Picture Perfect Posing

by Roberto Valenzuela
Picture Perfect Posing cover
Good Books rating 3.93
Art, Design, and Photography
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5980
  • Added: 2025-10-29
  • Updated: 2025-10-29
  • ISBN: 9780321966469
  • Publisher: Pearson Education
  • Published: 2014-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Photographer and educator Roberto Valenzuela brings his unique teaching style to the art of posing in 'Picture Perfect Posing'. Unlike other books that merely showcase poses, Valenzuela delves into the anatomy and mechanics behind successful posing, starting with the spine and neck. He explains how to direct models effectively, considering factors like hand placement, elbow positioning, and camera direction to achieve the desired shot. This book is an essential resource for photographers looking to improve their posing skills and gain confidence in directing their subjects. Valenzuela's approach is both practical and educational, making complex concepts accessible to photographers of all levels. By understanding the underlying principles of posing, photographers can adapt and create poses that serve both their artistic vision and the needs of their subjects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, 'Picture Perfect Posing' offers valuable insights to elevate your portrait photography.

Reviews
SLRLounge · 2025-04-03
practical 3.50

The book is highly practical but assumes prior knowledge of photography basics. It focuses on advanced posing techniques and is not suitable for beginners.

This review highlights that the book is a deep dive into the art of posing, but it's not for everyone. The reviewer notes that it doesn't cover foundational photography skills like exposure or lighting, so readers should already be familiar with those concepts. Instead, it offers a detailed 21-point posing system that can significantly improve portrait photography. The reviewer appreciates the practical approach but cautions that it might be overwhelming for those new to photography.

Quick quotes

    This book does not teach photography basics like proper exposure or off camera lighting.

    You should be familiar with those things before reading this book.

    Roberto Valenzuela's 21-point posing system is a game-changer for portrait photographers.

Goodreads · 2014-10-09
valuable 4.50

The book is praised for its practical advice and proven techniques. It is considered a valuable resource for both photographers and models.

This Goodreads review emphasizes the book's practicality and the effectiveness of its techniques. The reviewer appreciates how the book breaks down complex posing concepts into manageable steps, making it accessible for both professionals and enthusiasts. They also highlight the book's relevance for models, as it provides insights into how to achieve the best poses. Overall, the reviewer finds it a highly useful guide for anyone looking to improve their portrait photography.

Quick quotes

    Photographer, author, and educator Roberto Valenzuela has a proven track record.

    This book is a valuable resource for both photographers and models.

    The techniques outlined in this book are practical and effective.

Rangefinder Online · 2014-06-17
inspiring 3.80

The book addresses the common issue of laziness or insecurity in photographers. It encourages a more thoughtful approach to posing.

This review from Rangefinder Online points out that the book tackles a common problem in photography: the tendency to rely on lazy or insecure posing habits. The reviewer appreciates how the book pushes photographers to think more critically about their approach to posing. They note that the book's insights can help photographers move beyond their comfort zones and experiment with more creative and effective poses. The reviewer finds the book's message both challenging and inspiring.

Quick quotes

    Picture Perfect Posing invokes the uncomfortable truth that most shooters—maybe from pure laziness, but more commonly out of insecurity—tend to rely on the same old poses.

    The book encourages a more thoughtful approach to posing.

    This book can help photographers move beyond their comfort zones.

Appears in Lists