Rants & Observations

Black & White Model Photography Techniques & Images by Bill Lemon

I've reviewed one of Bill's books previously and I said then that I considered Bill to be a friend. I do believe, however, that I owe Bill a small apology for part of that previous review. In that review I stated that I thought of Bill as a Glamor photographer and that I didn't think he would argue with me on that regard. Maybe he wouldn't (he hasn't and we have had several conversations since that review) but after reading Black & White Model Photography Techniques & Images I stand corrected. He can be a fine figure (or classic) nude photographer when he sets his mind to it too.

As far as I can tell (and I've been researching this topic for the past year or so) the differences between fine figure (or classic) and glamor nude photography is twofold. First, glamor is mostly in color and classic is mostly in Black & White, and second, in glamor nude photography the model is usually looking at the camera while in classic nude photography the model is rarely looking at the camera. In glamor the model smiles more often too. In classic she is most often seen thinking about something.

The images Bill has selected for this book are excellent. I liked the layout of this book a lot. The technical data is laid out for each shot and I felt more comfortable believing the information than I did the previous book I reviewed. (Again, remember, I said that I thought the publisher was at fault for my difficulty in believing the technical information in the previous book reviewed.) I noticed almost immediately that all of the photography was done with film (no digital) and most of the shots were done with large format cameras. I enjoyed comparing the shots taken on the various types of films; from Agfapan and Kodak Plus X, to Kodak TMX and Kodak Panatomic. I haven't used all of these films but did use some back in my past and may use them again. To be able to see how these films reacted for Bill under specific conditions helps me to plan my use of them in the future.

Bill's discussion of the individual shots may include comments on choosing a model, posing the model, lighting, or props, clothing, and makeup. You can pretty much count on these tidbits being of interest. If and when Bill makes a mistake I've always known him to 'fess up and learn from it and help others learn from it. Many of his comments in this book stem from those kinds of situations where he learned a valuable lesson. Take advantage of that when you're reading this book.

My main complaint with this book is not aimed at Bill but rather at his publisher and editors. Please, get someone to proof read the book before it goes to the printer. Again I found several typos that should never have gotten by the proof readers. It makes Bill look bad and it makes the publisher look bad.

Overall, I liked this book better than the previous one by Bill I reviewed. I recommend this one as heartily as I recommended the previous book. I think I now own all but Bill's newest book and I plan on purchasing it. I've also made plans to attend another of his workshops this year. Bill can teach you how to take great pictures if you let him. I'm doing my best to do just that ... let him teach me. Go buy this book.

posted by Paul @ 2:38 PM