Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
OK
Greg Williams Photo Breakdowns: The Stories Behind 100 Portraits Hardcover – May 9, 2023
Purchase options and add-ons
Iconic celebrity photographer Greg Williams presents the release of his first book, illuminating the memorable stories and methodology behind the phenomenal photographs of 100 Hollywood stars.
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind memorable photographs of some of the most famous people in the world? Why does Joaquin Phoenix look so relaxed eating a sandwich right after winning an Academy Award? Why was Cate Blanchett’s daughter running through her legs in a hotel at Cannes? Greg Williams Photo Breakdowns brings you behind the scenes of over 100 intimate and revealing images shot by one of today’s most in-demand photographers: Greg Williams.
Learn the techniques of the master and draw on key tactics and skills Williams has accumulated throughout his extensive career. Whether describing how to frame a shot, leverage the lighting, or understand exposure, Williams emphasizes the importance of using photography as a means to tell stories, especially the stories that you want to tell. With a focus on authenticity, believability, and imperfection, Williams illuminates how he achieves these staggering shots.
As the official photographer for the Oscars and a regular contributor to magazines such as Vanity Fair, Williams has unprecedented access to international celebrities, ranging from Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig to Beyoncé, Charlize Theron, and Adam Driver. And, more importantly, his rapport with his subjects results in singular photographs. See some of his favorite moments in Greg Williams Photo Breakdowns, and learn how he captured these incredible moments.
- Print length224 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherCider Mill Press
- Publication dateMay 9, 2023
- Dimensions10.45 x 1.4 x 13.35 inches
- ISBN-101951511506
- ISBN-13978-1951511500
Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits: Stories and Techniques from a Photographer's PhotographerHardcoverFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Feb 12
Peter Lindbergh. On Fashion PhotographyHardcoverFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Feb 12
Vanity Fair: Oscar Night Sessions: A Decade of Portraits from the After-PartyHardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Feb 12
Photo Icons. 50 Landmark Photographs and Their Stories (Bibliotheca Universalis)HardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Feb 12
The Photographer's EyePaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Feb 12
Customers also bought or read
- Visually Speaking: Mastering Photography as a Visual Language
Paperback$26.75$26.75Delivery Thu, Feb 12 - Vanity Fair: Oscar Night Sessions: A Decade of Portraits from the After-Party
Hardcover$3.10$3.10Delivery Thu, Feb 12 - Inspiration Leica Akademie (English and German Edition)
Hardcover$48.12$48.12FREE delivery Mon, Feb 23 - Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb on Street Photography and the Poetic Image: The Photography Workshop Series
Paperback$20.21$20.21Delivery Thu, Feb 12
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
'[A] dazzling collection of photographs of the most celebrated performers of the day. . . . Whatever he does to win the trust of his subjects, paradoxically allergic to exposure as so many of them are, the secret ingredient that goes into his photos is clearly Williams' own personality.' -- Alex Bilmes, Esquire UK
'It's not only a gorgeous collection of art, but a fascinating compilation of work from a singular talent.' -- Town & Country
'One of today's most in-demand photographers, Greg Williams, brings you behind the scenes stories for over 100 intimate and revealing images he has shot. . . . [An] elegant and informative compendium.' -- Midwest Book Review
'Williams emphasizes the importance of being ready for the moment, whether you're a professional like Williams, who's photographed virtually every A-list actor alive, or an amateur with an iPhone. . . The magic of Williams's photographs is often the level of intimacy with his subjects, photographing them in unguarded moments.' -- Katey Rich, Vanity Fair
About the Author
Greg Williams is one of the most trusted and acclaimed photographers in entertainment—his name and candid portraiture are synonymous with authentic glamour. Williams established his reportage style as a photojournalist in the ‘90s—covering warzones in Burma, Chechnya, and Sierra Leone. An assignment for the Sunday Times Magazine gave Williams his first access to the film industry and he has now shot “specials” on over 200 movies, including four poster campaigns for the Bond franchise. He has also enjoyed exclusive access to BAFTA, the Golden Globes, and the Oscars and is a regular contributor to Vanity Fair and British Vogue.
Product details
- Publisher : Cider Mill Press
- Publication date : May 9, 2023
- Language : English
- Print length : 224 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1951511506
- ISBN-13 : 978-1951511500
- Item Weight : 5 pounds
- Dimensions : 10.45 x 1.4 x 13.35 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #462,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #116 in Celebrity Photography
- #229 in Individual Photographer Monographs
- #297 in Portrait Photography
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Related products with free delivery on eligible orders
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonTop reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2025Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI bought this book as a gift for an aspiring photographer, and had real trouble not perusing the whole book before I gave it to him. Beautiful, insightful photos, and interesting stories to go with them.
I highly recommend this lovely coffee table book whether it's a well-received gift or just a treat for yourself.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2023Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseHe is a master of his craft. If you are interested in fantastic photos this is the book for you.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseIf the book was $25-30 it would be a 5 star review. It’s a good book for fans of his work, or photo fans. Bought it for a different perspective on my current photo work (I do a lot of press and promo shoots with mid level stars) and it had some good ideas and fresh perspectives that I will try out on some shoots. Pretty good buy, try to but used vs new to get the price down tho.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI’m annoyed that the dust jacket doesn’t fit and was just wrapped outside the book. The book is great and love the behind the scenes.
Top reviews from other countries
SalReviewed in Australia on January 11, 20255.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseWhat a great life Greg has. Such wonderful photos. Liked that he puts the EXIF data there too. Recommended.
-
FrancescoReviewed in Italy on August 20, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Fantastico
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchasePer chi ha la passione della Fotografia, questo libro è fantastico. Non solo è pieno di bellissime immagini, ma le spiegazioni e gli aneddoti annessi lo rendono estremamente curioso ed affascinante.
Da avere assolutamente!!!!
-
Michael FrankeReviewed in Germany on December 16, 20255.0 out of 5 stars einzigartige Greg Williams Fotografien
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchaseein so wunderschönes Fotobuch mit tollen schwarz/ weiss Bildern,
viele berühmte Schauspieler mit persönlichen Texten vom Fotografen zu jedem Foto,
das Buch ist jeden Cent wert und eine tolle Inspiration für jeden Fotografen,
das Buch wurde super schnell geliefert.
-
BertrandReviewed in Canada on January 12, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Un livre sublime, des photos incroyables ✨
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseGreg Williams est une source d’inspiration pour beaucoup et nous offre un accès privilégié à des moments remplis d’humanité, des moments qui se trouvent en coulisses. Ses conseils d’éclairage sont aussi très précieux. À lire si vous êtes passionnés par la photo!
Jumbo747Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 20235.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating insight into celebrity photography
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI’ve long been a fan of Greg Williams’ work, so I ordered this book as soon as it became available. From the images online, the cover and title suggest a practical, workmanlike book. It certainly is that, with camera/lens details and settings for each image together with anecdotes and information about how the photo came to be.
But, what really surprised me is what a great art and coffee table book this is too…lavishly produced on thick paper, with large, beautifully printed photographs very nicely laid out. Even the dust jacket is double thickness, making the book sturdy to hold.
Great value and a must-read wether you just enjoy the images resulting from Greg Williams’ unparalleled access to Hollywood A-listers, or like me, are a photographer keen to know how these iconic images were made…excellent!





























