Fearless Photographer: Weddings Author: Joseph Prezioso | Language: English | ISBN:
1435457242 | Format: EPUB
Fearless Photographer: Weddings Description
- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Cengage Learning PTR; 1 edition (August 30, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1435457242
- ISBN-13: 978-1435457249
- Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 6.9 x 8.9 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
I'm a bit perplexed why this book has received so many 5-star reviews. After reading a few of them, it seems as if many reviewers didn't read the book at all. I won't comment on my opinions regarding the style or quality of work that Prezioso does, but as far as the written content goes, the book really offers some pretty obvious advice. For example, on the chapter about shooting at the beach, here is an excerpt:
"Try to use cameras with weather seals so that your camera doesn't have a heart attack. Also if you see sand on your gear, blow or wipe it off (being extremely careful not to scratch your lens, viewfinder, LCD screen in the process). And don't drop your gear in the sand or water!"
In the chapter about shooting in the mountains, the author starts by stating that because of where he's located he's only shot a couple in the mountains. He continues with this advice:
"One thing to keep in mind is that on a mountain there may not be any outlets for your to charge your batteries or run your strobes from. Remember, when the sun sets, it will be very dark on the mountain, except for the light from whatever lights your clients are using"
Also:
"On a side note, check yourself for ticks if the mountain region is known for them. Also check your bride and groom if your placing them in a grassy area. Nobody wants to contract Lyme disease...."
These are actual quotes.
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From a technical standpoint, there are some glaring issues as well. For example, the author mentions using gels to color balance his flash with ambient light. Strangely, a large amount of his pictures in this book have color casts and are improperly white balanced.
Background: I am a part-time professional about to break into small scale (emphasis on small scale)weddings. I shoot w a Nikon D300s, all pro Nikon lenses and flashes, and a host of other pro level accessories. I also subscribe to nearly every technical and non-technical photography podcast and blogs. In short, I eat, sleep, and dream photography when not doing my "real job" that pays the mortgage. I currently shoot event, portrait, and some minor model work.
This book is a good general reference (possibly introductory guide), probably intended to appeal to a broader, and less experienced, audience than a technical "bible" would. In fact, for my purposes, I consider this book to be an introduction and general reference to Wedding photography. Undoubtedly, this book will make anyone with a Canon Rebel, no flash, and no experience, think they can shoot a 400 person wedding, a new and emerging trend in my area (possibly in response to economic crisis and not a problem as long as client knows what they are paying for). I think a lot of the reviews of this product on Amazon support my theory.
Will this book make you a better photographer? Yes, if you have very little experience. In my case, I am already immersed in the subject matter and technically skilled beyond the technical component of book. However, I found the information regarding weddings useful as I do not yet do weddings, a separate skill set standing alone and a very stressful proposition. This book serves as a walk through of a wedding and provided some really good ideas as I am not skilled in wedding composition nor am I familiar with what to expect behind the scenes.
Recommendation: Book is worthwhile as a non-technical information source for those unfamiliar with photographing weddings.
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