Review of "The Wedding Photography Field Guide"...

Today I am reviewing the book "The Wedding Photography Field Guide" from my friend
Michelle Turner.

In the book Michelle plays to her strengths, she speaks about what she knows (and knows so well) and doesn't try to be all things to all people.

Michelle shares with you what has made her the successful wedding photographer she is, meaning she tells you what she uses and why she uses it in a thoughtful informative way. Sometimes (too often) authors will try to cover everything on a given subject, moving outside the realm of the personal "hands-on" knowledge and experience in an effort to give you "more".

In "The Wedding Photography Field Guide" you get rock solid knowledge acquired through years of experience.

The book starts out with gear: lenses, cameras, memory, computers, software, etc., if it's needed for wedding photography, it's covered. And I love how its presented, in the style of "this is what I do and this is why I do it this way".


RAW vs. .JPG, she doesn't tell you which to shoot, she tells you why RAW is her choice format if she's shooting a wedding in England or her daughters soccer game at home.

Michelle takes a couple pages just to explain why she shoots Aperture Priority at a wedding (fast changes in lighting, soft focus, etc.) and then how exposure compensation allows her to quickly adjust between shooting the bride (lots of white) and the groom (lots of dark clothing).


Once gear has been covered the book moves into environmental portraits and posing, covered more thoroughly than I have seen before (shadows, elements and patterns, leading lines, reflections, etc.), placing the couple in the frame, perspective, action, and interaction.

There are a ton of beautiful images in this book, which is not that uncommon for photography books, but what is different is that Michelle has a commentary for each one of them, the rationale behind why she took the shot, what made her click the shutter at that very moment.

You will find subjects not usually covered as well, like how to artistically capture flair in your image, how about fireworks, or a silhouette at sunset, all covered in detail with stunning example images.

Once you get to page 62 much of the rest of the book is like second shooting with Michelle, you'll go with her to shoot three different engagement sessions and seven different weddings.


There is so much more that is covered (like photographing toasts, the first dance, cutting the cake, or post production, proofing, and blogging), but I will leave those for you to read when you get the book.

And get "The Wedding Photography Field Guide" you should, because it's the best book on wedding photography I have read and you can get it for under $12 at Amazon.

In closing I want to say that in the interest of full disclosure that Michelle and I are friends, but that in no way influenced this review. I would never try to "pull a fast one" by slipping in a review for a friend and run the risk of ruining the credibility and trust it has taken me years to earn with you my readers.

I posted this review because this is an outstanding book and it has much to offer. Period.

(click on any image to view larger in a new window)