first studio session.

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26 customers mention "Information quality"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and easy to understand, providing good pointers and tips that are suitable for beginners.

"...The book walks through the entire process, including, tips, getting correct exposure, camera settings, composition, gear, lighting, and more...." Read more

"...Erik makes it simple to understand and gives great examples in the book...." Read more

"Great teaching material. Huge formatting annoyance with the picture captions not always being with the pictures in the e-book...." Read more

"...Pros Nice images Good illustrations Good pointers / tips Cons Mostly for beginners" Read more

21 customers mention "Illustrations"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's illustrations, which are clearly written and detailed, with one customer noting the step-by-step instructions for making awesome portraits and another highlighting the diagrams showing camera and light placements.

"...The in-depth chapters on lighting and how to use the lighting to get the best results was excellent. It was an easy read (knocked it out in a day)...." Read more

"...Erik makes it simple to understand and gives great examples in the book...." Read more

"...Pros Nice images Good illustrations Good pointers / tips Cons Mostly for beginners" Read more

"It's a good book, easy read, and full of helpful suggestions...." Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and well-written, with one mentioning it's perfect for learning how to shoot portraits.

"...on ideas on how to pose what to use where to place your client.. Love books and I keep these for when I need an idea r if my mind just doesn't work..." Read more

"It's a good book, easy read, and full of helpful suggestions...." Read more

"A great read. Informative yet easy to read. Every aspect is explained firmly and backed up by great visual examples." Read more

"...Great book so far." Read more

9 customers mention "Portrait photography"9 positive0 negative

Customers find this book excellent for portrait photography, with one mentioning it helped them successfully complete their first studio session.

"...By finished reading this book, I feel confident to take the portrait photo for my family or friend. What I just need is the equipment beside camera...." Read more

"...This book is a valuable asset for those who want to develop skills in portrait photography, mainly in interesting locations with challenging light..." Read more

"I think it said hardcover. Is a basic portrait book." Read more

"This was the book I needed to get consistent portraits...." Read more

4 customers mention "Picture quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers like the pictures in the book, with one mentioning they yield better results instantly.

"...Pros Nice images Good illustrations Good pointers / tips Cons Mostly for beginners" Read more

"...It has nice pictures." Read more

"...It will yield better pictures instantly." Read more

"...I liked the simplicity of writing of this book. The pictures are really a great help. The chapters and content are well organized...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Keith Clasgens
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Portrait Photography
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    As an amateur photographer, looking to learn how to take much better portrait photographs, this book was EXACTLY what I hoped it would be. The book walks through the entire process, including, tips, getting correct exposure, camera settings, composition, gear, lighting, and more. The number of examples, each with before and after photos, and camera settings, exceeded my expectations. All of the topics were clearly explained in layman terms, and made me eager for more. The in-depth chapters on lighting and how to use the lighting to get the best results was excellent. It was an easy read (knocked it out in a day). I can't believe Inlet this sit on my "wishlist" for so long! Overall, I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in taking better portrait photographs.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • DLC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. I have bought many photography books in the past but I have to say that this is by far my favorite one. Erik makes it simple to understand and gives great examples in the book. If you're a beginner like I am and feel like you just need some helpful tips/explanations, then this is the book for you. I feel like I really learned a lot from this book. I will always use it for my "go to" book when I need some tips/clues. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn how to take some great shots!
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Smitty
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent portrait photography book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Great teaching material. Huge formatting annoyance with the picture captions not always being with the pictures in the e-book. Do not let that deter you from buying it.
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  • DaveSincere
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great beginner book for those interested in portrait photography
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    5/5 Rating

    I've been in the photography world for a few years now. I read this book in a couple of days. It has a lot of great tips for beginners. I wish I would have bought this book when I first started shooting it would have definitely saved me a lot of time.

    If you're an intermediate photographer or enthusiast much of what's listed here you may already know. There will be a few nuggets to learn as far as posing and directing, but much of it will not be new.

    Pros
    Nice images
    Good illustrations
    Good pointers / tips

    Cons
    Mostly for beginners
    One person found this helpful
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  • Barbbe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Portrait photography
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Great book on ideas on how to pose what to use where to place your client.. Love books and I keep these for when I need an idea r if my mind just doesn't work anymore. Always helpful to have this kind of book on hand..
    One person found this helpful
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  • JMBAKER
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not that bad
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    It's a good book, easy read, and full of helpful suggestions. I really like Scott Kelby books on Photography, and I find that this book has a lot of similar information in it, which is fine, but I was hoping for a few more new suggestions in this book. It has nice pictures.
    Helpful
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  • Sarah M. Cedeno
    5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Will Save My Life!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I'm primarily a landscape photographer. There's little I love more than a stunning vista and a nice waterfall. But, my boss asked me to photograph our company's upcoming Annual Meeting and my Aunt has asked me to be the unofficial official photographer at our first family reunion in July. I CANNOT let either of these people down. And thanks to this book...I'm confident that I won't! This book has great advice, primarily for those who are breaking into portrait photography, but I think most hobbyists could walk away having learned something. I love the diagrams showing camera and light placements and the later reminders of earlier, important, tips. I'm so glad I bought this book! It really will save my life this year and I strongly recommend it.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great read. Informative yet easy to read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A great read. Informative yet easy to read. Every aspect is explained firmly and backed up by great visual examples.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • pueckler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for starting portrait photography
    Reviewed in Germany on February 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The best book I read about portrait photography so far. Really helpful knowledge written in a really entertaining style. You won't regret buying this book.
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  • I Clarke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Portrait Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is great book, it helped me get started with this type of photography and to understand the elements require to take the perfect shot. It also complimented the information that I gained from taking a local course on the subject too.
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  • fra
    4.0 out of 5 stars Molto buono
    Reviewed in Italy on October 13, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Comodo per avere un riassunto di tutto quello che serve per dei buoni risultati. Tralasciando gli aspetti artistici e personali il libro offre comunque schemi basilari ed interessanti per degli scatti buoni. Si fa leggere volentieri, se volete risparmiare tutto quello che leggete lo potete però anche trovare nei vari forum e siti specializzati...
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  • Hermogenes C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile tips even for advanced amateur photographers or semi-pros
    Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is a good buy, it's all worth it, your money and your time. You'll learn some great and worthwhile tips even if you are already an advanced amateur photographer or semi-pro photographer. Good job Erik Valind!
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  • Vasil Nikolov
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book explains the fundamentals of portrait photography in a very good and pleasing way. You would need some basic knowledge in photography prior to reading the book. Also the book doesn't go very deep in different portrait scenarios but gives sufficient information all the way. There are image examples for every situation.
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