"Portrait Photography" by Mark Cleghorn is an incredibly comprehensive guidebook that delves into the art and techniques of capturing captivating portraits. Cleghorn, a highly experienced professional photographer, generously shares his vast knowledge and expertise through this book, making it an invaluable resource for photographers of all levels.
The book begins by exploring the essence of a good portrait and emphasizes the importance of building a connection with the subject. Cleghorn provides practical tips on how to engage with and direct the subject, resulting in portraits that are genuine and impactful. He places great emphasis on understanding lighting techniques, both natural and artificial, to effectively highlight the subject's features and create the desired atmosphere.
One of the standout features of this book is the extensive coverage of various types of portrait photography, such as family, maternity, newborn, and pet portraits. Cleghorn offers step-by-step guidance on posing, styling, and capturing unique and meaningful moments in each of these specialized areas. He also shares invaluable insights on selecting locations, props, and costumes to create a truly personalized portrait experience.
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Throughout the book, Cleghorn showcases stunning visual examples to illustrate different compositional techniques and creative ideas for capturing unforgettable portraits. His writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the concepts discussed. Additionally, the book includes practical exercises and assignments that encourage readers to practice and hone their skills.
"Portrait Photography" is an essential read for anyone interested in the art of capturing people's personalities and emotions through photography. Mark Cleghorn's wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and inspiring examples make this book a must-have resource for photographers at all stages of their journey. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, this book provides the guidance and inspiration needed to create stunning and impactful portraits.
What are readers saying?
Mark Cleghorn's book, "Portrait Photography," has garnered a range of reviews from readers, encompassing both positive and negative feedback. Overall, readers appreciate the valuable information and insights provided by the author, though some express disappointment with certain aspects of the book, such as outdated content and a lack of depth in certain areas.
Many reviewers applaud the book for its practical advice and easily understandable language. They appreciate Cleghorn's ability to simplify complex concepts, making it accessible to photographers of all skill levels. The book is praised for its usefulness as a reference guide, offering tips, techniques, and inspiration for capturing remarkable portraits.
However, some readers find the book lacking in certain aspects. Several reviewers note that the content feels outdated, as it focuses primarily on traditional film photography rather than digital techniques. This can be frustrating for those seeking more modern approaches in portrait photography. Additionally, some readers feel that the book could benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Despite these criticisms, many readers value Cleghorn's emphasis on the significance of understanding light in portrait photography. The author's insights on lighting techniques and the manipulation of natural and artificial light sources are particularly well-received by several reviewers. These sections of the book are considered especially valuable, providing readers with practical knowledge to enhance their skills.
Furthermore, some readers appreciate the book's inclusion of case studies and real-life examples throughout. These examples effectively illustrate the concepts discussed by Cleghorn, enabling readers to see the practical applications of the techniques described. This adds an element of relatability and applicability to the book that resonates with many.
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