The title Without fear of the portrait really honors the content. This is a book where fear has no place, because you will feel accompanied in all your doubts regarding portrait photography.
In this guide, you will find an explanation of everything that arises, from the most basic aspects such as the aperture, the type of camera, the composition, the lighting, the pose or the lighting schemes.
IDEAL FOR…
Whether you are looking for a complete guide to perfect your portraits or if you are just starting out, I think this book is ideal for having all the relevant information collected in an orderly and understandable way.
It is full of examples, tips, images and is very entertaining and easy to understand. Whether you are an amateur or want to refresh concepts, search for specific information or new ideas, this book is for you.
IT'S NOT FOR YOU IF...
I can't think of anyone interested in portrait photography who couldn't be satisfied with this book, honestly :).
NOT AFRAID OF THE PORTRAIT. COMPLETE GUIDE TO LIGHTING AND POSE DIRECTION
We see the general composition of this book by José Antonio Fernández.
INTRODUCTION
The introduction is a declaration of intent of what the author wants to convey with this work. You will find personal reflections on what the portrait represents for the author, the path he has followed in photography, or the meaning of the book in general.
FIRST APPROACH TO THE CONCEPT OF PORTRAIT
In this first topic, you will find a brief review of the history of portraits and reflections on the very concept of the portrait: how the portrait is related to the identity of the individual according to their physical or mental qualities, the relationship between the portrait and the observer, or what is considered a portrait.
THE CAMERA
In this second chapter, you will see the different types of cameras, the size of the sensor, the lens, the multiplication factor, the manual mode and the different controls and exposure values (diaphragm, focal length, shutter speed, ISO, depth field strength, dynamic range, color temperature, etc.).
USING THE CAMERA LENS CORRECTLY
This chapter addresses issues such as: the focal length and geometric perception of the subject, the different angles of the shot and its implications, what is the tilt of the lens and what are the photographic planes.
UNDERSTAND THE LIGHT
In this fourth chapter the aspects necessary to understand light are addressed. What are the 5 qualities of light: intensity, quality, coverage, color and direction.
This chapter is the best, it will establish the base of your knowledge about light, and it will facilitate all your work with it, not only in portraiture, but in any type of photography.
It will teach you to analyze and describe light, to work with continuous or discontinuous light, what contrast ratios are and how they work, the differences between hard and soft light, modify the color of light, create volume and texture, and the main schemes of light in portraiture.
WORK WITH LIGHT
Once you have understood how light works, we dive into how to work with it. In this chapter, topics such as the first light modifiers, natural light outdoors or continuous artificial light will be discussed.
You will learn to use reflectors, diffusers, flags, canopies and other elements to control light, to control, adapt and modify natural light outdoors and in different weather conditions as much as possible, what characteristics outdoor light has or how to take advantage of it. to artificial light in terms of intensity, quality, coverage, direction or colour.
CONTROL THE LIGHT
Another indispensable chapter, because it is also a matter of which the author has absolute knowledge, as he already demonstrated in his previous work: Without fear of the flash , which we reviewed at the time here .
In this chapter you will work on issues such as which are the most controllable light sources by the photographer, the flash, the studio flash, the handheld light meter.
At the end, you will know what the flash condenser is for, how the flash is synchronized with the camera, what is the maximum synchronization speed, the main differences between a studio flash and a handheld one, how exposure variables affect and a very long etc.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC LANGUAGE IN THE PORTRAIT
In this chapter, you will learn to transmit through the portrait, to work the different formal elements (shape, volume, texture, contrast and tone, color), the rules of composition (organization in the frame, format, angle of the shot and point of view). of view, perspective, size and position of the subject within the frame) and the meaning of the images (levels of expression: representative, symbolic or abstract).
THE DIRECTION OF THE POSE
Sometimes we focus on technique and forget about one of the most important aspects of portrait photography: the person behind it and how to direct it.
In this chapter you will see in depth the gestures, the body expression, the expression of the face with all its elements, postures and more aesthetic gestures, rules and advice for the direction of the pose .
Required reading ;). And if you want examples of women 's poses and men's poses , the links will take you to blog articles with lots of examples.
PRACTICAL PORTRAIT SESSIONS
Finally, 22 portraits that exemplify and put into practice everything that has been developed throughout the book.
Each example consists of the final full-page (or double-page) image, and the lighting, pose, composition, technical data, and conclusion detailed below.
Undoubtedly, a most inspiring final gift to see how everything developed so far makes sense and is reflected in an image.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Murcia in 1976, José Antonio FernándezHe is a great connoisseur of lighting in photography, co-directs La Máquina Estudio and the specialized photography school La Máquina, where he regularly teaches courses.
His images have received more than 80 international awards, including 10 LUX Awards, and are published around the world.
You can check more about his work and photographic school at:
- www.hoselito.com
- www.la-maquinaestudio.com
- www.la-maquina.com
DETAILS
- Title: Without fear of the portrait. Complete guide to lighting and pose direction.
- Paperback: 271 pages
- Publisher: JdeJ Publishers. Photoroute Collection.
- Language: Spanish
- Dimensions: 18 x 24 cm (approx.)
- Price: €25.55
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
In addition to Without fear of the portrait , the author has two other publications:
- Without fear of flash , FotoRuta Collection. J of J Publishers. 2012 that we reviewed here earlier.
- Photo to Photo 04, by Jose A Fernández and Rosa I Vázquez FotoRuta Collection. J of J Publishers. 2011.
THE BEST
The truth is that Without fear of the portrait is a book with extraordinary dedication. Generous in its content, in the examples, images, advice and topics covered, makes this book a guide that I think is essential for anyone who wants to delve into portrait photography.
In this book you will not miss anything, you will know all the secrets of portrait photography, from the technical part to the image direction part, which is usually little treated and is of vital importance.
WORST
The font is a bit small. I understand that it is a book with a lot of content and that, otherwise, it would become a physically heavier edition , but the truth is that perhaps someone will find the print too small for a more comfortable reading.
CONCLUSIONS
A good option for every portrait lover for anyone who wants to deepen or take their first steps in this type of photography.
It is a complete and entertaining guide, full of examples, which makes simple what is sometimes complex in other photography books.
In short, if you like the portrait, prepare a place for it on your shelf because it will not disappoint you (as it has not done to the people who have given it more than 4.5 stars out of 5 that this book has on Amazon).
I hope you enjoyed this book recommendation. If so, don't forget to share it on your favorite social network. Thank you and see you soon.
