Gadsby - Portraiture Unleashed: 60 Powerful Design Ideas for Knockout Images

Copyright 2015 by Travis Gadsby

All rights reserved.

Front cover photograph by: Craig Lamere

Back cover photographs by: Travis Gadsby

Title page and Contents pages photographs by: Travis Gadsby

Published by:

Amherst Media, Inc., P.O. Box 586, Buffalo, N.Y. 14226, Fax: 716-874-4508

www.AmherstMedia.com

Publisher: Craig Alesse

Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins

Editors: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt, Harvey Goldstein, Beth Alesse

Associate Publisher: Kate Neaverth

Editorial Assistance from: Carey A. Miller, Sally Jarzab, John S. Loder

Business Manager: Adam Richards

Warehouse and Fulfillment Manager: Roger Singo

ISBN-13: 978-1-60895-942-6

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015931595

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher. Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the authors experience and opinions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.

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Table Of Contents

Contents

I n photography today, absolutely anything is possible with a quality camera and photo editing software. While this makes the creative process unlimited, it also means that we must continually push to be the best. Professional cameras are affordable to the masses, so our real key to success in todays market rests in our creativity rather than our equipment. Happily, as this book shows, producing creative images is much more about planning and previsualizing than raw talent or spontaneous inspiration.

Have a Plan

Inspiration may strike occasionally and result in an amazing image, but when you plan for success and consult with your subject before the shoot, you will enjoy a much higher level of success than if you rely on inspiration alone. Some photographers find it helpful to sketch out their creative adventures; others simply make notes or rely on their memory. The important part of the process is not how you detail your ideas, but the act of getting your brain working days or weeks in advance rather than at the very moment the subject arrives.

Take Time to Experiment

To stay ahead of the game, successful photographers are continually injecting new and exciting looks into their work. These looks can be driven by location, wardrobe, props, or post-processing, but the key is to set aside time to envision and create something that keeps your work fresh. Many photographers actually schedule time outside of their normal paying jobs to experiment without the pressure of making mistakes on a paid assignment. The Internet has shortened the lifespan of any unique idea, so you can be sure that others will be following your lead within a year or two. Reinvention is critical to staying at the top of your game.

Find Some Inspiration

We all get stuck or find ourselves in a creative rut from time to time. While the ability to produce consistent results for your clients is important, mixing creative new ideas into your existing style can work wonders for your businessand show prospective clients that you offer a wide variety of exciting looks.

Inspiration can be an elusive thing, but often all it takes is a single spark or idea to launch a new way of thinking or a new technique to experiment with. This book was created to be just that: a springboard to get your brain kicked into creative mode and thinking about new concepts (and fresh adaptations of old concepts) that will breathe new life into your imagery.

Hopefully, these ideas will get your creativity flowing and inspire some new concepts in the process! Photography is a lifelong pursuit of knowledgeand there are limitless new techniques and skills just waiting to be mastered. Challenge yourself to evolve continually and never stop learning.