The book offers valuable insights into portrait photography, emphasizing the importance of shooting frequently, connecting with subjects, and using simple yet effective lighting techniques. The author's experiences with celebrities highlight the need for adaptability and rapport-building.
The book provides a wealth of practical advice for aspiring portrait photographers. The author stresses the importance of shooting a lot and getting comfortable with different subjects. He shares his approach to environmental portraits, noting that the setting should enhance the subject rather than distract from them. The book also delves into the challenges of photographing celebrities, emphasizing the need for a connection and a relaxed atmosphere. Lighting is discussed in a straightforward manner, with a focus on using simple tools effectively. The author's philosophy is to make the lighting unnoticeable, allowing the subject to shine. Building rapport is another key theme, with the author suggesting that each subject requires a unique approach.
Quick quotes
Shoot a lot. Get a lot of people in front of your lens. Learn how to get them to relax, draw out their personality and for god sakes, make it fun!
That’s a great question. All those things are important considerations, but the first thing you have to decide — what’s most important? That’s where you place the emphasis and you build from there.
I almost always add artificial light to the shot because I can’t every always wait until the light is perfect.