The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing Paperback – November 1, 2011

I bought this book because of the wide variety of images shown and discussed, and also because of how well the sections covered typical topics. While not a quick reference guide (like "Posing Techniques for Digital Portraits" by Jeff Smith), I enjoy owning this book because even flipping through the images prompts me to think about posing creatively while portraying my subject in the best way possible.While the images are not directly referenced in the text that I noticed, that was ok with me -- I was not looking for a cookie cutter approach on "how to pose." The table of contents is descriptive and allows you to easily find the section you are interested in. In order to get the most from this book you will need some time to sit and read through the sections -- skimming probably won't allow you get a comprehensive understanding of the techniquest described in the text.This book also reviews composition techniques (the golden mean)and discusses the camera angle in relation to the film plane (useful to remember when photographing large groups). Both of these topics provided helpful diagrams to illustrate the concepts.If you are looking for a book that gives examples of "good" and "bad" poses/shots, this one is not for you. But, if you are interested in reading about the techniques and concepts behind posing, then you will probably enjoy this book for its creative images and in-depth discussion of posing techniques.

The title of this book is slightly misleading. It's not a strictly posing guide but and all-around handbook on portraits. It covers things as technical camera settings for various effects, depth of field rules (and how to break them), posing and communication techniques, composition rules, detailed guide on how to enhance/fade various details of your model (ex too large chin, overweight body, etc).It is a great guide to have around and the perfect first step towards portraits. What I love most about it, is that for every rules it gives an example on how/when to break it.Don't expect very creative examples, this book isn't meant to put you on a pattern. The examples are average and to the point regarding the technique discussed, they are detailed and explain both the technical part and the concept behind it. Don't expect extreme creativity or breathtaking images inside, the images inside are meant to inspire, not to guide. After you learn the techniques inside, it's up to you to put them into practice according to your own style.

This book is probably the best portait book I have ever come across, and here's why:1. The layout is great, lots of pictures which are very pertinant to the current subject being discussed.2. Packed FULL of very useful technical tips for correcting common facial challenges.3. Very straightforward, concise writing. The author gets right to the point without blabbering about how they did this or that, they just tell you how to do it and why.4. Easy to read, easy to understand.BUY THIS BOOK! It's worth every penny, and more!

I find that this book is interesting for a photographer's mind, tells you clearly how to pose a variety of people, and is in depth enough to keep me coming back for review. I am so happy I ordered this book! Any beginning photographer should buy this and study up!

As is typical of Hurter's books, they are well written. The problem I have with them is that most of the photos are final prints. Very few photo examples of what the text is trying to convey.For me, a couple photos contrasting the difference between "good" and "bad" is worth a thousand words.I read it, learned some things I should remember, but don't have time to re-read it as a refresher. If only I could take a quick look at some example photos to refresh my memory.My favorite posing book so far is Billy Pegram's "Posing Techniques", but I am still waiting for the ultimate posing guide.

This is one of Bill Hurter's better books. Like his other guides, every page contains highly professional, artistics examples by well established portrait photographers. Along these examples are Hunter's copious guidelines and suggestions for setting up and taking portrait shots in various situations. This book will be a useful guide if you underline and make notes in the margins of the book as you read, and then actually take out your camera and practice many of the suggestions he provides in this book.My reason for giving the book 3 stars, however, is I have a problem with the structure. I think the book would have been a lot more useful if it had been set up with less of a long expository format. It would be nice to just have two or three photos on each page with a different topic heading for each particular guideline or suggestion. Each page could consist of just a few paragraphs explaining a technique that is reflected in the picture(s) on the page. The end of each section of the book could also contain a summary list of all of all the guidelines. This is mainly the structure of the book, but you have to read through the long expository narrative to discover the guidelines. And sometimes the photos don't always match the guidelines that he explains on a particular page.

This book is loaded with great information. Every chapter is to the point, barely any fluff, just solid practical advice. It has definitely improved my portraits.