Lighting Essentials

Encouraging photographers to take a subject-oriented approach to lighting, this manual shows it is possible to make better decisions about both the technical and artistic aspects of lighting. It teaches how to identify qualities the subject possesses that the light will react with and how to use this knowledge to create perfect photographs. Through a variety of amply illustrated shoots, the book explains how to approach each image from the perspective of controlling the subject’s appearance to match the photographer’s vision for the picture. This comprehensive guide covers such topics as the benefits and drawbacks of various lighting tools, the effect of light placement, and controlling lighting ratios. Designed for intermediate-to-advanced photographers, it illustrates techniques for using light as a tool to capture the subject in the best possible manner.

The core goal of photography is representing subjects that have depth and texture in a medium that inherently lacks both those qualities, and this book shows the best way to rise to that challenge: through the careful application and capture of lighting. It demonstrates how to accentuate or minimize textures, add or subtract highlights, and create or combat shadows to showcase the subjects in the best way and create the illusion of a third dimension in the images. Exploring techniques for lighting portraits, still-life subjects, nature images, and architectural shots, both studio and location lighting are covered in detail. The book teaches photographers how to study their subjectsÑwith all of the textures, colors, shapes, and surfaces they haveÑthen visualize the image as a finished photograph before the photography actually begins. With chapters that thoroughly cover the science of lighting and visualization, photographers can apply that knowledge and successfully create artful images.

Get enlightened with this detailed coverage of Canon's Speedlite system If you use a digital SLR camera, then you understand just how critical it is to have a capable flash. A Canon Speedlite shines a whole new light on taking photos with a Canon DSLR. This full-color, in-depth guide takes you beyond the standard manual that accompanies a Canon Speedlite and shows you the types of settings you can use on your camera when working with off-camera flashes. You'll explore the possibilities of wireless lighting with multiple speedlites as well as the creative effects you can achieve. Author, teacher, and professional photographer Michael Corsentino demystifies setting up a speedlite, synchronizing the speedlite equipment, and determining lighting ratios. He provides you with detailed, real-world information on using all of Canon's various Speedlite models including the new 600EX-RT and covers other Canon lighting system components such as the ST-E2 Wireless Transmitter, Macro Ring Lite, and Macro Twin Lites and OC-E3 Off-Camera Shoe Cord. Highlights how the Canon Speedlite system is a must-have accessory for exploring a new world of digital photo possibilities Covers a number of Canon's Speedlites, including the 600EX-RT, 580 EX II, 430 EX II, 270 EX and 270 EX II, and the 320 EX Shows you how to create an inexpensive and portable wireless studio lighting system that can go where you go Demystifies setting up the speedlite, synchronizing the equipment, and figuring out lighting ratios Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide, 3rd Edition is a handy guide that shares real-world information and untangles the complexities of using the Canon Speedlite system.

Stage Lighting: Design Applications and More builds upon the information introduced in Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals to provide an in-depth reference to a number of specialty areas of lighting design, from traditional applications such as drama, dance, and designing for different venues, to more advanced applications such as concert, corporate, film and video, virtual, architectural/landscape, and other forms of entertainment lighting. Each chapter gives the essential background, design practices, and equipment details for each specialization, so readers can make informed decisions and ask informed questions when encountering each field. The book provides insight on the latest technology and includes profiles of prolific designers, such as James Moody, Jeff Ravitz, Alan Adelman, and Paul Gregory. Stage Lighting: Design Applications and More is intended to help lighting designers translate their theatrical skills to other areas of lighting design, and provides guidance on how to take those initial steps into new ventures in their lighting careers.

Anthony Q. Artis is a 30-year veteran of the fi lm and TV industry whose features and TV shows have screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and the IFP Market, as well as on MTV and the Independent Film Channel. Anthony works professionally as a producer, director, and cinematographer at MightyAntMedia.com and has taught video production at New York University for two decades now. He is the author of the bestselling Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide (2014), The Shut Up and Shoot Freelance Video Guide (2011), and numerous fi lmmaking courses on LinkedInLearning.com . Accessible and comprehensive, this book is a great introduction on how to make movies and video projects with limited resources, time, or experience. Artis will teach readers the “Down and Dirty” filmmaking mindset, which forces fi lmmakers to be creative with their resources, do more with less, and result in a better, faster, and less expensive product. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Artis covers such wide-ranging topics as composition, lens choice, smartphone filmmaking, audio equipment, lighting and grip basics, and much more. With more than 500 full-color pictures, tips from pros, checklists, and case studies, readers will be well prepared to apply their knowledge to their shoots. Written by an indie filmmaker for indie filmmakers, this book is perfect for rookies, veterans, and students who want to maximize their budget while turning in top-quality work.

While light is required to make a photograph, light alone is not enough. More often, it is the way the light has been modified and shaped that brings an image to life. In this book, Glenn Rand and Tim Meyer offer a comprehensive approach to the tools and techniques photographers can use to shape the light—creating the style, energy, emotion, and feeling that make a photograph exceptional. Clear text is paired with ample before-and-after images and diagrams to make learning easy. Beginning with the physics of light, the authors show you how to predict light’s interaction with the surface of the subject/object you are photographing. Based on this, you can begin to make informed decisions about what kinds of modifiers will help you achieve the look you want. Using softboxes, umbrellas, masks, gels, reflectors, and more, you’ll learn to precisely control the light’s diffused edge and ratio for precise, flawless results.

Covering every aspect of creating portraits in available light, acclaimed professional photographer Doug Box provides tips for finding great natural light, practical approaches for optimizing exposure, and techniques for posing subjects for the most flattering effects. For those situations when “perfect” available light can’t be found, readers are shown how to modify ambient light to suit their purposes—or give it a bump in intensity with a little pop of flash. Additional topics touched upon include proper lens selection, calculating exposure, managing ambient light both indoors and out, shooting at night, and more. A discussion of applying the many techniques to nature and wildlife, travel, and sports photography rounds out this all-encompassing guide to working with available light.

As an introductory level digital SLR, the Nikon D60 offers one-button simplicity using the Auto function or countless options using the more complex manual controls. Nikon D60 Digital Field Guide is filled with everything you need to know to capture amazing photographs using your Nikon 60. Starting with a Quick Tour, which will help you use your Nikon D60 straight out of the box, this book will help you graduate from using the Auto function in every situation to using the more complex manual controls with confidence. This full-color portable guide walks you through the essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D60 digital SLR using step-by-step instructions and full-color images of each menu screen. This robust guide not only shows you how to adjust white balance, autofocus, exposure, and choose lenses, it also teaches you when and why you should adjust each of these key settings. Additionally, the Nikon D60 Digital Field Guide goes beyond camera settings to offer you a refresher guide to the principles of digital photography, covering the essentials of lighting, composition, and exposure. Filled with amazing examples of actual Nikon D60 photography6, this book also presents a variety of tips and tricks to capturing portraits, candids, sports, travel, macro photography, and much more.