Where the field disagrees · creative
Flattery versus authenticity as the goal
1Commercial and posing books emphasize flattery — arranging and lighting the subject to look their best
2The documentary/editorial book (“Gregory Heisler, 50 portraits stories and techniques from a photographers photographer”) emphasizes authentic, un-posed expression even when it's not flattering
What turns on it · This decides whether you direct and correct the subject toward an idealized look or step back to capture how they truly are.
Drawn from The Bicycle Guide to Photograph People Well — read it free, in full.
Where the field disagrees · creative
Portfolio Volume Versus Commissioned Service Delivery
1Stock/publication-oriented “John Shaws business of nature photography a professionals guide to marketing and managing a successful nature photography…” emphasizes portfolio volume and publication frequency as the conversion pathway to revenue
2Commission/service-oriented books make this pathway peripheral or absent, focusing on client relationships and delivered jobs
What turns on it · It changes whether success means producing and placing a high volume of images, or landing and executing a smaller number of paid commissions.
Drawn from The Bicycle Guide to Run A Photography Business — read it free, in full.
Where the field disagrees · creative
Pre-Visualization Versus Openness To Serendipity
1Some books emphasize planned control and deliberate pre-visualization of the final image
2Others value readiness for unplanned, improvised creative moments as they arise
What turns on it · It affects how tightly you script a session and whether spontaneous moments get captured or steamrolled by the plan.
Drawn from The Bicycle Guide to Photograph Boudoir And Fine-Art Nude — read it free, in full.