Monte Zucker's Portrait Photography Handbook

I don't understand the low reviews and I wonder if their authors even read this book or just skimmed it. Unlike other portrait books, Monte starts out with the basics and builds from there, with many examples of posing and lighting. It's true that he recommends two basic poses, but goes on to show how head on, 2/3 and profile shots can be taken from those poses with the same lighting. He also favors short lighting almost exclusively, but for the most part that is because it best flatters his subjects. He recognizes that portrait photography is about satisfying your subject first, not making some avant garde statement.He explains how to set up 2/3 and profile shots. He explains the necessity of examining your subject and finding out what they want before you start shooting. This lets you determine what the subject wants, how you want to shoot and which side of the face to favor. He doesn't even get into discussing lighting equipment and camera equipment until near the end. He does discuss environmental portraits as well as studio portraits and shows various one light, two light, three light, four light setups. I have three other portrait and lighting books and this is the one I come back to most often for simple concise guidance.Before you go off to "find your style," master these techniques first and you will at least have a solid basis for determining if "your style" is superior.

I first became acquainted with Zucker's work 30 years ago when he was king of the wedding photographers. This book does not disappoint. Zucker retained his mastery of the photo portrait throughout his life and this book is a good sampling of his competent and well thought out work. His lighting techniques are classic. Shipping was fast and the book arrived in a box so it was in great condition.

The FIRST photography book you should purchase if you want to create timeless portraits that capture and preserve the soul of the people you photograph! Monte Zucker is one of the great masters to portrait photography as Ansel Adams is to landscape photography. If you learn the principles he teaches very clearly, directly, and succinctly in this book, your portraits will appreciate to a higher level than you ever thought you were capable of. He explains lighting equipment and techniques. He gets into a great deal of detail on how to pose subjects to make them look their best, flattering their positive features while minimizing features they don't want to show off. There are tons of pictures in the book demonstrating the techniques he writes about, along with portraits showing the results. This book should be in every photographer's library as their BIBLE on how to create great portraits, even if they only rarely shoot people. Mr. Zucker was awesome at what he did and this book is his legacy...showing anyone what they need to know to photograph people.

I wanted a book on detailed posing techniques and lighting- this book did NOT disappoint. It is filled with lots of details to fine-tune posing for portraits- more that just "put hands here and feet there", but details such as eye size, noses, facial analysis, etc. It also discusses hair/make-up, clothing, patterns, preparation for the session, backgrounds, etc. There is a lot of attention to lighting techniques and equipment, window lighting, outdoors, composition. etc. Most is directed towards single subject, but it also has a fair amount of group/family portraits. If you're looking for a great book on detailed posing and lighting, this is it. With Monte Zucker's name on it, I expected a good book, but this one exceeded my expectations.

This is ok. I've read probably a dozen books related to photography and this one is just weak in comparison to the others. You certainly may learn many helpful things but 98% of the content here was handled better on other books. I'd say skip this one. I'm a big fan of Valenzuela's "Picture Perfect" books. Combine those with a good technical introduction to photography systems and workflows and you should be on your way. I only purchased this because the PPA considers it essential reading. While it wasn't a total waste of time I feel there are much better options. For reference I am a experienced amateur photographer plan to turn turning pro this year.

Mr. Zucker tells you things about taking portraits that no one else has taken the time to put in writing. I couldn't be happier with a portrait handbook and I've read a few. Very easy to understand and well written. This book not only walks you through the portrait process but also gives you some very helpful tips on running your own portrait business along with some of the best portrait examples. Some great insights and wonderful portraits. I recommend to anyone (beginner and experienced) in the portrait profession to get your hands on this book and read it cover to cover. I know I'll be keeping my copy to re-read and refer back to.