National Geographic Photography Field Guide: People & Portraits

A great deal of information packed into a small package. These are the people who give you the incredible National Geographic images explaining how they do it. From equipment, to brief explanations of the masters like Cartier-Bresson, they set forth their approaches to portraits,lighting, street photography, action, environmental and groups. Well worth the price and several reads. The equipment sections have lightened my load and my back is greatful. Remember, these people are often traveling alone, carrying all their gear, yet producing those memorable images. You might want to see the National Geographic Photographers dvd and watch them in action.

This book describes what you need to know to make good pictures of people. The book begins by discussing composition and then turns to equipment and lighting. The book then focuses on various types of people photography: street photography; people in action; portraits; familar subjects (family members) and the photographic essay. The book includes a list of useful web sites and explains how three professional photograhers work. They are Cary Wolinsky, Sisse Brimberg and Lynn Johnson. I love these different viewpoints because they provide food for thought.The photographs leap off the page. They are stunning and make me want to get out and photograph. I highly recommend this book. It also is of a size that will easily fit in your camera bag.

The People and Portraits Field Guide continues along one branch of the first NGS field guide. Somewhat more advanced composition and technical advice is provided, tailored to the specific art of capturing people in their environment. Caputo writes a book that is not only succinct, but also enjoyable to read. Continuing with the format of the original are the profiles of National Geographic photographers, each with their own set of advice. This is a primary strength of this set of field guides and something that separates them from other books. The bios are interesting reading in themselves and give a brief glimpse into the work and vision of different artists.

This book describes what you need to know to make good pictures of people. The book begins by discussing composition and then turns to equipment and lighting. The book then focuses on various types of people photography: street photography; people in action; portraits; familar subjects (family members) and the photographic essay. The book includes a list of useful web sites and explains how three professional photograhers work. They are Cary Wolinsky, Sisse Brimberg and Lynn Johnson. I love these different viewpoints because they provide food for thought.The photographs leap off the page. They are stunning and make me want to get out and photograph. I highly recommend this book. It also is of a size that will easily fit in your camera bag.

Photography buffs take heed, this is a book you will definitely want to add to your library. While master photographers may not learn anything dramatically new, amateurs and novices will find tons of useful and helpful information among these pages by an expert in the field. Ever wonder how to "freeze frame?" This book will tell you how, along with providing guidance in taking those wonderful family portraits under all types of conditions. The section dealing with various lenses was of particular interest. The book is well organized and the instructions are clear and easy to understand - that in itself is a major plus over other books in the marketplace. If it's National Geographic, it's bound to be good!