To get the best results out of digital photography portrait making, you need the guidance and proven techniques that only a professional can provide. That's exactly what you'll find here. The advice and information is highlighted with illustrations and screen captures, as well as some 300 color and black-and-white photographs. In nontechnical language, the pros cover the various types of digital cameras available, including compact, single-lens reflex (SLR), and specialized "gadget" models. See how to create a home studio; begin to understand the basics of portrait composition, texture and mood. Color, computer manipulation, and getting the most from your digital outputs are included. Topics also covered are portrait photography using duotones, tritones and sepia tones, manipulating light and shadow, and correcting mistakes. You'll find invaluable practical tips for wedding photography, capturing kids at play, family portraits, candid and street portraits, and more, including the special challenge of shooting at night.

About the Author

Duncan Evans has been a software programmer, a technical writer, a photographer's assistant as well as Editor of no fewer than 10 national magazines, plus contributor to many more. He is a member of the Royal Photographic Society, currently with a Licentiateship distinction (LRPS).

Table of Contents

Introduction. How to get the most out of this book. Getting started: choosing a camera; the studio and lighting; finding subjects. Children and family: photographing children; candid portraits; family portraits; family on location; family pets; older people. Studio portraits: classical portraits; head shots; radical poses; fashion shots; striking colour; subdued colour; atmospheric mono; mood shots; dramatic shadows. On location: windowlit interiors; using interiors; outdoor locations; urban life; location nudes; night shots; crowd shots. Weddings: the preparations; candid moments; the bride and groom. Nudes: form and figure; light and shadow; abstract nudes. Fix it up: colour casts; distracting backgrounds; back lighting; burn out. Radical changes: high key; hand colouring; changing faces; adding shadows; compositing. Toning and ageing: instant nostalgia; sepia and grain; inflicting damage; duotones and tritones. Appendix: glossary; index; contacts; acknowledgements.