The Art of Wedding Photography: Professional Techniques with Style (Paperback)

Book Description
The hottest, most lucrative trend in wedding photography is gorgeously illustrated and explained in this cutting-edge guide that shows professional photographers-and those aspiring to be-how to create the arty, hip, yet elegant wedding albums sought by today's brides. Images that look like they're from magazines or art galleries fill these inspiring pages. Taken by a highly successful specialist in wedding photography, the pictures tell their unique, romantic story with a visual artistry and excitement that differs from staid, traditional wedding albums of the past. The book explains all the creative techniques-including wedding photojournalism-that produce such compelling pictures, and also fully explores the business side of wedding photography. Everything from finding clients to shooting the event and capturing the heartbeat of the day to selling the album and getting referrals is covered lucidly, with wisdom, authority, and humor-adding up to an immensely useful guide that can transform the career of anyone wanting to break into the profitable field of wedding photography. And for future brides, the book will provide visual inspiration on the must-have photography they want for their big day.

About the Author
Bambi Cantrell, an acclaimed wedding photographer and teacher who has been on the faculty of Hasselblad University and the Winona International School of Photography, is based in the San Francisco area.

Review: Traditional and behind the times
This book's almost 5 years old now, and it's showing its age. Almost every photo in the book is taken with a medium format camera, 35mm cameras are rarely mentioned, and digital cameras aren't mentioned at all. To do things the way this book recommends you need an assistant and at least $15,000 worth of gear, minumum. You can extrapolate to work out how to do some of these things by yourself, but it's not mentioned. There are a lot of great inspirational photos in the book, with camera settings and instructions on how to reproduce them, often with your assistant helping with lighting.

The book's squarely aimed at very traditional American weddings, but mentions other cultures in passing. Virtually no mention is made of the photojournalism style, the phrase is mentioned, but that's all.

If you've never done a wedding, this book will give you one useful viewpoint, but it's not a single book that will teach you how to take photos at a wedding. Some important topics, such as hwo to take photos of the actual ceremony, are touched on but not in the depth that I would have liked.

If you want to take traditional pictures, this book, along with others to compliment it, is for you.

Review: Great reference tool!
Great to keep on your bookshelf! Handy tool to use to refresh your memeory on techniques to be used with setting, lighting, props, and clients.

Review: Better than most...,
Get this one! There are scads of average books out there on every subject in photography. Most are dry, dull and a waste of ink and paper. This one opens a window into the soul of the author (well, the photographer.. I think the actual writer was the co-author.) I have the distinct impression this is an expression of joy and enthusiasm from someone who started by doing what she loved and then slowed down long enough to write about it.

Review: A good book for the beginner
I've been an amateur photographer for many years but have never shot a wedding. Recently a friend asked me to shoot his wedding and how could I refuse? So, off I go to Amazon to look for a book on the subject.

With this book I wasn't disapointed. It tends to be focused on people with general photography knowledge and does go to deep into the technical. Instead, it focuses more on what to shoot and when and where.

This is exactly what I needed. The book is written in a manner that is easy to read without being a "Dummy" book. The photos illustrate the points well. The book also talks a lot about a photographers conduct at a wedding. This was a huge benefit for me. I wish professional conduct would be discussed more in photography. Without it we all suffer.

If you need a good sound guide on the subject of wedding photography I don't thing you can go wrong with this one.

Review: My 1st book from Bambi Cantrell
I am very happy with this book. It has beautiful pictures and a lot of great information. Covers everything and the photos are all recent....no huge 80's veils or big hair. A really good read!

Review: The Art of Wedding Photography: Professional Techniques with.
I've had this book for about three years and refer to it frequently. I even loan it to brides to give them ideas of the type of look they might like. The pictures are beautiful and the text is complete and thourough. The author shares specifics on how to make your photographs look a little different from the typical posed shots. Shots can be posed but still look candid. I love the attention to black and white. There is also a section on the business of wedding photography. I highly recommend this book to any photographer.

Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer: A Complete Guide to Lighting, Posing and Taking Photographs That Sell (Photography for All Levels: Advanced) (Paperback)

Review: Gives basic techniques and focuses on business

The title of the book is a bit misleading. I thought it would be entirely technique, poses and lighting. It's more of a "how to get started in a wedding photography business." But to its credit, the wedding photographer isn't trying to make a career giving pictures away for nothing, but that's where many make mistakes right off the bat.
The book delves into facets that others don't. It has a sample contract which is very thorough. The verbage in the book about clients is very strong, almost bullyish. I wouldn't simply make a copy and show it to a client. The section that gives a list of expected photographs is very useful. Many of the poses and techniques kindle imagination and are very helpful as a quick refresher course.

The book seems geared toward an experienced photographer interested in handling weddings. The equipment checklist in the back of the book sounds more like an everything plus the kitchen sink list, and many beginning photographers will not have anywhere near that much equipment.

All in all, I'd recommend this book in a heartbeat. Its drawbacks are insignificant in comparison to the benefits.

Review: Great reference book!
Why reinvent the wheel when Schaub and Sklute have set the groundwork for you? Reviewed are what brides want to see in purchasing their wedding shots. Handy reference tool to freshen up on what works and what doesn't.

Review: Great Book
I got this book because I am new to wedding photography. The book has great color examples and breaks down the shooting of the event from start to finish with lots of example shots. A good book for someone just starting out that needs tips and direction on wedding photography

Review: Very helpful for the beginning wedding photographer!
I am about to photograph my first wedding and this book has helped me prepare for it. The book goes through the basics of setting up your business (booking, pricing, etc.) and then takes a detailed look at what is expected of today's wedding photographer. There are lots of interesting photos in the book and most of them have an explanation on how you can create the same look. There are also checklists of photos you should always take and equipment that you will want to take to the wedding. Overall, I found this book very helpful in starting my photography business and would recommend it to any beginning wedding photographer.

Digital Wedding Photography (Paperback)

Book Description
"Digital Wedding Photography" offers readers an introduction to wedding photography, assuming that they have some familiarity with their cameras and computers but are not experts. It provides readers with information about the skills they will need to take great wedding photos in the digital age, including selecting the correct lenses and digital equipment, as well as the most appropriate digital imaging techniques. This book also looks at the various ways of presenting the material to the happy couple and their friends and relatives. It presents the material in a step-by-step format, ideal for photography topics. Weddings offer limited opportunity for aspiring photographers to prove and improve their skill. Preparation is everything and that’s exactly what this book focuses on.

About the Author
Paul Gero has worked as a photographer since the 1970s, where he took shots in a formal portrait studio. Since then he has gained extensive experience in the world of photojournalism, starting off as intern then staff member at the Chicago Tribune. The job took him to Washington, and anywhere else the President went, as a bureau photographer. Since then, he’s moved to Arizona then California, expanding his freelance work and taking on weddings. When not taking pictures for Sports Illustrated, Time, or Newsweek, he and his wife—whom he met at a wedding—record people’s special days.

Review: Number ONE on my list for Wedding Photo Books
The first thing one notices about Paul Gero 's new book, Digital Wedding Photography, is the stunning photographs. It's not just that they are stunning; you'd expect a book about photography to have good photographs. These images have a certain quality: a freshness, they are real, exuberant. You know these moments are not staged, made to look romantic, like a fashion shoot or a pretend wedding. Yet, every photograph evokes beauty and emotion. It's more than composition, though that is impeccable, no unnecessary information but the essentials. They are about life, a real story.

On the practical side the book is well organized starting with equipment, then discusses organizing your shoot and yourself to actually photograph a wedding. Gero talks about what makes a great photograph, the different styles and approaches. Chapter three and four goes over what events make up a wedding day and what to look for and organize your story around visually. He emphasizes the art of visual storytelling, discussing the broad strokes as well as the details. Sprinkled thorough out are technical tips and tricks that he has learned and developed over the years.

As a long time photojournalist now doing wedding photography myself, Gero's first four chapters were an affirmation of the fine work being done in this growing field of documentary wedding photography. What I needed was a bit of technical help. I went digital two years ago and every day I learn something new. The second half of Digital Wedding Photography filled a HUGE bill on the technical side and I have poured over the advice and step-by-step walk-through techniques. With each new technique I found myself saying, "So that's how you do that!" It sure beats my trial and error method. I began using his tips immediately.
In the last year or so I have bought at least 8 books and guides to wedding photography. Some good, others not so helpful. Paul Gero's book is most definitely number one on my list. Enthusiastically agree with reviewer DJL.

Review: Excellent photos, excellent book.
I bought the book based on the great reviews here and I have to say THANK YOU to you all because you were right! the book is EXCELLENT and Mr. Gero does a wonderful job explaining each of the topics. As other reviewer said it doesn't cover the business aspects as contracts and the best part of the book is the Photoshop techniques section. Can't wait to apply these techniques on my next assignment.

Review: Excellent digital photography book
This book is an awesome guide for amateurs and professionals alike. The step by step instructions for Photoshop editing techniques is the best I've found in one book. There are some techniques you've probably already been using and some that you haven't but either way it is an excellent reference.

Review: The best so far!
The best book on digital photography I've seen so far! A must if you starting as a digital wedding photography. It doesn't get into the business aspect of the wedding photography (contracts, forms, etc) but it gives you all the insights to become a profesional wedding photographer overnight. You will just need the practice and experience that comes with time.

Review: Well pleased with Digital Wedding Photography
Wow. Blown away, this is so helpful, I already knew a lot about photogrpahy, but this book by Paul Gero has been so very helpful. Thank you Paul, thank you Amazon

Review: A good digital wedding photography book
As a wedding photographerI have been using digital for 4 years now. This book did give me some additional information to help me out. For someone just going digital it's a very worthwile book to read.
The author teaches some very usefull Photoshop skills.



Photographer's Guide to Wedding Album Design and Sales (Paperback)

Book Description
Full of instructive images and insightful hints, this book is indispensable for photographers who want to boost their wedding-album business. Showcased are the album styles of 15 top wedding photographers, with insight provided into each artist's creative process, client service skills, and album design. Examples include Michael Ayers's one-of-a-kind pop-up albums; photojournalism trendsetter Andy Marcus's magical designs; and Gigi Clark's unique presentation in an archival box. Savvy photographers will learn how to turn an album purchase into a multiple-album sale, how to add on à la carte images, and how to make networking and referrals generate business so they can concentrate on photography.

About the Author
Bob Coates has written numerous articles for industry magazines such as Photo Electronic Imaging, Professional Photographer, Rangefinder, and Shutterbug. His photography has appeared in National Geographic, New York Daily News, and Studio Photography and Design. He lives in Sedona, Arizona.

Review: Beautiful Book
This book is so beautiful and well written I have read it over and over again. The ideas you get from this book are incredible. If you are taking pictures or are the bride and groom you will love the layouts and advice in this book.

Review: Amazing book
This book is amazing it gives you so many different ideas and sources for wedding albums provided by other photographers. You are able to learn what they know and how they do their albums and it's just a great book. Lot's of information and I highly recommend it!

Review: Good for photographers and clients
I bought this book, but I haven't had time to read it yet. However, the benefit of owning the book is client education. I've used it several times now to help clients figure out what style of pages they like and inform them about the latest in wedding album design. I think this will open many doors for my business.

Review: Amazing
Bob Coates has an eye for professionalism and elegance. His work is amazing, I've seen it first hand and will recommend him to everyone who asks. You can learn a lot from this book whether you are a wedding professional or your having a wedding of your own.

Review: Excellent book on the subject
When I first turned the pages, the creative elegance in the photos and album designs grabbed me. Initially, I went through the whole book just gazing at all the amazing work from these top photographers. It's very inspiring. On the second pass, I studied the invaluable business tips they shared with Bob who tells us all about it in a very easy-to-read flow.

What it boils down to is, if you're a wedding photographer who wants to get ahead in your career, this is one of those must-have reference books.

Review: Very informative book!
Well written book! Very informative and inspiring. It's fun to see how other top professionals are putting there albums together. Especially from other countries. It keeps you on the cutting edge! This book has inspired me to want to put together new and creative albums and up my sales! Bob is very informative and eagar to teach and help others. Well done!

Review: WOW - extremely well written and very helpful! Bravo!!,
WOW!! This book is full of GREAT information. I just got it yesterday and have read it from cover to cover. It is amazing the ideas for wedding albums that are in there - things sure have changed since I got married. My little white book of 4 x 6 photos just doesn't cut it anymore. After reading Bob's book and shooting my first wedding, I am going to use the book to be more creative at making a wedding album for my clients. I know they will love them!!

Review: Growing my business
With 15 of the industries top wedding photographers giving tips and advice, this book has been a big help. This book is perfect for any wedding photographer that wants to improve thier sales. I've used many of the ideas in my own business and continue to grow both artisticly and financialy. I refer to it often. The best 25 bucks I've spent on a book in a long time!

Review: Better than I thought it would be...
I'm the author of the book and the original concept was "place this image here", album design terminology and a list of album companies. When I started interviewing photographers for the book it seemed to take on a life of it's own. It grew into offering ways to promote your business and make more money using wedding albums as a base. I discovered that the album you sell your bride starts with how you market, talk to your bride, shoot the wedding and more. The photographers featured in the book are some of the best and most creative in the industry and I would like to thank them for sharing their ideas. Without them the book would not cover near as much information.