Create family portraits to cherish for a lifetime
Family photographs are a staple of both amateur and professional photography. While always in demand, they also pose a unique set of challenges. In this book, Canon Explorer of Light Michele Celentano guides beginning- to intermediate-level photographers around the common pitfalls and helps them learn how to get top-quality shots every time. From getting families organized and directing the posing to managing large groups and impatient kids, this book reveals the secrets and helps you capture the shot without relying on post-production to achieve perfection.
Whether you're a professional seeking to advance your knowledge or the family's designated picture-taker, you'll benefit from these professional tips. You'll learn camera techniques that can take pounds and years off your subjects and create images that stand the test of time.
* Family pictures are a photographic staple with their own set of challenges; this book offers tried-and-true advice for both hobbyists and professionals
* Veteran photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Michele Celentano guides you through getting families prepared for a photo session, directing the poses, handling challenging personalities, and creating memorable settings
* Helps you capture the perfect shot in the camera without relying on post-production to make it right
* Reveals secrets that can help your subjects shed pounds and years
* Packed with advice to help you keep your photos from showing up on awkwardfamilyphotos.com
Photographing Families: Tips for Capturing Timeless Images is loaded with insider tips to help you make family portraits the treasure they should be.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
Overall, this book is a very comprehensive title that will be useful to anyone starting out as a portrait photographer or has a strong interest in the subject. (ePHOTOzine, May 2013)
Auflage
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Maße
Höhe: 23.2 cm
Breite: 18.7 cm
Dicke: 1.5 cm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-118-39170-9 (9781118391709)
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Michele Celentano grew up with a strong appreciation for family. A Canon Explorer of Light, she began her career as a wedding photographer more than 20 years ago and today works primarily with family portraiture. In addition, she travels internationally to teach and lecture on professional photography.
About the Author 3
Acknowledgments 5
Dedication 7
Foreword 13
Introduction 15
Chapter 1: Getting Started with Family Portraits 1
Determine Your Portrait Style 2
Lifestyle/Candid Portraits 2
Posed Portraits 8
Choose the Right Equipment 12
Cameras 12
Lenses 13
Tripods 14
Posing Props 14
Camera Bags 14
Reflectors 15
Summary 15
Chapter 2: The Elements of Photography 17
The Rule of Thirds 18
Leading Lines 20
Space 22
Shapes 22
Texture and Depth 24
Color 27
Impact or Emotion 28
Summary 29
Chapter 3: Getting It Right in the Camera 31
Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure 32
'P' Mode is Not for Professional 32
Middle or 18% Gray 32
Exposure Compensation 34
Exposure Compensation in Practice 36
Understanding Program Modes 39
Depth of Field 41
What Is ISO? 42
Setting White Balance 42
Custom White Balance 44
Cropping in the Camera 45
Summary 46
Chapter 4: Finding the Best Locations 49
Finding the Perfect Light 50
Sweet Light/Twilight 50
Open Shade 51
Window Light 53
Window Light with Reflectors 55
Choosing Locations 56
Skating Rink 56
Rocks, Trees, and Fountain Grass 58
Crossing the Bridge 61
The Walkway 62
A Wide Walkway 64
The Wall 67
The Retaining Wall 68
The Not-So-Perfect Park 69
The Church Archways 70
Fountain Grass 71
A Secret Sweet Spot 74
Doorways 77
Summary 77
Chapter 5: Understanding Your Client 79
Working with Children 80
Children Ages 18 Months to 3 Years 84
Children Ages 5 to 10 Years 86
Children Ages 11 to 14 Years 86
Calming Nervous Moms 90
Warming Up Reluctant Dads 91
Working with Blended Families 92
Working with Large Family Groups 99
Adding the Family Dog 102
Working with Elderly Subjects 106
Summary 107
Chapter 6: The Art of Posing 109
Walk Like You Are Wearing Versace 110
The Three Languages of Posing 111
Body Language 111
Verbal Language 113
Sign Language 113
Are You Hiding Behind Your Camera? 117
Understanding Correct Camera Height 118
Looking at Facial Angles 121
Posing Groups 124
Focal Plane 125
Creating Triangles 125
Diagonal Lines 131
Building Groups 134
Common Mistakes 138
Summary 141
Chapter 7: Building a Profitable Family Portrait Business 143
Creating a Business Plan 144
Image Branding 145
Marketing: Getting Your Name Out There 147
Websites, Blogs, and Social Media 148
Silent Auctions 149
Local Business Displays 149
Client Appreciation Parities 150
Local Business Groups 150
Infomercial Tactics 150
Figuring Out Your Cost of Goods 151
Pricing for Profit 153
Selling Packages or A la Carte 154
Using a Portrait Agreement 156
Studio Management Software 160
Summary 161
Chapter 8: Selling Your Portraits 163
Conducting the Pre-Portrait Consultation 164
Know How to Handle Objections 164
Show What You Want to Sell 166
Create Effective Slide Shows 168
Ask the Right Questions 168
Presenting the Images 169
Projection Slide Shows 169
Less Is More 170
Presentation Software 170
Managing Indecisive Clients 174
In-Home Consultation 174
Using Social Media 176
Summary 177
Chapter 9: Postproduction 179
Essential Postproduction Software 180
Postproduction Workflow 181
Organize Your Images 181
Select Your Favorite Images 183
Prep Your Images 184
Add Presets and Actions 185
Export Your Images 188
Add Skin Softness 188
Retouching 190
Designing Albums 197
Summary 198
Chapter 10: All Wrapped Up 201
Packaging Considerations 202
In-Home Delivery 206
Framing 206
Customer Service 206
Summary 207
Appendix A: Four Generations of a Family 209
Index 231
