Award-winning photographers Paul Wilkinson and Sarah Plater believe that portraits should not be formal, corporate style poses that reveal nothing of the subject’s emotions or personality. Their modern, fresh and vibrant approach to portraiture aims to capture a moment of the person’s lifestyle and make a lasting impression.

Mastering Portrait Photography discusses all the requisite skills for taking compelling portrait photographs: from choosing the best kit and mastering the essential techniques; to using the most effective lighting and setting to achieve your desired atmosphere and effect; to learning the secrets of working harmoniously and professionally with people of all ages and using the best postproduction techniques to get the most from your prints. This accessible guide shows how to capture beautiful, timeless images that will bring pleasure for generations.

Mastering Portrait Photography: The Definitive Guide for Photographers, newly updated by Paul Wilkinson and Sarah Plater, sets out to guide readers through this intricate balance with a clear, structured approach that’s ideal for those at the start of their portrait journey.

This new edition refreshes one of Ammonite Press’ bestselling titles, offering an accessible overview of the fundamentals: composition, exposure, lighting, posing and post-production. Wilkinson and Plater write with clarity and enthusiasm, emphasizing that great portraits are created through patience, empathy and a genuine interest in people.

The book’s strength lies in how it breaks down the essentials of portraiture into digestible sections. Beginners will find plenty of practical advice here, from choosing the best portrait lens and light source to directing a subject naturally and building rapport.

Ultimately, this is a book for photographers who are learning the ropes or refining their early technique. It’s about mastering its classic building blocks that help you feel confident before moving on to develop your own style.

Wilkinson and Plater have plenty of advice on how to get the best from a subject, from formal adult portraits to lively children captures – as well as offering masses of technical know-how, and tips and hints to back it up.

If ever a book deserved a hard cover and long future of reprint runs, it must be the new Ammonite Press title Mastering Portrait Photography… It’s just a blow-by-blow reference study. You can open it at any spread and learn something.

Updated edition of this practical guide to creating professional portraits by two award-winning photographers. Packed with tips on everything from equipment and lighting to composition, working in the studio and on location.

Paul Wilkinson FBIPP FSWPP is a multi-award-winning international photographer, an ambassador for Graphistudio, Elinchrom and Pixellu, as well as a judge, trainer, speaker and author in the photography industry. He hosts the popular Mastering Portrait Photography podcast, where he chats about life, the universe and all things portrait photography.

Sarah Plater began experimenting with film photography over 15 years ago, transitioning to digital as it became more affordable. She then spent three years working at a high street photography studio, before leaving to concentrate on natural light portraiture. She has written for several popular photography magazines.