Ten years, 50,000+ copies, four languages, and about a million stories later… the second edition of Mastering Portrait Photography is here. Sarah flips the mic and grills me about why we did a new edition, what changed (spoiler: basically everything but one image), how mirrorless and AI have shifted the craft, and why a tiny chapter on staying creative might be the most important two pages I’ve ever written. There’s a Westie called Dodi, a cover star called Dory, and a street scene in La Boca that still makes me grin. Enjoy! Links: Signed Copy of Mastering Portrait Photography, New Edition – https://masteringportraitphotography.com/resource/signed-copy-mastering-portrait-photography-new-edition/

Celebrating a Decade of Mastering Portrait Photography

Welcome back to the Mastering Portrait Photography podcast! Today is a special episode, as I, Sarah, Paul’s business partner and wife, have the rare pleasure of turning the microphone around to ask him some questions. It has been ten years since the first edition of Mastering Portrait Photography hit the shelves, selling over 50,000 copies, undergoing multiple reprints, and being translated into four languages. Clearly, it has made quite an impact. However, as we all know, photography is an ever-evolving field, and so is Paul. Today, we are diving into the brand new second edition of the book.

The Origin Story

Let’s start with the first version. How did it come about?

The first edition was co-authored with another Sarah, the talented photographer and writer Sarah Plater. She approached us, having previously written a successful book on the foundations of photography. The publisher wanted to create Mastering Portrait Photography, and Sarah needed someone who could demonstrate the techniques that would live up to that title. We were fortunate to be that photographer.

The process was a trial and error journey, with Sarah interviewing me repeatedly about the techniques used in portraiture. We covered everything from a cursory overview to in-depth dives, all focusing on how to get the best out of your camera, your techniques, and the people in front of you. Little did I know that ten years later, we would be sitting here discussing Mastering Portrait Photography as a brand in its own right.

Expectations and Surprises

Did you expect it to do as well as it did?

As a typical photographer, I didn’t expect much. I thought it would be reasonably well received, but I was unsure how much impact it would have. There’s always a sense of insecurity in our field; we tend to focus on what we haven’t achieved rather than what we have.

When the book launched, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It has since been translated into Italian, Korean, German, and Chinese, and even American English, which was a bit of a surprise since we provided everything in UK English. One amusing review pointed out that readers were frustrated by the American spellings, but that was beyond our control.

The Journey to the Second Edition

Did you think a second edition would happen?

Not really. We did a minor update previously, which I assumed was the end of it. However, at the end of last year, we were contacted about refreshing the book properly due to its success over the past decade. It was a joy to receive that email.

Changes in the Second Edition

What changes have you made in the second edition?

So much has changed in a decade, especially regarding equipment. We included a chapter on kit at the beginning, as the publisher insisted it would help sell to a specific market. Technology has evolved significantly; ten years ago, mirrorless cameras were just emerging, but now they are the professional choice due to their fewer moving parts and improved sensors.

More importantly, I have changed as a photographer. My techniques, post-production processes, and even my approach to shooting have evolved. With mirrorless cameras, I can now shoot in a way that allows for more creativity and efficiency. For example, I can capture running dogs or children with much greater ease than before.

A Personal Touch

How many pictures have changed between the two versions?

All but one. The only image that remains the same is a generic kit picture. Every portrait has been updated. The process of selecting these images was a thoughtful one. Although I had the freedom to change every picture, I had to fit them into the same layout as the first edition.

This time, I aimed to choose images that truly reflect my growth as a photographer. Each picture now tells a story, and I could share a memorable experience behind every single one.

The Role of AI in Photography

With the introduction of AI, how has post-production changed?

Post-production is a vast topic, and we included a chapter on it to emphasize that an image isn’t finished in-camera; it’s finished in post-production. In the past ten years, everything has changed, including the emergence of AI. It’s now an integral part of our workflow, and while some may resist it, it’s essential to embrace the tools available to us.

We discuss specific AI applications, like EVOTO.AI, to make readers aware of how AI can enhance their work. It’s a choice whether to use it, but it’s important to recognize its growing role in the industry.

Staying Creative

You’ve added a new chapter about staying creative. Can you tell us more about that?

Absolutely! It’s a chapter I’m particularly proud of. As creatives, we can sometimes find ourselves in a rut, doing the same things repeatedly. This chapter offers techniques and ideas for staying motivated and inspired. It’s crucial to keep experimenting and trying new things to maintain that creative spark.

A Journey of Discovery

Who do you think the book is for?

I believe there’s something for almost any portrait photographer in this book. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the techniques and beautiful images will resonate. Even if you’re an experienced photographer, you might find inspiration in the pictures or ideas presented.

Looking Ahead

The book is officially launching soon. What’s next for you?

We are excited about the launch and have invited everyone featured in the book to celebrate with us. We’ll be refreshing the studio with the new images and hosting an open day for anyone who wants to come by. Following that, I’ll be judging the British Institute of Professional Photographers print competition, so it’s going to be a busy time!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me today, Paul. We have a limited number of signed copies available at the studio, but the book will also be available at all good bookstores. We’d love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve read the first edition.

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please head over to masteringportraitphotography.com, where you can find articles and behind-the-scenes stories about the images in this book.

And remember, be kind to yourself. Take care!