Creative Portrait Photography

Go beyond the photographic conventions, break the rules, and create compelling portraits. While the ability to create a conventional, traditional portrait is a must-have skill for any photographer of people, it can often yield a fairly predictable result: a straightforward likeness of the subject, created with a flattering lens in flattering light with a flattering composition. The subject may be pleased with the results, but it's not a very interesting photograph. And in the constant, endless stream of images we consume daily, the portrait is likely forgotten as quickly as it appeared. A truly creative portrait comes from the two-sided exchange between the subject and the photographer, with both parties working together to create an image that goes beyond the simple representation of the subject. The end result is not an image that simply breaks the rules--it's an engaging photograph that both captures the essence of the subject and compels the viewer to stop and take notice. In The Creative Portrait, photographer and author Nick Fancher walks you through a plethora of ideas and techniques for making such creative work. Known for imagery that is bold, colorful, expressive, and widely varied, Nick has built a career by going against the grain. The result has been a consistent output of innovative and striking photographs. In this book, Nick will help you go beyond the conventional approach and explore the endless possibilities that come with intentionally breaking the rules. He'll teach you all about: -The gear he uses, and his overall approach to shooting -Why it's so important to practice photographing paper, plastic, and plants -Multiple long exposure techniques for creating unique and expressive images -Blocking, directing, and concentrating light with cookies, flags, gobos, and snoots -Shooting through glass for numerous creative effects -How he employs smoke, mirrors, and projectors in his work -And much more Throughout the book, Nick includes behind-the-scenes photos and diagrams of his shoots, as well as Lightroom post-processing techniques so you can follow along. He also includes over a dozen creative prompts to actively push you to go beyond your own comfort zone in your photography in order to create compelling portraiture.

The very best portrait photography strives to give the viewer access into their subject?s inner self; to provide a window into their soul. With the advent of the digital age and the potential afforded by post-processing, a whole generation of photographic artists has access to greater creative possibilities than ever before. Spearheading this new breed of creative photographer is author Natalie Dybisz, better known in the photographic community as Miss Aniela. Devoted to exploring portraiture at its most creative portraits with context, story, and constructed elements Creative Portrait Photography takes the reader on a behind-the-scenes journey through the creation of Natalie Dybisz?s innovative digital portraits, from first concept to post-processing. Also featuring an extensive showcase chapter in which other photographer-artist?s work and working methods are laid bare, Creative Portrait Photography has everything you need to inspire you and transform your perspective on portrait photography.

Go beyond the basic rules of photography to capture stunning portraits Portrait photography is a vital topic for photographers of every level of experience, from amateur to professional. Written by renowned photographer Harold Davis, this inspirational book encourages you to define our own photographic style and capture stunning, creative, and unique portraits. You'll discover tips and techniques for "breaking the rules" of basic digital photography so that you can go beyond the fundamentals such as composition, lighting, and exposure in order to create memorable and incomparable portraits. Explores the most common subject of most photographers-people-and explains when, why, and how to forgo the fundamentals to capture memorable portraits Encourages you to define your own unique photographic style and offers information and inspiration to help you do so Delves into a variety of creative techniques that you can use when exploring ways to take lively and stunning portraits Illustrated with Harold Davis's striking portrait photography, Creative Portraits will both inform and inspire you.

We are fortunate to live in a magical time in the constantly evolving field of photography. Absolutely anything is possible with a quality camera and photo-editing software. While new digital technologies make the creative process unlimited, it also means that we as photographers must continually push to be the very best at what we do. Cameras are affordable to the masses, and our key to real success in the portrait photography industry lies in our creativity and style rather than our equipment and gear. In this book, author Travis Gadsby presents a sublime collection of 60 creativity-inspiring images from a range of talented photographers whose styles and photographic techniques vary markedly. The book is divided into five sections, each of which is centered around a particular creativity-enhancing topic: (1) Quick and Easy: Ideas That Can Be Added on the Fly, (2) Location-Inspired Ideas, (3) Wardrobe-Inspired Ideas, (4) Prop-Inspired Ideas, and (5) Creative Lighting Treatments. Within each section, you’ll find a sumptuous variety of looks (ever considered photographing your subjects underwater, creating sparks with steel wool, recording the movement of a dancer whose body is dusted with flour, or creating steampunk portraits?). You’ll also discover how the portrait concept came to light and will get insight into the strategies the photographer used to pose, light, and style the portrait to perfection. In modern portraiture, it’s sometimes creative postproduction work that makes the image sing. Gadsby shines a light on some terrific image-editing work discussing the tools and techniques used to create the final portrait. With the wide range of creative portraits and specialized applications depicted in this book, you’ll find lots of great ideas to expand your photographic repertoire, reinvent your style, and stay at the top of your game.

Aspiring photographers are always looking for that edge, that fresh point of view to add drama to their images. Photographer Joey L. found his vision early, drawing critical acclaim as a brilliant commercial photographer with a distinctive technical expertise for lighting. In Photographing Shadow and Light, Joey lifts the curtain on his dramatic, creatively fearless approach to portraiture, sharing his personal philosophy and a behind-the-scenes look at 15 striking photo sessions—from personal projects shot in Africa, India, and Brooklyn to commercial shoots for 50 Cent, the Jonas Brothers, and Project Runway All Stars. Joey provides readers with a step-by-step description of how he visualized each shoot, formed meaningful connections with his subjects, and “built” his signature dramatic lighting effects—one light at a time. Featuring more than 85 stunning portraits, detailed lighting diagrams, and a foreword from industry icon David Hobby (aka Strobist), Photographing Shadow and Light shares the creative process behind one of today’s most exciting photography talents, providing serious amateurs and professionals a fresh perspective on creating compelling, professional quality portraits. “Joey Lawrence is . . . the future of photography. Get used to it.” —David Hobby (Strobist) Get inside the images of commercial and fine art portrait photographer Joey L. with this behind-the-lens guide to his fearless approach, creative vision, and signature lighting techniques. Also available as an ebook

This practical book explains the basic rules of portraiture, as well as covering more complex ideas of image making. Set out in chronological order as a photographer would approach a shoot, it explains each step of the process, including post-production and printing. Explains how to make the most of your camera and lenses, and the fundamentals of photography. Advises on how to approach shoots, whether for a baby or for a larger family grouping, and suggests poses for successful portraits. Explores the more creative aspects of photographic portraiture and includes master classes on more in-depth areas of portraiture. This practical book will help you learn about portrait photography and how to work creatively to take great photographs. Aimed at all professional and amateur photographers including the full range - portrait, glamour, hair, beauty and fashion. Superbly illustrated with 106 colour photographs. Saraya Cortaville is one of the most respected UK portrait photographers and regularly teaches workshops.

A collection of over 60 photographs by leading photographer Michael Grecco whose work regularly appears in Entertainment Weekly, Premiere and numerous other entertainment publications. Each shot is carefully analysed from concept to execution providing a valuable insight into his creative and technical methods.