UPDATE: The lucky winner of this giveaway has been announced! Check it out here.
Like most scrapbookers, with this hobby of mine came a desire to improve my photography and I have read and reviewed several photography books in the past.
My most recent photography related read was Capture the Portrait: How to Create Great Digital Photos
by Jenni Bidner.
Jenni is a professional photographer and the author or co-author of over 20 books on photography. Most of her books are related to animal photography, but the cover (yes...I can be a cover judger) and description of this book intrigued me, so I thought I would give it a read.
The book is divided into 10 distinct chapters.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The very first chapter discussed something that I had never really thought much about before in that there really are many different types of portrait photos. She really tackles the question of "What is a portrait?" and discusses the different types and helps the reader to decipher which they prefer.
Chapter 2 - Photo Fundamentals
This chapter covers topics such as how to hold the camera, digital file format, image quality, and white balance.
Chapter 3 - Portrait Basics
There are several 'rules' that come into play when taking portrait images. In this chapter, Jenni discusses many of those rules and also discusses when to break the rules - my favorite part.
Chapter 4 - Composition
In this chapter, Jenni covers tips for composing your portraits. This is probably one of my favorite areas of photography and one of the things that has most improved the end result of my photographs.
Chapter 5 - Light & Portraits
Any half-way serious shooter knows that light is key to any good photo and this chapter helps you know what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to lighting your photos.
Chapter 6 - Flash & Portraits
Although natural light is generally preferred, flash does have a place in some portrait situations and Jenni give some great tips on when and how to use flash to your best advantage.
Chapter 7 - Portrait Styles
Jenni revisits the topic of the various portrait styles that she touched upon in the introduction. In this chapter, she goes into much more detail in term of how to achieve the style you're working for whether it be a candid portrait, a complete set up or something in between.
Chapter 8 - Posing
Posing can be one of the most difficult parts of portrait photography for many photographers as what looks natural doesn't always feel natural to the subject of your photo. Jenni offers some great advice on posing to get natural looking shots.
Chapter 9 - D-SLR Tips
Although all of the tips and topics in this book can be applied to a point and shoot, this chapter focuses on some specific advice concerning lenses and setting that can help you get the shot you want with an D-SLR.
Chapter 10 - Processing Software
The shoot doesn't end when you click the shutter. This chapter covers over a dozen ways that you can improve your photos after the download.
This book is easy to read and has tons of wonderful portraits throughout which are great inspiration for your own photo shoots. In many places there are also examples of 'good' and 'bad' photos side by sides which really helps the reader to understand the effect of the techniques being discussed.
If you're looking for a book with in-depth technical camera language, this isn't it. It's easy to read and has useful information that you can begin using immediately to help improve your portrait photography.
MY RATING:
4.5 STARS!!
YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.
WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Capture the Portrait: How to Create Great Digital Photos page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.
Like most scrapbookers, with this hobby of mine came a desire to improve my photography and I have read and reviewed several photography books in the past.My most recent photography related read was Capture the Portrait: How to Create Great Digital Photos
by Jenni Bidner.Jenni is a professional photographer and the author or co-author of over 20 books on photography. Most of her books are related to animal photography, but the cover (yes...I can be a cover judger) and description of this book intrigued me, so I thought I would give it a read.
The book is divided into 10 distinct chapters.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The very first chapter discussed something that I had never really thought much about before in that there really are many different types of portrait photos. She really tackles the question of "What is a portrait?" and discusses the different types and helps the reader to decipher which they prefer.
Chapter 2 - Photo Fundamentals
This chapter covers topics such as how to hold the camera, digital file format, image quality, and white balance.
Chapter 3 - Portrait Basics
There are several 'rules' that come into play when taking portrait images. In this chapter, Jenni discusses many of those rules and also discusses when to break the rules - my favorite part.
Chapter 4 - Composition
In this chapter, Jenni covers tips for composing your portraits. This is probably one of my favorite areas of photography and one of the things that has most improved the end result of my photographs.
Chapter 5 - Light & Portraits
Any half-way serious shooter knows that light is key to any good photo and this chapter helps you know what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to lighting your photos.
Chapter 6 - Flash & Portraits
Although natural light is generally preferred, flash does have a place in some portrait situations and Jenni give some great tips on when and how to use flash to your best advantage.
Chapter 7 - Portrait Styles
Jenni revisits the topic of the various portrait styles that she touched upon in the introduction. In this chapter, she goes into much more detail in term of how to achieve the style you're working for whether it be a candid portrait, a complete set up or something in between.
Chapter 8 - Posing
Posing can be one of the most difficult parts of portrait photography for many photographers as what looks natural doesn't always feel natural to the subject of your photo. Jenni offers some great advice on posing to get natural looking shots.
Chapter 9 - D-SLR Tips
Although all of the tips and topics in this book can be applied to a point and shoot, this chapter focuses on some specific advice concerning lenses and setting that can help you get the shot you want with an D-SLR.
Chapter 10 - Processing Software
The shoot doesn't end when you click the shutter. This chapter covers over a dozen ways that you can improve your photos after the download.
This book is easy to read and has tons of wonderful portraits throughout which are great inspiration for your own photo shoots. In many places there are also examples of 'good' and 'bad' photos side by sides which really helps the reader to understand the effect of the techniques being discussed.
If you're looking for a book with in-depth technical camera language, this isn't it. It's easy to read and has useful information that you can begin using immediately to help improve your portrait photography.
MY RATING:
4.5 STARS!!
YOUR RATING:
??? I am always curious and open to hearing the opinions of others. If you own or have read this book, please feel free to share your opinion of it in the comments below.
WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Capture the Portrait: How to Create Great Digital Photos
page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations. GIVEAWAY:
Another great giveaway for you ladies!! Simply leave your comment to this post in the following format:
FULL NAME:
EMAIL:
ANSWER:
The question, you ask? What is the one thing you struggle with most when it comes to photography?
Leave your comment by Monday, November 17th, 11:59 PM (CST) in order to be considered to win a FREE copy of Capture the Portrait
Upcoming Review:
Modern Memory Keeper: A New Approach To Scrapbooking Your Family Legacy
by Ronee Parsons
this is so cool of u!!! TY for all the great things u do!
ReplyDeleteMargaret Pike
mpike93@yahoo.com
The most thing I struggle with is trying to get an up close shot that is good.
Joyce Casaldi
ReplyDeletejcasaldi@ptd.net
That's a great question, I think really knowing what settings to use when taking a different types of photos.
Sandee Allen
ReplyDeletesandeeallen@yahoo.com
I struggle with low light situations and the fear of working with my camera on manual settings. I have a tendency to accept the standard settings yet I am unhappy with the outcome. I am so chicken!
FULL NAME: Mardi Davis
ReplyDeleteEMAIL: mardid56@yahoo.com
ANSWER: Same issue that Joyce has, what setting to use when.
TFS! So like the exact book I am looking for!
Mara Crim
ReplyDeleteboehse@gmx.de
I tend to have trouble with finding the right composition of settings (aperature/shutter speed/white balance and so on) on manual.
It takes me way too long to set them and I then mostly have missed the shot I wanted, so I tend go go with the auto setting.
ugh...I so struggle with action shots...especially of ds and his various sports...it can be so frustrating to take 200 pictures just to get one or two good ones!!
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway...whomever wins should get great use of the book!!
girlgravy@yahoo.com
Jill this sounds like a fabulous book!
ReplyDeleteTeresa Curtis
moms@ubtanet.com
I think my biggest struggle right now would be that I do everything on the automatic setting because I do not know what manual settings are best for everything....that and that I tend to move or shake and should use a tripod..lol
Jacquelin Green
ReplyDeletescrap_n_stamp_ideas@yahoo.ca
I still struggle with light settings and finding the right balance for the effect I am looking for!
Susie Gerdes
ReplyDeletesusiescrapper@gmail.com
I struggle with the settings also. I'm always trying to get the settings right for the pictures I'm trying to take and they still don't come out how I would like them too. I don't take very good pictures at all and am looking for a better camera! lol
Great review as usual!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePeggy Sauvie
ReplyDeletesauvie@oregontrail.net
I struggle most with lighting. I have an excellent digital camera but tend to just leave it on auto and am hesitant about manually adjusting settings
My main struggle is knowing what settings to have my camera on. I hate having to rely on Auto!! I also have a hard time knowing when to use a flash and what time. My indoor photos always suck.
ReplyDeleteAlways love reading your reviews!
Tara Thynne
thynner5@yahoo.ca
Janet
ReplyDeletejfel28@yahoo.com
I feel like composition is something that I need help with. So many times I have wished that I had spent the time composing instead of trying to crop out something afterwards.
FULL NAME: Julie Klaus
ReplyDeleteEMAIL: juliescraps@gmail.com
ANSWER: I struggle most with blowouts, especially the sky when taking portraits outdoors, its hard to get the skin tone right and the sky
Erin Stevenson
ReplyDeleteathiarna@hotmail.com
I wish I knew how to use the manual settings on my camera better. I mostly just fiddle with it, but I'd like to really know what I'm doing so my pictures will look good.
Taking pictures inside a gym for action shots with sports. I stink at this!
ReplyDeletePam Colosimo
ReplyDeletefaeiryrocks@telus.net
Sound like an interesting book.
I struggle most with deleting the so so pics. Digital has sure made a packrats life harder.LOL
Laura Warren
ReplyDeletelwarren737@yahoo.com
I struggle most with deleting and storing photos. (You don't want to know how many photos I have of my dog).
Beth Warren
ReplyDeleteBeth_W@ix.netcom.com
I struggle most with knowing what settings to use in what situation to capture the perfect portrait, be it of a person or pet.