The Art of Children's Portrait Photography

by Tamara Lackey and Dina Nayeri

Contemporary photographs that cleverly capture a child's mood or personality--whether that's a big, toothy grin or a teary tantrum--are easily created with the tips and techniques explored in this in-depth handbook. Often called "lifestyle photography," modern techniques such as tightly cropped close-ups, vignettes, wide angles, and shallow depths produce images that are markedly less stiff and more expressive than traditional portraiture. From capturing...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584282401
• ISBN13: 9781584282402
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Amherst Media
• Length: 125 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.4" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

The Art is in the Connection

I was so excited the day this book arrived on my doorstep. After having heard Tamara speak at a convention, I was intrigued to learn more. What I found is that her art is in her connection with her subjects. This is what she is able to convey so well in this book. It is the insight into the many different personalities of children that I found so helpful. It has helped me to deepen my own connection with my little clients more quickly. If that connection is not important to you or your photography, you will not enjoy this book. But for the rest of us, it's spot on.

Last reviewer must ahve been reading another book!

I normally don't write reviews but I was interested to see how many other people had been inspired as much as I! So I was a little surprised by the last review. I live in remote Western Australia and was given this book by my sister in-law when I launched into creating a career from child photography. She couldn't have given me a better gift if she had tried - it was impossible to sleep .. couldn't put it down as I was sure the author had written the book just for me! I loved the breezy, non-text-like style and the pratical approach ... it has given me a great kick start! Thank you so much Tamara Lackey!

Comprehensive, accessible resource - Highly Recommended!

As if portrait photography were not challenging enough, the idea of running an artistic portrait business with the unpredictability of children as subject makes the challenge daunting for many. The steep learning curve has become remarkably lowered, however, thanks to this thoughtful work by Tamara Lackey. Not only is her book clearly laid out in very accessible and understandable terms, it honors the real complexities involved in small business and the creative professions. From approaching the subject artfully to the pragmatics of workflow and studio set-up to creating a winning solution for parents and families in need of great portrait work to the psychology of what's going on for the children, this is a remarkably strong foundation for any photographer interested in creating a great photo business. When I discovered that the author is also donating the proceeds of this book to charity, it makes getting this book a no brainer. If you are intent on building (or re-building) a successful children's portrait business while growing in your skill as an artist, start here. You won't regret it. Highly recommended.

An Amazing Book

When I received this book this afternoon my intention was to leaf through it before starting dinner. Wrong! This informative, beautifully executed book was full of the kind of photographs I strive to create. As beautiful and striking as they are, I found the authors words and advice equally profound and riveting. Tamara Lackey is as direct, down to earth and detailed as her lovely photographs. She taps into the very personal, spiritual aspect of taking these amazing pictures as well as the practical details of docementing the magic of childhood. Needless to say, my husband is picking up pizza on his way home from work, I am reading it cover to cover!

Very Good!

The author did a very nice job in providing information and sharing her experience in the business. If you are looking for technical tips, or how to start on photography, this is NOT the book for you. If you are looking for tips about what is the best way to approach and handle your little clients -from a personality point of view- or add to your own knowledge, this is definitely a valid source of information. I was very pleased with the book and learned lots of aspects I ignored at the time. By the way: If you are in the STUDIO portrait business or thinking of it, this is NOT a book for you either. Content is mostly related to outdoor photography.