Books on doing portraits.

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  • 06-02-2006, 02:26 PM
    boomtap
    Books on doing portraits.
    I am a noob. I really have not done much with potraits. Is there a good book on the subject that will run me through lighting and angles ect..?

    I was asked by somebody to take some portraits, and I would really like to, but I don't want to be a doof when I do it either. I would like them to get something quality. I need to learn.
  • 06-02-2006, 02:31 PM
    adina
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    Drag yourself off to the local Barnes and Nobles, and spend a few hours in the photo section. You'll find not only how to's, but pages and pages of gorgeous portraits as well.

    What kind of portraits were you asked to take?
  • 06-02-2006, 03:06 PM
    boomtap
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    Family photos.

    B and N is a bit snooty, jk. I was hoping for some recomendations.
  • 06-02-2006, 03:18 PM
    adina
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    It's hard to give a recommendation without knowing the style that you want to shoot, what the location will be, how many members...so on so forth...

    You could also try the library, or Borders :D

    I don't have any suggestions as to a specific book, but I've spent countless hours at the bookstore with my latte, just looking at books, getting ideas.
  • 06-02-2006, 05:15 PM
    boomtap
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    Well I am off to the bookstore. Looks like I might be closing it down tonight!

    Thanks for the advice.

    I kind of planned on shooting some outdoor shots. I figured on getting some lighting to do it right. We have some beautiful scenery here in CO, so I figured some nice tree backgrounds would be good.
  • 06-02-2006, 05:51 PM
    adina
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    If you are planning outdoors, you probably don't need any lighting. Maybe a reflector, but other than that...

    One thing to keep in mind when posing a family, go for triangle shapes rather than lining them all up.
  • 06-03-2006, 06:27 AM
    another view
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    Try the National Geographic Field Guide for portraits, it's a good starter.
  • 06-03-2006, 07:39 AM
    boomtap
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by adina
    If you are planning outdoors, you probably don't need any lighting. Maybe a reflector, but other than that...

    One thing to keep in mind when posing a family, go for triangle shapes rather than lining them all up.

    Awsome advice thanks!
  • 06-03-2006, 07:58 AM
    boomtap
    Re: Books on doing portraits.
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by another view
    Try the National Geographic Field Guide for portraits, it's a good starter.
    Just ordered it, Thanks!