This is a very good book that accompishes it's specific topic, and does deliver simple "cookbook" recipes for portraits.I got my money's worth, as I can "read between the lines" on many of the photos and the diagrams, however there are other authors more articulate in describing what that do, and more helpful in terms of having more thorough diagrams. This is a relative critism, as a novice may wince at some lights being 2 EV more than another, and not be comfortable with the lack of precise f stops or ratios of main to fill lights.Yes, I could take off a point for there not being a "behind the scenes" photo of the actual set as some books have supplied. I also know that that such photos of actual studio sets could intimidate those with home studios from even trying to duplicate these images, lacking $10,000's of equipment that is at the beck and call of pro fashion photographers.While a few model's makeup is clearly on the garish and gaudy side (Halloweenish comes to mind), that's fine with me, as I'm just interested in learning the lighting, and not bothered by the funky models- some look as if they are outer space vampires, with others made up as if from the 1930's.One thing I've realized is the value of a good makeup artist. They really make a pleasant face into a stunning image suitable for a full page ad in Vogue, and know how to apply suitable makeup to handle the contrasty light that abounds in some magazines, making the model's face "pop out" at you, and justify the hefty advertising dollar$$ and similar model fees for the few lucky models who made it to the top. Same goes for hair stylists. It can often take 2-3 hours of work by these artists before a model is ready for the photographer.For photographers using more everyday models and friends and families, and interested in picking up a few good hints on recreating some Vogue/fashion images with "real people" subjects, this 144 page book is well worth the price. It is worth trying out the different techniques that are not in the usual bookstore publications, as you try your hand at "fashion" style images.