Most photographers love photographing people—but they will also readily admit that there are a lot of challenges to making great portraits. In this book, professional portrait photographer Bill Israelson explores the skills that lie at the heart of a successful approach to portrait photography. First, he helps you set your overall objectives for the image and your depiction of the subject, which will determine the equipment you’ll need. Then, he lays out a simple six-step process designed to help you achieve your objectives(from location selection through lighting and posing) and create a great-looking portrait of any subject in any situation. Delving further into the process, he presents individual chapters dedicated to meeting the unique challenges of creating portraits outdoors, in the studio, and at indoor locations. Concluding with tips for editing your images, Israelson charts a simple course to more appealing, more flattering portraits! Essential Elements Of Portraiture Photography brings together, the fundamental use of the DSLR camera, evaluation of sources of light, and proper posing and positioning the subject in the scene. The book is written to be easily read, -- a conversation between you and I, Bill Israelson. Everything is covered that would normally be discussed in a photography classroom/workshop setting. From the necessary equipment, to a six step repeatable process for achieving excellent and consistent results.  What I am most interested in conveying in this book, is that you the photographer acquire the necessary combination of  knowledge and skill, combined with your own artistic perspective to create amazing portraits of your clients. The book is divided into individual chapters which focus on a specific element of photography and build on each other; within each chapter technical tips are offered to further define camera usage. So, the book appeals to the widest array of photographers -- those that want to understand through demonstration, and those that enjoy reading technical details. Provided are many examples of my own photography to demonstrate a particular teaching point which is matched up with complete descriptions and diagrams of how the images were produced. I don't hold back, -- and explain in detail how to achieve fantastic images.  I will tell you myself, that there are no "tricks" to great portraiture photography. Armed with my book, you will have a better understanding of how to achieve those fantastic "WOW!"  images of your clients, which involves the consistent fundamental use of the camera, evaluation of light, and posing your subject. Cheers! Bill Israelson