Lynn A. Page |
Instructional DVD's Portrait Photography I'm interested in purchasing a instructional DVD for portrait photography. However I'm a little overwhelmed by the number of choices. Was wondering if someone could offer a little assistance on a recommendation. My level is beginner/intermediate. Thankful for any suggestions....
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Pete H |
Hello Linda, There are several ways to receive instruction in portrait photography. Just those few I mention ALL have different approaches. If you will allow me to boil this down to two choices; there is technical lighting instruction and posing. Tons of books have been written on both subjects. Next; do you desire to do multiple lighting setups or more simple? I would recommend going to a good book store and thumbing through the multitude of books on this subject. The problems I see with a DVD instructional video is multi-fold. 1) How do you watch TV and then practice? At least with a book, you can re-read a page...much easier than backing up the video. 2) "Their" way may not be "your" way. You may find yourself learning their "cookie cutter" approach. Something I have great distain for; but that is for another discussion. Something few books or videos will talk about is YOUR relationship with your subjects. Great portrait photogs are good with people....getting them to relax, smile naturally etc...Capturing "The Person" is not as easy as it sounds. I am a strong advocate of learning the nature of light long before learning to pose or set up strobes. The subject of light,it's purpose and use in photography takes more than a lifetime to learn; but that's a good thing. To recap, I would strongly suggest a BASIC book of portrait lighting. Then get a dummy head (not me)LOL to practice with or stuffed animals. Practicing on family and friends will exhaust you and them. LOL Here's the good news Linda; depending on how much work you put into this, you will be producing fine results in weeks. One more suggestion. When I started in photography a while back (yeesh), I kept a note book with diagrams and descriptions of my setups. It was a great help for years. all the best, Pete
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Debby A. Tabb |
Linda, you may find some in Studio Photography here on the Studio Photography Threads. Here is part #1 f the 23: http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=17534 I hope it helps,
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