Just what you might expect from the title, this handsome coffee-table book shows and discusses 50 examples of Heisler's portrait work. Actually it is more like 100+ portraits; the typical segment includes one or more secondary images from the same session. The descriptions are in two parts, a general discussion of concept, planning, and the shoot itself, followed a more technical section. These latter discussions are titled "Thoughts on Technique", an apt title because these tend to be technique-related morsels rather than complete lighting recipes. There are no lighting diagrams and very few "behind the scenes" shots. And often the division is just for form, each section containing a similar mix of technique and narrative. The book is not a how-to, but more of a big picture look at how Heisler thinks and works. Just as well, given Heisler's usual preference for large-format film cameras; not many readers will have similar equipment. This is a book for ideas, inspiration, and a quick apprenticeship with a sought-after professional photographer.
Each of the 50 main portraits is reproduced full page or even as a two-page spread. This is a big book (12"/30cm tall) so the photos are large enough to be appreciated in detail. (Even so, because Heisler often shoots 11x14, some of the images are not enlargements, but reductions!) The book would be a good value just for the photos, but the text is just as valuable, because the writing is well above the standard for books of this sort. Heisler's writing style is clear, direct, informal, and unpretentious, and a pleasure to read.
Heisler is a commercial photographer and, he does not compartmentalize between commissioned and personal work -- to him it's one and the same. Because his work tends to be portraits of famous people for mainstream magazines the style is usually straightforward, and many of the portraits are simply solid commercial work rather than memorable photographic art. It is notable that, in a book containing portraits of world leaders, A-list actors, and famous athletes, the portraits chosen for the front and back covers are of people you won't have heard of; with such subjects Heisler's style is often freer. But some of his more commercial work is pretty off-the-wall, too, and some of these sessions make for entertaining storytelling -- Heisler is a risk-taker when he can afford to be. He is a meticulous planner but knows how to improvise, and is aware of the importance of lucky accidents and inspiration.
The book ends with a list of all of the main portraits, including a thumbnail and technical summary, for quick reference.
Highly recommended, especially so given the low price for a book of this quality.
Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits: Stories and Techniques from a Photographer's Photographer: Gregory Heisler, Michael R. Bloomberg: 9780823085651: Amazon.com: Books
Heisler also speaks well, and much of the book is presented in his Ilford lecture, well worth watching: