Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors
Product Type: Book
Product Price: $34.95
Manufacturer: Amherst Media, Inc.
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Description
In this instructive resource, seasoned photographers illustrate how to become an elite senior-portrait photographer. Whether the student wants a simple headshot for the yearbook, classic studio portraits, or fashion-oriented images shot on location, this resource outlines every phase of the process—from selecting the right equipment, poses, and light to generating great expressions and using the computer to retouch the face. An emphasis to stay ahead of the competition in terms of style, technology, customer service, and advertising offers photographers no-nonsense ideas for shooting better images and providing more variety within the often very limited time constraints of a senior-portrait session. Packed with before-and-after images, sequential illustrations that show posing variations, sample marketing materials, and much more, this is a must have book for those entering the market—or those seeking to chisel out a bigger share.
Reviews
Rating: 1 / 5
Date: 2010-07-30
Summary: "Arrogant, paternalistic, ho-hum"
I bought this book because I have been approached by parents who want me to take Sr. photos for their children. I was deeply offended by the author's implication that "amateurs" are unable to provide a final result worthy of his approval. I have a friend, a mother who has her 4th child graduating this next year. She's used "professional" photographers up to this point, but after seeing the Sr. portraits (yes, portraits) I have taken of my own children (that, by the way, were printed at Walmart and my employer's print shop), she prefers my work over the professionals. Why? One big difference is that I have built relationships over time with these kids and they like me. My experience? I worked one summer for a photographer after high school and started out as a mass communications major. My life journey took me to the Master's level in social work and I work as an adjunct professor and school social worker. Does this make me a professional photographer? No. The biggest difference between myself and the author is the depth of the relationships I have with kids. As he points out in his book, it is important to have the student comfortable to produce the most naturally-looking photos. Check, I can do that. Looking through the photos he has included in his book, I see nothing but ordinary-looking posed senior pictures that I've seen plenty of times before. Check, I could do that, but don't want to. Creativity? Check, I have lots of that and a keen eye for composition. As far as sucking those kids thru the door to his studio, I don't need to, they're coming to ME. Money? Ah yes, that's what this is really about. People are tired of paying overpriced studios for ho-hum results. Am I trying to make a living doing this? No. I do it because I enjoy it and want to make memorable photos for their senior year. Would I discount "amateurs" as the author does? No. We are out there taking jobs away from many of you because of your arrogance and mindset that we can't do a good of a job as you. Will my portraits be as good as the Wacker's? Maybe, maybe not. But what I will have is the satisfaction knowing that my Seniors will have a unique photo that they will be pleased with.
If you're a professional photographer, you don't need this book because you probably already know everything in the contents. Ironically, the Wackers have written a book for the very people they put down.
The only good thing about this purchase was that I opted for the Kindle version which was less expensive than the paperpack.
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-04-17
Summary: "An amazing book. Great help"
I absolutely love this book. It has helped out so much. My teachers enjoyed reading some of it as well!. Thanks for such a great book.
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-03-29
Summary: "Not what I was looking for"
Not what I was looking for. I do not need studio setting -- I need outdoor setting of senior photography and help with posing. This was hardly touched on.
Shipping was excellent and the book was in excellent condition. That is why I give it 5 stars.
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-01-02
Summary: "Fantastic"
Originally I bought this book to learn how to work well with teenagers not to specifically do just senior portraits, however I found the read to be very interesting and found lots of new ways to interact with teenagers when doing sessions with them. It had beautiful example images and plenty of well thought out plans. I would never of even thought of making a photo park of my own. This book has really helped me understand teens as well as lighting better.
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-10-22
Summary: "Great for amateurs as well as professionals..."
I have read this book cover to cover, and let me tell you, the Wackers give a wealth of knowledge and years of experience in this book. If you are new to photography, a professional photographer or somewhere in between, you will find very useful tips throughout this book. It is also filled with lots of beautiful photos of seniors that they have taken...great ideas to go off of! They even include a how-to portion for touch-ups and fixes with photoshop that make all of the difference in your portraits. They teach you about marketing, tips, techniques, you name it, it's in there!!! A must have book!!!