Title: Contemporary Wedding Photography by Julie Oswin & Steve Walton
MSRP: US$24.99
Book Description
“Essential Know-How for a New Era in Wedding Photography*Wedding photography is one of the most lucrative areas for professional and aspiring photographers *Working photographers must master the less formal contemporary style of wedding photography to win clients *The highly acclaimed authors are featured regularly in the bridal and photography pressToday’s wedding photography has to tell a story and capture the emotions and atmosphere of the day in a natural, photojournalistic style. This user-friendly manual reveals the techniques necessary to shoot in this contemporary style, whether for professional photographers looking to update their methods or aspiring photographers wanting to break into this high-end market. This comprehensive guide:*Guarantees successful shooting by using comprehensive checklists, professional tips, proven templates and step-by-step photographs*Includes advice on pre-wedding planning, presentation of images to the couple and everything in between*Inspires achievement in photographers of all levels through the authors’ inimitable shooting style An A to Z directory of professional tips makes vital knowledge easy to find.”
Image Courtesy of Amazon.Ca
nicolodeon 11:59 am on August 30, 2008 Permalink
Nice review, Dave.
lotc1 4:26 pm on September 11, 2008 Permalink
Hi David,
I came across your very interesting blog and this review whilst Googling for something else, but wow! What a comprehensive review of our book, thank you for the very constructive and positive way in which you have approached this. I also found your review to be quite insightful into how a book such as this should be laid out and how the information should be conveyed to the reader. You have very solid authoring skills of your own.
When we were approached by the publisher, we were very flattered to be given the opportunity to write a book about our passion and our business. Julie & I are both photographers, foremost, and embarking upon a project such as this was challenging. Once the contracts with the publisher were signed, we were plunged into a very unfamiliar world! Fortunately, we are a partnership and we were able to meet our clients demands and run our business efficiently whilst most of my time was spent preparing the text for deadlines that had to be met.
One of the overriding thoughts that stayed with me throughout the writing of the book was that there could be no other approach than a completely honest one. The book is simply about how we run our wedding photography business and how we create images for our clients, or more importantly, images of the style which persuaded them to book our services. From the feedback we have had from all over the world by professional reviewers and photographers who have bought and read the book, I feel that has largely been achieved. There will always be areas within a book such this where more detailed information would have been useful and part of the editing process does have an effect. However, the book itself is a huge remit from the author’s point of view and my belief is that the business of wedding photography and the creation of images that please clients is what would attract people to buy the book. Post processing techniques, editing, work flow, archiving and album design are strong subjects for a book, or books, in their own right. We also had to consider changing technology and the possible effect of that upon the shelf-life of the book. For the aspiring wedding photographer and those with more experience, it was important to me that the information we give about the basics of preparation, posing and photographic skills is solid and remains largely unaffected by changing technology. The core skills of the photographer have to be in place to allow the (ever changing) technology to be most effective.
The book continues to sell well globally and there has been a second print run. For Julie & I, that is most gratifying. Neither of us had written anything longer than an email or postcard in the 30-odd years since leaving school and writing our book! We are photographers who have had an opportunity to pass on information that may help others. If we have achieved that, then we are both happy. Thank you so much for your review, David. You have been eloquent and fair. We accept your points throughout.
Kind regards,
Steve Walton FMPA
Melissa Caine 8:20 am on September 12, 2008 Permalink
I stumbled across this book in our tiny little library in a small town of country Victoria, Australia – I cannot put it down. I am a person with such a strong desire to start up my own photography business & have completed courses and reading related to photography, however, I have always lacked the confidence to follow up my dream – this book has done amazing things for me. I’m still in the early stages of setting myself up but I am certainly going beyond my old ways of putting my heart and soul into capturing moments for “free”! I had always figured that I love my photography so much that it would be unfair to charge someone for my services, amazingly this book has changed all of that! It incredibly easy to read and certainly makes sense with excellent tips.
Great review!
Mel Caine
rhonda 9:17 am on September 13, 2008 Permalink
How do we order this book
davidtong 8:59 pm on September 14, 2008 Permalink
Hi Mr. Walton.
I loved the book and actually bought the book after borrowing it from the library. There are a lot of more technical books around and for me, they’re not captivating enough to read cover-to-cover without feeling like I’m attending a boring class (I’m not much of a classroom person myself).
I prefer writing the same way you and Ms. Oswin did – candid and HONEST. There’s really no better way to instruct than to show your true enthusiasm on the subject matter.
I’m flattered that you actually found my little blog.
Thanks and have a wonderful day.
davidtong 9:01 pm on September 14, 2008 Permalink
Ms. Caine: I agree with you. Very enjoyable book to read again and again.
Rhonda: Where are you based? Amazon.com should be able to send you a copy. It’s a great value.
Chris 9:19 am on September 18, 2008 Permalink
I always loved cliff notes but I think I like ‘Tong notes’ better.
thanks