Jeff Smith's Guide to Head and Shoulders Portraits (Professional Photographers Gde) |  | Author: Jeff Smith
Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.
Category: Book
List Price: $34.95
Buy New: $19.74
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Seller: betterbks
Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 29486
Media: Paperback
Pages: 128
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3
ISBN: 1584282568
Dewey Decimal Number: 771
EAN: 9781584282563
ASIN: 1584282568
Publication Date: July 1, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| • | ISBN13: 9781584282563 | | • | Condition: New | | • | Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Product Description
With detailed, informative instructions for capturing personable and memorable yearbook photos, actor and model portfolios, and business, bridal, and children’s portraits, this exhaustive reference covers what photographers need to know to be successful. Emphasizing that the client is always the center of the photograph, this resource illustrates how to evaluate the customer to determine which features to downplay and which to accent. Tips for creating the perfect image through posing and lighting, handling the post-shot conference, and previewing and retouching the images are supplied, as well as guidance for the technical and emotional challenges of shooting a portrait. Packed with step-by-step images, no-nonsense techniques, and practical advice, this is a must-have book for professional and advanced amateur photographers.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 11
Another great book by Jeff Smith August 30, 2009
Scott Baldwin (Telford PA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Over the last year and half I have purchased over 40 photography-related books. More recently it has been harder to find new books that have more than 20% content that is not covered in one or more of the books I already own. That has not been the case with Jiff's new book. Some of the things that stood out with this book were:
-Jeff guides photographers to be in the business of photography and not just be photographers. For those of us transitioning from hobby to profession this is an important mindset change to adopt!!! We must understand and focus on what our clients want and not what we find fun. The "toys" are now tools. ROI has replaced the fun/cool factor when making purchases, etc...
-His techniques are clearly explained. Throughout the book he also points out common mistakes made by inexperienced photographers. I find that to be very helpful in insuring I avoid doing those things.
- Every topic he covers are also addressed in many other books but this book has many tidbits of info I have not seen elsewhere--why he uses a tripod, some of his corrective posing techniques, his way to find the best position for the lights, etc...
- With some books I feel like some of the content is just there to add to the page count. That was not the case with this book. It was a very informative and enjoyable read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is currently or planning on doing portrait photography. Jeff has demonstrated that he is a talented photographer, has strong business skills, and is both a great teacher and author.
Another great book by Jeff Smith! July 15, 2009
Cheng S. Lo (St. Paul, MN)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I am a part time photographer that has been shooting film for 15 years then switched to digital for the last 3 years. I have been doing a lot of reading to brush up on skills and to gain ideas from experts. I have a rather extensive colletion of photography books and can vouch that this book is a must have. As is common with Jeff's other books, it is easy to read and understand. Once i started, i could not put it down. All the chapters flowed well in the order they were written. He uses real life scenarios to depict possible problems that a photographer could run into and how to avoid these pitfalls. It is filled with beautiful images that Jeff has taken and these same images do a wonderful job backing up the topics that are being discussed. The book is also filled with good business tips and very detailed explanations on shooting head and shoulders images. The icing on the cake is that Jeff actually touches on a little bit of digital retouching. I find many photography books do not like to share this as it's the author's secrets. Hence, the reader is left guessing how the final image was manipulated. In conclusion, i wish i would have had this book when i first started! I then would have taken more head and shoulders shots for my clients and maybe would have made more sales!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting or wants to start a photography business or perhaps is serious about taking good quality portraits. Thanks for reading my review.
Jeff Smith Does it Again! July 30, 2009
K. Cleverly (Montana, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Successful writers write what they know about, and Jeff Smith knows about fabulous photography. Fortunately for the rest of us, he is willing to share his experiences, techniques, and tips to help us improve our endeavors. Whether we are trying to build a solid business or take better shots of our own family and friends, his books are presented to us in the same manner in which he encourages us to treat our subjects--- with RESPECT and INTEREST for our goals. This make his books my personal favorites in my collection. I appreciate so much being spoken to in an intelligent, noncondescending manner that avoids overcomplicating the topics included.
We can find specific information to help us make better business decisions and more importantly WHY the information will help. Jeff reveals the enhancement and corrective techniques he uses in his portraits and how to minimize postproduction work. He helps us recognize the significance of head and shoulders images by their percentage of total orders and explains WHY that is happening more and more. If we are undecided about our photographic future, he helps us decide if we want to make money or truly enjoy our "expensive hobby".
He helps us assist our subjects in achieving their portrait goals by sharing corrective posing techniques and communication techiques he uses in his work. I've not found this information in any other resource. He explains WHY you can be the one to get the shot that others can't for your subject. His techniques work with family and friends for nonprofessionals too. I cannot think of anyone of any photographic skill level that would not benefit from this book.
This man knows his business. And you can learn from this book. June 27, 2009
Kirk Tuck (Austin, Texas)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
When i first looked through this book I thought to myself that I wouldn't get much out of it because I shoot corporate work and don't do any photography directly for retail customers. Boy was I wrong. Jeff's book gave me a needed refresher course in posing and he reminded me that, much as I'd like to believe that we're being paid to do art, we're really here to make a visual product that satisfies the end purchaser.
While I chaffed a bit every time Jeff mentioned how much money he makes or what kind of car he drives it does serve the make the point that he sees this as a business and because of that he is able to make a good living.
The book is very worthwhile for anyone who wants to make a living doing portraits. I've photographed for 25 years now and I still found some good information that will move my business forward.
Visually, the book, the layout and the photos were very well done!
Way to go Jeff.
Simply One of the Best June 25, 2009
D. Waiters (Dallas)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book by Jeff is in line with his others. If you are truly serious about making money in photography especially if you are going to be photographing
High School Seniors this book is a must.
Take for example the information on pages 16 & 17. From his section Tools of the Trade. The paragraph on Camera Selection and the Camera setting paragraph. This is sound advice and he has put into words what I have been debating with photographers. Also page 18 when to shoot raw.
The workflow that Jeff talks about does work. Please read the information and try it and you will see that it works. Right now is the new Senior season and we are using this information from the book to fine tune some of our operation.
This is a very good book to give to your photograph friends.
Also Chapter 9 Post Production. We are trying to work in some of these principals for our sales as well.
Way to go Jeff
Showing reviews 1-5 of 11
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