Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • For the advanced Photographers
  • Good book, great guide, very helpful
  • Great for spawning lighting ideas...
  • An impressive book that teaches it all
  • Great Buy!
Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
Christopher Grey
Manufacturer: Amherst Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
EquipmentEquipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1584281251

Book Description

Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast affect the final portrait. The concise text, photo examples, and lighting diagrams enable photographers to easily achieve traditional lighting styles that have been the basis of good portraiture since the advent of the art.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars For the advanced Photographers.......2007-09-10

I read the book and one thing that I did learn is that I need to take some Photo classes and learn more about taking photos. Some of the subject matter was over my head.

4 out of 5 stars Good book, great guide, very helpful.......2007-08-10

I am halfway through this book and find the instructions, diagrams and pictures very helpful. I do not understand some of the criticisms because this is about staged lighting and studio portrait and will always be "posed". I am amazed at the length of detail that the author has gone through and appreciate the multiple portrait examples in various lightings.

5 out of 5 stars Great for spawning lighting ideas..........2007-08-09

This book met and even exceeded my expectations. Much like "The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing", this book is an excellent reference book that you will find yourself re-reading for inspiration and technique. The examples and photos are great and the book is very easy to follow. I am glad that I ordered this book.

5 out of 5 stars An impressive book that teaches it all.......2007-07-03

I am a photo prothusiast. I love photography and use it in my profession. Recently I have toyed with the idea of shooting portraits on the side for a little extra cash. I thought I'd bone up on my portrait lighting techniques. I bought a few books, including Christopher Grey's Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers.

I have to say, Christopher's book is my favorite. I have had a blast working through the techniques he teaches in this book. He starts out by giving a rundown of lighting gear on the market. He weighs the pros and cons of different lighting systems and shares his favorites.

The book gets really exciting when he starts teaching lighting techniques. He uses actual photographs so you can see the results, comparing light settings and placement. He demonstrates many configurations, each more beautiful than the last.

I have taken this book seriously. I love to grab a subject and get busy, trying out his different light scenarios and seeing if I can match his quality. In some cases I have, in others I need practice.

I would highly recommend this book for both pros and beginners. It is an excellent reference that I have found invaluable.

Thank you, Christopher.

I hope this helps.

-Craig Nybo, co-author of Total Human: The Complete Strength Training System

5 out of 5 stars Great Buy!.......2007-06-20

I have learned tons of information from this book on lighting. You must have it if you are a little or alot confused about studio lighting and how to do it right!

Pam Vasquez
Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • It's a book for beginners.
  • wonderful peek into the world of reknowned pro photographer
  • Good beginning book
  • A wonderful aproach, not so technical and not so philosophic
  • A little too much!
Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography
Michael Grecco
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PhotojournalismPhotojournalism | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0817442278
Release Date: 2006-09-29

Book Description

Priceless--yet practical--ideas and insights from the master of portrait photography
* Ready-to-use insider tips for photographers at every level
* Author teaches across the country and is renowned for sharing his secrets

Michael Grecco is one of the best-known celebrity photographers in the world. His beautiful, insightful work is all around us--on movie posters, in advertising, on magazine covers, everywhere. "I delight in inspiring people," he writes. "I want them to stop, think, and feel." Now Grecco shares the secrets of great portraits with photographers at every level, in Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait. Sections on cameras, illumination, film and digital, creativity and conceptualization, connecting with the subject, and having a point of view, plus intriguing case studies that show "how I got that picture," make this book a resource photographers will use again and again through the years. Whether the subject is a star or a soccer mom, Grecco shows how to add artistry, drama, wit, humor, and personality to their portrait.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars It's a book for beginners........2007-09-10

I'm totally not impress with that book. Their is almost no contain in. A couple nice lightning idea, but nothing to really improve your skill if you are an advanced photographer.

It's a book for beginners.

5 out of 5 stars wonderful peek into the world of reknowned pro photographer.......2007-09-01

This book is everything I had hoped. I wanted to see how the "big guys" get such gorgeous shots. It's true that just owning an expensive dSLR does not make you a professional, it takes practice, lots of photo shoots, and, most importantly, an eye for creativity. Grecco is an extraordinary photographer. I know I'll probably never be photographing celebrities or have the budget for a clan of assistants and high price lighting equipment, but some of his techniques I can certainly adapt. This is a wonderful book with enough tips and beautiful images to inspire any photographer.

3 out of 5 stars Good beginning book.......2007-08-26

This is a good beginning lighting book, and it includes a helpful introduction to lighting terminology, techniques, and tools. Unlike many portraiture books, this one focuses more on editorial rather than consumer portraiture. As such, the illustrations are edgier and more conceptual. The book is pretty thin on substance, however, and rather high on ego. A good introduction, but nothing more. Hicks and Schultz's book Photographing People; Portraits, fashion, glamour has much better lighting diagrams and a lot more technical variety and instruction.

5 out of 5 stars A wonderful aproach, not so technical and not so philosophic.......2007-08-13

In this book, Grecco show us pictures and the creation ideas about them.
The lighting set-ups is only top view, but in his text, Grecco explain how create each image, the concept and techniques.

A good book for photographers that love portrait and want learn more about this photography segment.

3 out of 5 stars A little too much!.......2007-07-28

The pictures, techniques and equipments used are topnotch. The pictures are topnotch as well but this is really not a book for the run of the photographer. This is hollywood style photography. Impressive techiques and styles but with not much of a practical value for amateurs and hobbyists I would say. I don't think this is something suitable for all so you need to be careful about this book. There are better portrait photography books out there that are more suitable for the majority.
Portrait Photography:  Secrets of Posing & Lighting (A Lark Photography Book)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great ideas for better portraits
  • Portrait Photography
  • Good guide for aspiring pros
  • Secrets, what secrets?
  • Don't buy it.
Portrait Photography: Secrets of Posing & Lighting (A Lark Photography Book)
Mark Cleghorn
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 157990548X

Book Description

With easy-to-follow instructions and detailed photo sequences showing how to arrange lights and lighting accessories, this carefully structured course teaches all the fundamentals of portraiture, as well as a host of other creative techniques. It sets out everything the amateur needs to know to create a wide range of styles, from choosing the right equipment to composing the background to placing and positioning the subject for maximum effect. The basics of color and black and white, digital capture and film, and studio and location shooting all receive detailed attention, and helpful tips on mood-enhancing lighting will help raise novices’ skills to professional levels.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great ideas for better portraits.......2007-09-19

Taking portraits is a hobby of mine. I have a studio set up in my house. The author has really good ideas for improving portraits. Although I already have about 6 other books on portraiture, I'm learning good things from this book. He shares simple tips from his years of experience. It's better than most of the other books I've already got. Many examples of poses are given which I am finding helpful.

4 out of 5 stars Portrait Photography.......2007-04-02

This book contains some very useful advice on how to set up lighting and positioning your subject for good portrait shots. The writer does not list each shots camera settings which would be helpful to the beginner.

4 out of 5 stars Good guide for aspiring pros.......2007-03-01

Mark Cleghorn's portrait photography book is one of the few that is both comprehensive and up to date. Too many books either focus on the dated "rose sniffer" picture, or stick to the lighting diagrams and studio work. This covers interior and exterior shots, posing and all with a contemporary feel.

It does have a strong European/UK slant. We tend not to bother too much with defining the differences between broad and short lighting, or whether loop, Paramount, Rembrandt or split lighting fits the bill, and often go for the simple softbox key, evenly lit white background approach. Cleghorn covers this stalwart of European commercial portraiture, but also covers more advanced and complex lighting arrangements, but perhaps doesn't cover what American portrait photographers would consider 'the basics' as thoroughly. This is more a problem of the language of portrait photography not being as universal as we might imagine, rather than any lack on Cleghorn's part. Usefully though, he uses real people, not models, so the final images are perhaps not as polished as some, but more attainable.

If there is a criticism, it's that the book starts with a strong four/five light portrait setting. This is for entirely good reasons (it acts as a benchmark for later lighting, and allows explanation of what the key, fill, rim and background lights actually do). However, it might prove daunting to those who are at the 'My First Softbox' level of studio lighting. I also think some aspects regarding the business end would be an advantage in a guide like this, although that would also make it even less appealing to those living outside of the UK, perhaps.

1 out of 5 stars Secrets, what secrets?.......2007-01-09

Mark Cleghorn had a series of lighting set-ups in AP with another photographer (Kenny Martin) some years ago and I bought this book based on that series. This book offers nothing new for the photographer who has even the most basic of knowledge, save your money and look elsewhere.

2 out of 5 stars Don't buy it........2007-01-08

Look, I'm sure this photographer is a nice guy and all. I mean, he looks like a real family man, an upstanding member of his community.

His book, however, is awful. There was little useful information. The lighting is boring and his posing ideas are atrocious. To top it off, it looks as though he asked his family and friends to volunteer as models. If one does that, at least take the money you've saved by not hiring beautiful people and hire a hair stylist/makeup artist to help make your homely subjects look a notch better. Jeeze, they look like they just got back from the church picnic.

I returned this book. Don't buy it.
Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting: Take Memorable Shots Every Time
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The first book you should buy
  • Absolutely amazing book!
  • Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting: Take Memorable Shots Every Time
  • Very very good book!
  • Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting
Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting: Take Memorable Shots Every Time
Catherine Jamieson , and Sean McCormick
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0471781282

Book Description

Portraits preserve people


Since the earliest portraits were scratched onto cave walls, we've developed increasingly sophisticated tools for capturing human likenesses. Yet the motivation has changed little -- to freeze a human image as an art form, a means of communication, a piece of personal history. Whether formalized with elaborate settings and lighting or snapped at the beach to hold forever the pure joy in a child's face, portraits preserve people. Today's digital technology offers flexibility, economy, and almost limitless tools for perfecting your images, and these experts help you use it.
* Discover the skills you need to move from serious amateur to professional photographer
* Learn how a snapshot differs from a casual portrait
* Identify what you want your portrait to communicate
* Investigate lighting equipment and how to use it in different scenarios
* Use natural or mixed light to create unique effects
* Explore composition, posing, and handling challenges
* Handle props, backgrounds, color, location shooting, and studio shots
* Work with groups, children, and pets
* Perfect image-editing methods and final-touch processes that produce high-quality, professional images
* Find resources that can help you in setting up your own portrait business

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The first book you should buy.......2007-09-10

This book is a must-have for beginning photographers. It covers so many different aspects of photography, from equipment needed(and estimated costs), to lighting, editing software, posing, creative techniques, starting your own business, composition, etc. I would recommend this book to anyone who was getting into digital photography & was looking to buy their first book!

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing book!.......2007-09-03

While reading this book, I found myself taking notes constantly. The wealth of information is outstanding and it really helped me make choices as to my future lighting purchases. I would certainly recommend this book for any photographer wishing to start portrait photography.

5 out of 5 stars Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting: Take Memorable Shots Every Time.......2007-07-09

Great book with all the information to get you started and keep you going. It also has the answers for the questions you forgot you had. You would need to review several books to get all the info packed into this one. If you need help check out [...].

5 out of 5 stars Very very good book!.......2007-04-12

This book is well written and a very good guide to a novice photographer like myself. It does explain and get the message across in simple terms. It will surely be a good guide for all photographers amateur or otherwise. I consider this a must have!!

5 out of 5 stars Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting.......2007-04-02

After buying a new camera I decided to set up a studio at home. I bought several books on the subject and found that this book has given me the most information overall.
The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Very good introduction to fashion photography
  • Great information and great photos
  • Outstanding
  • Good book, could have been much better
  • Easy steps that improved my photography 100%
The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits
Jennifer Bidner , and Eric Bean
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

FashionFashion | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0817442316

Book Description

• Step-by-step recipes for great pictures

• Demystifies lucrative fashion and beauty photography

• Beautiful examples with diagrams and instructions—everything the photographer needs in the studio or on location

Learning to set up, use, and control lighting is the biggest challenge for photographers in the field of fashion and beauty. Never fear! This book shows exactly how to become a lighting master. Dozens of stunning examples—some taken in a studio, others on location—are analyzed with set up details, lens choices, composition decisions, and lighting diagrams, plus step-by-step directions on re-creating the look. From an inventory of every essential piece of equipment, with a full explanation of how, when and why to use each one, to an in-depth discussion of the film versus digital formats, The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography is the complete guide to mastering this popular and lucrative genre.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to fashion photography.......2007-07-31

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.

5 out of 5 stars Great information and great photos.......2007-07-16

This book is full of great and professional photography. Many different lighting principles and schemes are explained in detail, and it shows that the authors know what they are talking about.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding.......2007-05-14

Pros: This book had excellent ideas for lighting, with several examples, and also several modifications to "popular" lighting techniques. For fashion and beauty lighting, I haven't found a better book.

Cons: The makeup and styling in several of the examples is somewhat dated-looking...so I would only use it for lighting, not styling.

4 out of 5 stars Good book, could have been much better.......2007-01-06

The diagrams are good, but could have been much better. They should have included EXACT exposure readings, EXACT size of lightsources such as softboxes, EXACT distances of light(s) from subject, EXACT exposure used (as opposed to metered incident exposure).

Many of the photos are, sadly, so "over the top" in styling that they are useless as models or guidelines. Most readers trying to do pro-quality stuff would not want such bizarre styling.

If a new edition comes out, it should have more complete data, it should concentrate on straightforward shots/lighting of the type most readers are interested in, it should cut way down on the bizarre over-the-top shots ... and would then be pretty much perfect.

5 out of 5 stars Easy steps that improved my photography 100%.......2006-07-05

I shoot models for a modeling agency in NYC. I was happy to see a lighting book that specifically adressed models. The lighting set-ups were easy to understand, and very specific. I learned how the authors produced a clean even "Beauty Light" that makes the skin look radiant. Now i know how they shoot those make-up ads. This lighting is also great for everyday portraits. The lighting set-up made even my family portrait look amazing.
Lighting Techniques for Low Key Portrait Photography
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great beginner's guide
  • Good information, but dated style
  • excellent
  • Good Book, but ...
  • Entertaining and Informative
Lighting Techniques for Low Key Portrait Photography
Norman Phillips
Manufacturer: Amherst Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Photo EssaysPhoto Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1584281200

Book Description

Photographers learn from a master the impact and drama that can be created through the precise creation of low key portraits-portraits in which the tonal range is primarily dark. While the low key technique lends a classic, artistic, subdued mood to images that may seem relaxed and effortless, creating this style presents significant challenges for the photographer, all of which are addressed in this book. Guidelines for selecting the best lighting equipment and light modifiers for efficiently creating low key portraits are detailed, as are the most effective techniques for measuring the light in the scene for correct exposure. Photographers of all levels learn to consider the impact of creating images in a controlled key.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great beginner's guide.......2007-05-28

The text is of great quality. Content is superb. It's a good guide for beginners who would like to achieve remarkable low key photos. It provides details on how to set up background, what clients need to wear, and lastly lighting setup. I have read other photography books and by far this is one that I can easily understand and apply. Overall I would highly recommend this to others.

4 out of 5 stars Good information, but dated style.......2007-05-01

This guide is a well-illustrated look at tried and true practices of portrait photography. That being said, the photos themselves seemed dated and almost Sears-portrait-esque. They are technically sound but do not push the stylistic envelope.

If you're looking for a good explanation of standard practices, this will fit your bill.

I personally was looking for something more along the lines of Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography, but with in-depth explanation of techniques instead of just examples. That book is highly recommended for more creative examples of portrait lighting.

5 out of 5 stars excellent.......2007-04-10

Excellent book for every photographer who wants to use white background and lighting techniques.

3 out of 5 stars Good Book, but ..........2007-01-11

It is hard to find good book about learning photography. All of them are same and you can get general information about particular subject.
In this book you will see a lot of pictures, samples and advices like: make a good harmony, keep contrast ... But there are few information about how to make good photos.

5 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Informative.......2006-12-30

Well written, informative and an fun to read, this is one of the better portraiture books on the market. Although aimed at the photographer who understands F stops and lighting (I don't... yet), there was still more than enough information to get my running for my camera. This is a book I look forward to growing into. :)

Definitely one on my "must have" list.
Corrective Lighting, Posing & Retouching for Digital Portrait Photographers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Corrective Lighting Posing & Retouching for Digital Portrait Photographers
  • Get this book!
  • Information for Every Type of Photographer
  • Corrective Lighting, Posing & Retouching for Digital Portrait Photographers
  • Great book for getting the best photos of your subjects
Corrective Lighting, Posing & Retouching for Digital Portrait Photographers
Jeff Smith
Manufacturer: Amherst Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 158428157X

Book Description

Updated with a new focus on digital imaging technologies, the new edition of this guide for photography professionals discusses how to improve lighting, digital capture, and client posturing techniques in the camera room so that less time is spent making computerized corrections in the digital darkroom. Posing and lighting strategies for minimizing perceived faults in the client's appearance, such as under-eye circles, bald spots, and tummy bulges, are provided, along with techniques for gracefully addressing and resolving potential appearance problems without demoralizing the client. Pointers are also given for effectively using Adobe Photoshop for the image problems that remain, including information on digitally removing braces and smoothing stray hairs.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Corrective Lighting Posing & Retouching for Digital Portrait Photographers.......2007-09-20

This book is wonderfully written. It answered most of my questions and some I had not thought of. I would recommend this book to anyone having trouble getting that perfect shot.

4 out of 5 stars Get this book!.......2007-08-03

Information in here will help you hide the flaws that make people not buy your portraits! Get it... learn it by heart and use it to drive up your sales even on tough-lower-self-esteem-having clients. By all means a must own!

5 out of 5 stars Information for Every Type of Photographer.......2007-03-31

I learned so much from this book. It was very well written.

4 out of 5 stars Corrective Lighting, Posing & Retouching for Digital Portrait Photographers.......2006-07-31

Excellant introductory look at Portrait Photography. Part of the art of getting a good result in portraits is the skill of posing your subject correctly & in such a way that you can overcome any flaws etc. Excellent book for Portrait photographers wanting to do more & develop their skills

4 out of 5 stars Great book for getting the best photos of your subjects.......2006-06-30

Great book not so much on lighting as it is on positioning your subjects so when you do snap the shutter they are posied to look their best. This can be hard for folks overweight, this book explains how you can position just about anyone to make their photos look better and they will feel better about it.
Lighting Techniques for High Key Portrait Photography
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent!!
  • Great Instructional Book
  • Aw-Ah...FINALLY!
  • Mystery Revealed
Lighting Techniques for High Key Portrait Photography
Norman Phillips
Manufacturer: Amherst Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
EquipmentEquipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Lighting Techniques for Low Key Portrait Photography Lighting Techniques for Low Key Portrait Photography
  2. Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
  3. Posing for Portrait Photography: A Head-to-Toe Guide Posing for Portrait Photography: A Head-to-Toe Guide
  4. The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images
  5. The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing

ASIN: 1584280751

Product Description

From studio to location, the techniques in this book will show you how to meet the challenges of high-key portrait photography. Techniques include metering, creating a studio setup, using window light and employing natural light on location. 128 pages, 8 1/2 x 11 , Softbound.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent!!.......2006-02-27

This give all the info you need to get perfect High Key images. It gives all the light setup, type of backgrounds to use, model placement, and f/stop measurement. There are lot's of photo examples. Very well written.

5 out of 5 stars Great Instructional Book.......2005-09-30

This book has indepth but easy to understand guidlines and instructions for high key photography. I would recommend it highly.

5 out of 5 stars Aw-Ah...FINALLY!.......2005-07-01

This book gets a high recommendation from me. You will read this book and often say to yourself, "aw-ah". Lighting Techniques for High Key Portrait Photography is for those of you who are just starting out and those of you who have been at it a while and just can't quite achieve the results you are looking for. It's easy to read, easy to understand, offers great diagrams and wonderful examples. It will definitely help you take the guess work out of studio photography...aw-ah!!

5 out of 5 stars Mystery Revealed.......2004-09-22

As a proven do-it-yourselfer, I can recommend reading this material for understanding light ratios used in high key lighting. Over the years I stumbled with this and never figured it out on my own. I managed to achieve a style by accident but I never did find the right combination for glowing white portrait lighting. Now I have read just some of the first portion of this book and find it so very worth my money to have this explained to me I look forward to reading the rest and testing more.

I have learned portrait technique from some great professional photographers and I never uncovered this info until reading this book. My equipment is professional, my comfort with my skill level is moderate/intermediate but I am producing professional looking work with knowledge like this. Thanks to Norman.
Professional Portrait Lighting: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers (Photo Pro Workshop series)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great book!
  • Masterpiece work by Michelle--again!
Professional Portrait Lighting: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers (Photo Pro Workshop series)
Michelle Perkins
Manufacturer: Amherst Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
PortraitsPortraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
EquipmentEquipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography
  2. Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing, and Retouching Faces and Bodies Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing, and Retouching Faces and Bodies
  3. Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
  4. Garage Glamour: Digital Nude and Beauty Photography Made Simple Garage Glamour: Digital Nude and Beauty Photography Made Simple
  5. The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits

ASIN: 1584281901

Book Description

Designed for professional photographers who are already well versed in the basics of lighting, this book will take their lighting to the next level, adding the flair and refinement that can turn professional images into world-class photos. Each chapter explores a different master photographer, with a thorough analysis of signature techniques, a look at the creation of his or her top images, and a discussion of past photographs that presented lighting challenges. A virtual master class, this book presents the teachings of nearly two dozen photographers for a fraction of the price of a single photography seminar.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great book!.......2007-08-08

I always refer to customer evaluations before deciding to buy a book and this is no different. Honestly, I have never been disappointed so far! This is a great book for all portrait photographers. It gives us a good overview of the techniques of the different masters considered to be the best there is. This is a good book! It should have been titled an overview of marter portrait photographer's techniques....grab one and you will never be disappointed!

5 out of 5 stars Masterpiece work by Michelle--again!.......2007-04-13

Michelle takes you through the photographic lighting styles of some great photographers-this is a must buy if you'd like to look how various top photographers see lighting in different scenarios. I know, as I'm not only a Lighting Master at the annual Photo Plus Expo in New York, but I'm one of the chapters in this book.

Many photographers today spend thousands on camera bodies that change every Monday when the Board of Director's meet, yet they buy cheap lights. Hopefully this book will show you why lighting is to an image what the blood is to your body--without either, you have nothing. This is a must read for anyone interested in photography at every level.

Other great books, of course my own, Garage Glamour: Digital Nude and Beauty Photography Made Simple plus my latest, Rolando Gomez's Glamour Photography: Professional Techniques and Images and keep an eye out for Michelle's newest book coming out later this year! All the best, and remember, we're all students of photography as it's a never ending learning experience. --Rolando Gomez, contributing writer Studio Photography magazine.
The Lighting Cookbook: Foolproof Recipes for Perfect Glamour, Portrait, Still Life and Corporate Photographs (Photography for All Levels: Advanced)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Please do not buy this book......
  • Not a good beginners book
  • Great - but should've been greater...
  • Good information, but probably misnamed
  • Neat Concept, Well Executed
The Lighting Cookbook: Foolproof Recipes for Perfect Glamour, Portrait, Still Life and Corporate Photographs (Photography for All Levels: Advanced)
Jenni Bidner , and Jen Bidner
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
LightingLighting | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
EquipmentEquipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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  1. Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
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  3. Studio Lighting Solutions: Expert Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success (Pdnpros) Studio Lighting Solutions: Expert Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success (Pdnpros)
  4. The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion and Beauty Photography: Foolproof Recipes for Taking Perfect Portraits
  5. Beginner's Guide to Photographic Lighting: Techniques for Success in the Studio or on Location Beginner's Guide to Photographic Lighting: Techniques for Success in the Studio or on Location

ASIN: 0817441964

Product Description

The perfect lighting manual! Includes an inventory of all the ingredients found in a well-stocked commercial studio, with a full explanation of how, when and why each is used. Dozens of lighting recipes from six top pros include step-by-step setup details, lens choices, composition decisions and light diagrams. These foolproof, repeatable recipes cover glamour, fashion, still life and portraiture - including corporate, children and even pets.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Please do not buy this book.............2007-03-23

The book is a poorly researched pamphlet....not a book for beginners or professionals....not enough details or smart explanations.....it is suppose to get you with a catchy title, but this is not a cooking book...not a funny comparison at all....please do not waste your money....

3 out of 5 stars Not a good beginners book.......2007-01-19

This book needs diagrams. Some of the examples are only for the very knowledgeable. There are better books dealing with lighting

4 out of 5 stars Great - but should've been greater..........2006-08-06

The book delivers: detailed info on lighting (and styling,propping) setups. The diagrams were frustrating because they lack important details. Although they show, e.g., the height of lights, they are vague about whether measuring to the center of the light, and whether a rectangular light is oriented vertically, horizontally, and whether it is tilted. A more important drawback is that the diagrams don't show the measurements from light(s) to model, a vitally-important factor.

The photos are nice, and professional quality. Most of the models and photos are attractive. Too large a propertion of the face shots have bizarre makeup, though.

Suggestions: Provide careful and COMPLETE measurement info in diagrams; stick to people, drop the products/still life; cut down on the extreme makeup.

All told, well worth having. If not for the astonishing lack of detailed measurement info, it would have got 5 stars.

4 out of 5 stars Good information, but probably misnamed.......2006-06-25

This isn't really a "cookbook" in the sense of being a book that provides set "recipies" to use over and over again in various situations. Rather, it's a series of case studies, showing how the photograhper tackled a variety of different subject and situations. A thoughtful reader can examine the cases and derive useful lessons about different approaches and pieces of equipment, but it's a lot like business, law or any other subject taught by the case method: you're going to have to go out and experiment with it quite a bit yourself before you're really good. If you're looking for an instruction manual, this isn't it.

The photographer doesn't refer to particular camera equipment very much throughout the book. With the exception of some product and other still-life type shots that require the controls of a view camera, the subject rarely comes up. Hate to break it to you, but even in the digital world, these types of shots still require that expensive studio equipment even though it might have a digital sensor on it these days rather than a sheet of film. The same is true of the other equipment described. It's the lighting equipment that most pros are using today and for better or worse having access to at least some of it is the "entry ticket" for any kind of serious lighting work.

Where I fault this book is not discussing the pros and cons of various types of equipment, for example softboxes vs. umbrellas vs other diffusers. In addition, there isn't a lot of talk about how to make things managable on location when lugging multiple cases of equipment isn't an option and use of small portable units (like Vivitar 283s in umbrellas) is the best you're likely to be able to do. The latter type of discussion might have been useful to photographers who want to get started with inexpensive equipment as well.

All in all, not a bad read, but not for the beginner either.

4 out of 5 stars Neat Concept, Well Executed.......2005-11-21

I know people that swear by this book, as the be all, do all of studio lighting.

Personally, I think that it's very good, but not as good as the Ketchum and Dantzig books. Still worth a spot of your photographic bookshelf.

What I like about the book:

1. The use of 'recipes' for a given shoot... a neat concept, well executed. This book clearly aims at replication, and succeeds.

2. Great lighting setup diagrams. Not enough, but excellent ones when they appear.

3. Only about 20 pages of filler at the start of the book (in the form of a definition of terms). The rest of the book is valuable.

4. Stays on topic (THANK YOU)... covers lighting recipes for Glamour, Portrait, Still Life and Corporate photos.

Not much to dislike about this book, but here's a few:

1. Over-hyped. You'll meet people who can't understand how you can be a photographer without this book. It's good, but not that good.

2. Too few diagrams. Is this hard people? One lighting diagram for each image. Work with me here.

3. Readability. Bidner doesn't read in a snoozer fashion, but you won't read this one for fun, either.

All in all, you'll want this book. Just not as the first book you buy on the subject of lighting.

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