Book Description
An amazing (and some would say magical) resource on photographic lighting that has been talked about in the community and recommended for years. This highly respected guide has been thoroughly updated and revised for content and design - it is now produced in full color! It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting so if you are starting out in photography you will learn how to predict results before setting up lights. This is not primarily a how-to book with only set examples for you to copy. Rather, Light: Science and Magic provides you with a comprehensive theory of the nature and principles of light to allow you to use lighting to express your own creativity.
Numerous photographs and illustrations provide clear examples of the theories, while sidebars highlight special lighting questions. Expanded chapters on available light in portraiture, as well as new information on digital equipment and terminology make this a must have update!
*New four color art package with contemporary lighting examples
*Based on the behaviour of light
*Theory book for serious photographers
Customer Reviews:
Learn What You Already Know, but Don't Know!.......2007-10-02
I sort of learned nothing from this book, but also learned EVERYTHING.
This book takes what I see everyday, but don't think about, then turns it into thought. I've always known that light reflects from things in three different ways, but that knowledge has sat unconsciously in my lower brain. My higher brain, which does shutter speed, depth of field, and f/stops, was oblivious. The book brings your two brains together!
Best Lighting Book I've Read.......2007-09-30
As a professional photographer and instructor, I've perused many books on photographic lighting, portrait lighting, etc. I say "perused" because most are complicated in the way they present their information, or, present examples that -while technically sound- are totally impractical for everyday use. So much so that I rarely buy them. This is understandable, as professional lighting is the single most difficult aspect of photography to grasp, let alone master. So explaining it isn't always easy, either.
This book -while it does use a bit of technical language- approaches each example in a very straightforward way, explaining when and where each technique is useful, how to perform each technique and even the troubles you're likely to encounter when you first attempt them. In short it's like someone is sitting there with you leading you through the logic of how the lighting works, and helping you to look out for the pitfalls. And while it's not that thick of a book, it is *dense* with information. There is much to absorb and learn, and frankly I've seen no other book that comes close in terms of making it a pleasure to learn.
This book will be a required text for any university classes I teach in the future.
The distiction between humans and apes.......2007-09-29
On the first day of his Physics 45 (i.e., photography) class, Ross Scroggs put a "rock" on his lecture table and told his students that this was an ax, one of the first human tools. He also told them that art, demonstrated in cave paintings, evolved simultaneously with tools. "I do not need to teach you art," he said, "because, if you are human, you will produce art as soon as you have the tools. I intend to give you the tools. I will not mind wasting my time with the overwhelming majority of apes in this class, because the handful of humans here will certainly listen to me and that makes it worth my time."
This book was originally developed by two students from the University where Scroggs taught, and he's the prominent dedicatee of the book. It's not my place to say they have delivered his promise, but read the other reviews of this book, written almost entirely by people who never knew Ross Scroggs, and look at the similarity between their descriptions of the book and Scroggs' promises.
Excellent title for learning lighting.......2007-09-27
This is a book that will teach you about light and how to apply it. It isn't meant for you to copy a setup to get similar results. It is an outstanding book that tells you why you put the lights in a particular position and why it works in one instance, but not another.
IMHO this is a easy to follow fun to read college course on lighting. If you are looking to improve your craft this is a must read. This is also a book in the reference library of the Certified Professional Photographers association and helps in preparing for their exam.
Totally theoretical and completely practical!.......2007-09-23
Everything in this book is so obviously true! But I can't believe I never saw it before!
I think this book achieves true mysticism in what it does to your brain, and I guess that's what the "magic" part of the title is about. Still, everything here is presented as solid technology: here's how light works, here's how it reflects off of different objects, now, go out and do something with this knowledge!
The fact that a metal object has the same brightness, regardless of the distance of the light, while everything else gets brighter or dimmer as the light gets closer or further away is hugely empowering. Think about that for a minute, folks: I can't move the sun, but I can change the lighting ratio by moving this camera I have in my hands.
This is the one and only classic book on this subject.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Book Description
Use every amazing option your Nikon CLS offers
Light is the essence of photography. The Nikon Creative Lighting System lets you create the same lighting patterns with a portable, detached, wireless system that professionals achieve using cumbersome and expensive studio equipment. This practical guide is like having an expert at your elbow. It's packed with information about the CLS as well as tips, tricks, and recommendations for lighting a dozen different shooting situations. Take it on every shoot and get the most from your CLS.
* Know all about the features and functions of the SB-800 and SB-600
* Get insider tips for creating flawless portrait lighting and staging the best poses
* Set up masters and remotes, flash modes, channels, and groups
* Choose equipment for a wireless studio
* Use the ideal exposure and Speedlight system settings for shooting events, nature, sports, groups, portraits, or products
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks
Customer Reviews:
Good resources book.......2007-08-07
Good for beginner and amature photographer. Clean and easy to understand guide book for Nikon's creative lighting system. (Flashes) This is a book for those who wants to know how to use their Nikon flash fast, without going through your boring manual. (I think it is better to read the manual first) Many good tips. Worth the money!
Best Nikon CLS book on the market.......2007-07-05
After just finishing this book I wanted to let other photographers know how great it is. The book begins with explaining the actual flash and what all of those dials and switches do. That section also covers the settings for each mode. Then once you have an understanding of how the hardware works you move into the basics of photography which consists of studio lighting and strobes. This section was particularly valuable to me because the Nikon system meshes with this kind of setup so well.
Only halfway through the book at this point and already learning a ton of very good information. The next chapter is wireless lighting which might be a little beyond the normal photographer, but something you should look in to. A basic basement or guest room can be made in to a great photo studio. You will of course quickly learn this flash isn't only for indoor because it can also be used for some pretty interesting outdoor shots. One of which is extreme sports and events.
Overall I was very pleased with this book and highly recommend you go pick up a copy of your own.
Full of Information.......2007-05-18
I felt the book gave plenty of information on CLS. Sure you have to know a bit to grasp what you are being told here, but one can assume that anyone owning a couple of SB800 already has some knowledge of lighting.
For me it filled in serious gaps in the information Nikon gave in it's manual and we are now able to coordinate four 800 units. The Lumedynes are now in the box for backup and nothing more.
As I often say the great thing in my 40 year in the art and business of photography is that as I have gotten older, the equipment has gotten lighter and faster not to mention controlable.
Nikon D200 Creative Lighting Field Guide.......2007-05-06
This a good but not top notch introduction to Nikon flash photograhy and Nikon products.
I found it a bit thin, and probably not very useful once one had become familiar with the Nikon products.
I am not convinced that once i have gone through it I would keep returning in the future.
Padded and superficial.......2007-03-29
I wish I had noticed the earlier reviews of this book before wasting my money and time reading it. The author lays out the CLS flashgun basics more clearly than do the Nikon manuals, but then passes on into generalities, dwells at length on portraiture in a very superficial way (with pretty poor examples to boot), and further pads with unneccessary side issues. There are also factual errors.
Product Description
Find out how you can produce breathtaking images indoor and out with low light! This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the best equipment and film to ensuring correct exposures in tricky situations. The book also tackles a wide range of different themes and lighting situations including firework displays, candlelight and weather phenomena.
Customer Reviews:
NIght and low-light photography.......2007-06-09
Received book very promptly, reading my way thru this at the moment, great serivce thx
Good film shooting book........2007-03-22
I liked the book but I was expecting more from the author in covering Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras as well as film. The book has spectacular shots of low/no light photography but all using film. I have a DSLR and I have been learning a lot about photography specifically digital picture taking and wanted to focus on that aspect. Much of the information on the beginning of the book covers equipment and only a small part covers information that could be used for digital cameras.
The book features great shots and I will try to reproduce some of the shots. I also think that is well written and was a joy to read.
Great Book by a Great Photographer and Author.......2007-02-15
Lee Frost is my favorite photographic author. Unlike some other photographers who decide to write a book, Mr. Frost also has writing talent. He never seems to be talking down to his readers, as some seem to do. Instead, his books give you that "I'm no one special, but I'll tell you what I've learned so you don't make the same mistakes" type of feeling. I particularly like the fact that he includes pictures where he made a mistake, something we know every pro does but usually won't admit to. This book gives you everything you need to know to shoot great pictures in low light, using film or digital. He doesn't go into digital much, but the techniques are the same for both, with the exception of having to bracket exposures. Who needs to do that when you can see the results right away? But if you're shooting film, you need this book. The pictures are fantastic and clearly illustrate the author's point, even the mistakes. If you haven't bought a camera yet, read this book first!!! You may decide, given the beauty of film pictures and the availability of excellent film cameras for very little money, that digital photography isn't for you. A great book, either way you decide to go.
Outstanding Lessons in "Difficult" Photography.......2007-01-29
This is a truly excellent how-to on capturing those difficult shots in low light environments, both outdoors and indoors. I am a professional scenic and wildlife photographer and I learned MUCH -- and gained considerable confidence, too -- from reading and studying this book. I read it very slowly, over many months, and tried the techniques and principles Lee Frost describes in my own work as I progressed through the chapters. The results were outstanding, leaving me with far more confidence and skill in managing difficult shots. If anything, the book covers too much, with a long lead-in on types of cameras and lenses, etc., and the final sections on specific subject types tend to be repetitive of the central text, itself. (But, then, we learn by repetition and Mr. Frost is a good teacher.) Still, the CORE information in the book is extremely helpful and valuable. It's on my top shelf for photographic technique and will remain there!
Excellent but dated.......2007-01-19
I found the material very helpful and the concepts straight forward with plenty of example photo. The only downside is that the book is dated and tends to talk about digital photography as some futuristic, yet un-refined, technology.
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:
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!
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.
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 [...].
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!!
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.
Book Description
Michael Freeman, the author of more than 20 books on various aspects of photography, now helps digital photographers see (and understand) the light! Because good lighting is key to a picture’s success, it’s a topic of interest to anyone who picks up a digital camera…and Freeman’s comprehensive manual gives readers an essential toolbox of techniques and creative ideas. Find out how to create and manipulate lighting scenarios for professional-looking photos. Examine the many varieties of natural light, from blazing sunlight to gentle twilight, as well as incandescent and fluorescent lights. Make the most of your camera’s flash and lighting equipment, including diffusers, shades, and reflectors.
From shooting techniques to imaging tricks, this provides photographers with a solid groundwork for producing top-quality pictures.
Customer Reviews:
Good content, but shoot the editor.......2007-09-06
My copy has the same ISBN number as listed above, but has a different cover and is listed "First Edition" 2007. I'm assuming that the book ordered here is virtually identical.
I found the content quite excellent. It explains light color well, bit depth and dynamic range well. It gets a tad bit repetitious comparing different lighting sources, although does point out important differences. The book does well to bridge the gap between Photoshop tuitorial and visual results; it will not tell you how to use Photoshop, but has many Photoshop screen captures discussing the effect of adjustments. There is a good section on High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging.
The book does have an undue amount of typos. If you can look past them then you can enjoy this book. In some cases the typos are extreme: there are four consecutive pages that show different lighting positions on a still life object; 80 images in all. However, the caption key for each picture describing the setup is exactly the same for each image! Somebody forgot to change the captions, so those pages are completely useless. I did email the author about this and received a nice reply and copy from the editor; they promised an update on their website. Time has come and gone, and the update page is still empty - I imagine they are either off slapping together a new book to sell to you, or maybe someone actually did shoot the editor...
A good book, IMO.......2007-08-30
I bought this book based on web research. I have no regret; it's very good. It presents and describes techniques and equipment, as well as basic physics of light. I've learned from it just by reading, and I intend to use it as a reference, among others (one of which I've already got and read). I can't imagine anyone being other than well pleased if they bought this book.
Excellent content, a lot of production errors.......2007-07-24
This is a beautiful book filled with lots of good information, in an easily digestible "one topic covered on each two-page spread". This makes the book easy to pick it up, read a couple of small sections, then put it down and go on to do something else. The writing style is more intricate than most mass-market books, which is actually refreshing compared to the more simplistic language that's used in books these days. The glossary is very good, covering a lot of jargon used in the book, and in the industry in general.
The one thing that mars this book are numerous production errors. There are missing illustrations, such as a caption saying "compare these two photos", and there's only one, or one that was comparing one scene with different lighting areas highlighted, but one of the photos was a duplicate of an unrelated photo appearing elsewhere on the page, and some pages there were words run together, like a badcutandpasteerror with InDesign. I would also be happier if some of the "compare these two photos" things had indications of the specific things to notice (see how the highlights of the llama's ears contrast with the bowler's tutu), so I know whether I'm missing something obvious, or it's a production error running the same photo twice.
Lots of good information on Photographic lighting.......2007-07-12
This is a very good book on Lighting for photography. In some places it gets a little technical, but some people may want all that information. I just want to know the best ways to light situations, from what angles, etc.thanks.
Thorough.......2007-02-07
Very thorough book for anyone who wants to learn more about working with light in their photography. This book is geared for both the beginner and advanced photographer. The content I found in the book blows away all other books I have looked at regarding lighting.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Product Description
Nikon manufactures some of the most sophisticated accessory flash equipment found in today's marketplace, and the Magic Lantern Guide shows photographers exactly how to master the complex equipment and operating modes of the company's AF Speedlight Flash System. That's why it's destined to be the most often used reference on photographic flash technique. From advice on Multi-sensor balanced fill flash, bounce flash, rear-curtain sync to high-speed sync, or multiple flash set-ups, this manual explains everything. It comes complete with a course on the basics of flash handling, specialized flash technique, and a model-by-model review of using current flash gear with Nikon cameras. 5 x 7-1/2". b/w illus. throughout
Customer Reviews:
It's a good book.......2007-01-24
I like this book. Unlike most of the book in this series that mostly written for people who lost a manual this one goes far beyond manufactures manual. Even if you a not a Nikon flash users it contains some information that could be interested for anyone in flash photography.
Finally!.......2007-01-18
I have been looking for help with the Speedlight system for over a year - since first purchasing my SB-800. There only ones I found were out-of-print and obviously too outdated to matter anyway! If you think figuring out how to access all the power of one model is difficult, just imagine trying to cover all the models Nikon has produced since it introduced TTL. Add to that the fact that Nikon bodies change the available features. (The current digital bodies like D200 are covered as well). A daunting prospect for any author. So the good news is that I found the book very helpful and it clears up a lot of my confusion. The bad news is that you must sort thru a lot of info about Speedlight models and film bodies that you are unlikely to own.
SB-800 Guide.......2007-01-10
This book was WAY over my head. It was a struggle to understand and I did not finish but about half of it. If you are not an advanced lighting technician you should look for a more simple SB-800 guide. I wish I had known this before I purchased it. Nikon has a CD that I wish I had purchased instead. This book was too technical for me.
Throwing a Little Light on the Subject.......2006-11-20
Here's a book aimed at Nikon camera owners using the speedlights that make up the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Perhaps the most innovative function of this system is the ability to exercise a new degree of control in the use of multiple lights.
The book starts out providing some basic flash concepts and explaining Nikon's nomenclature (which is often confusing because of the similarity of terms over the years) for its different flash modes. The author follows with a discussion of flash techniques, including direct flash, bounce flash, and repeating flash. The most practical chapters tell you how to use a single speedlight to take pictures, and how to use multiple speedlights. Finally, there are descriptions of both the early digital speedlights, i.e., the SB 28DX and the SB-80DX and then the components of the CLS. There is an addendum on the D80 which has a built-in speedlight that works with the CLS, and which probably was necessitated by Nikon bringing that camera to market as the book was going to press.
The book is aimed purely at the technical side of using these speedlights and does not touch on the artistic use of the lights. This book probably was in response to the difficulty that some people had in understanding the manuals that come with Nikon products, and integrating the manuals from several different products. But this effort at integration creates its own brand of confusion. The author tries to tell you how to use the products with both film and digital cameras, but since the automatic features of the CLS have to be handled differently for film and digital cameras, the instructions are somewhat confusing. I suggest you go through the book with a magic marker and highlight the sections applicable to your type of camera (and if you shoot both film and digital, you'd better use both a yellow and a blue marker!)
Moreover, don't think you can skip over any of the material, because important information may just have a passing reference in an unusual place. It took me several readings to understand that I could not use my SB-28DX with a digital camera for multiple speedlight use. (That's not altogether true - it's possible to shoot in manual mode, but if you are going to do that, you lose all the advantages of modern speedlights. You're better off junking your old SB-28DX and getting a new CLS speedlight).
There are several pictures included in the book but they are of a rather pedestrian nature and add nothing to one's understanding of Nikon speedlights. Additionally, except for the cover there is no color printing in the book. Finally, for a system that has been on the market for a couple of years, this book looks like it was rushed to market with many typographical errors.
The Nikon CLS system offers unprecedented opportunities for photographers to use flash for better pictures. However, if you are looking for ideas on increasing your creativity, look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you are still having a problem with the technical side of your speedlight, like how to set your SB-800 to control the lighting balance of a second flash, this book will prove useful to you.
Expected better.......2006-11-11
I have Simon Stafford's "The new Nikon compendium" and use it all the time as reference. I purchased the current book before purchasing a Nikon R1 flash kit. While Mr. Stafford mentions the compatibility problems between various camera bodies and this kit, no mention is made (in the book) of the fact that you CANNOT use the R1-kit, or the SB-R200 flash system, with a stack of Nikon LENSES - they are incompatible - and serious damage may result, esp when using AF. Nikon says "the weight of this Speedlight when attached to the front of the lens will cause excess strain on the barrel and helicoid, affecting lens performance". Whilst thankfully I have not damaged my lens (found the fine print in the manual before using the kit), I would have liked Mr. Stafford to have done his research, and I would have liked to have been warned! I have spent a lot of money on the R1-kit after reading this book. Not happy.
Then I tried to refer to the book on how to use the Nikon D200 camera in commander mode with the new Nikon CLS speedligths. And while I could find the info on how to set up the SU-800 controller, I just could not find any info on how to set up the camera itself to act as a commander, when not using the SU-800 commander. My camera does not need the SU-800 commander, so I don't own one. So I ended up refering back to the Nikon camera manual to find out which menu item to set and how. Hmmm. Shouldn't this info be in the book? Easily accessible and indexed?
Anyone want to buy a slightly used book about the Nikon AF Flash system?
Book Description
So you’ve made the jump to digital photography and you’re having a ball with your new camera, right? Now, you’re wondering just what it would take to make your photos a little more than just snapshots. Well, Digital Art Photography For Dummies is a great place to find out!
You’ll not only discover great new ideas, you’ll see the effects in full color. This book will help you
- Get fabulous, well-exposed photos, no matter what your shooting conditions may be
- Tweak, edit, and enhance your images to create something a lot better than what you started with, or maybe something entirely new
- Produce gallery-worthy art prints that people are willing to pay for
- Find out if it’s time to upgrade your computer to handle graphics work
Sound like fun? This plain-English guide makes it easy, too! You’ll find out just what makes a picture artistic, how to plan and set up a good photo shoot, what kinds of tools are available in Photoshop to help you enhance or even completely revamp an image, and how to be sure that what comes out of your printer meets all your expectations. Best of all, this book is jam-packed with full-color images that show you just what you can produce. You’ll find out how to
- Select the right digital equipment
- Shoot in color, black-and-white, and at night
- Choose subject matter that fits your style
- Understand and use your camera’s settings to get the best shots
- Photograph landscapes, people, action, and just about anything else
- Create special effects in Photoshop
- Improve the quality of your photos or turn them into true works of art
- Mat and frame your work for maximum effect
If you’re comfortable with your digital camera but want to find out more about creating cool effects in Photoshop, you can jump directly to Part III and discover tips and techniques that turn ordinary pictures into extraordinary art. Or maybe you’ve been trying to get better nighttime photos. Part II is all about setting up your equipment and getting the perfect shot. Like all For Dummies books, Digital Art Photography For Dummies is designed so you can go directly to the part that most interests you.
Whether you’ve been thinking of selling your work or you just want to create a knock-their-socks-off family gallery that your relatives can view online, this book shows you how to take your photography hobby to the next level. Even if you just want to look at the pictures for inspiration, you can’t go wrong!
Download Description
This unique book walks readers through the steps and techniques needed to take and print gallery-quality photos with digital equipment Shows readers how to select and use high-end photo equipment, work with special effects while shooting, and shoot in a variety of styles, including both landscape and portrait photography More than 300 example photos inspire readers to mimic the work of famous photographers like Annie Leibowitz or Anne Geddes Explores using Photoshop to enhance a photo Addresses printing high-quality photos and then taking the next step of presenting online or in a gallery
Customer Reviews:
Ingnore the title, this books a winner!.......2007-01-10
I purchased this book for my wife when I got her a digital camera for Christmas. It was well worth the money. The book explains photography as well as post processing which is a critical part of digital photography today.
Excellent Work.......2006-10-16
Matt Bamberg's book Digital Art Photography for Dummies is an excellent resource for both the beginner and the advanced student of Digital Photography. I have read the book and of especial interest to me were the numerous overt and subtle suggestions about technique and execution. Suggestions which I have used to great effect to dramatically improve my own compositions and to better concentrate and focus my shots.
In addition I really benefited from the suggestions regarding how to process and enhance your work, post shooting. One of the more important foci of the book regards how to transform your work from more simple photographic imagery into more complex renditions which can be considered artistic. Matt explains these techniques for image modification easily and logically and it was not difficult with the right equipment and software for me to begin experimenting with altering my works to produce far more spectacular work. Work which others have expressed interest in. I have even become my church photographer and have recently had other people ask me to undertake photographic assignments on their behalf. In addition I have started the process of taking previous shots and altering them for inclusion into my written works, as graphic enhancements to my writings.
However the book also contains a myriad of techniques which are useful and helpful for the amateur and for the individual who uses photography as a part of their other work. I am often involved in investigations and through some experimentation and adaptation I have used techniques suggested and explained by Matt in order to clarify, focus, and render my investigative photographs far sharper, clearer, and more relevant for my clients. So the book has indirectly benefited me professionally as well.
I have enjoyed Matt's book, have visited his blog and site, and found him to be an accessible and helpful author. Additionally he obviously knows his subject matter and is therefore professionally well-qualified. He seems very experienced and yet eagerly experimental, two traits I like in any individual who is trying to teach me something new.
I have Matt's book and consider it a valuable addition to my personal library on the subjects of both art and photography.
I recommend the book.
Jack.
Digital Art Photography For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)).......2006-09-20
This is a great book for anyone using digital photography -- whether
you are just starting out or have some experience. There is something
for everyone! I found it to be a great source of information when it comes
to Photoshop. Of all my Photoshop books, I find I reach for this one the
most. It is permanently planted by my computer for quick reference when
I need it. It has GREAT editing tips and is easy to read and comprehend.
Going digital...making art...this book shows you how!.......2006-03-10
I know Matt Bamberg's writing and love his blog (digitalartphotographyfordummies.com). If you're new to photography and confused by all the terms, Matt takes you through the basics (although he says the book assumes you know the principles of photography, he patiently explains the technical stuff). If you're a seasoned pro, skip the refresher course and just enjoy the fabulous photos--which, by the way, everyone will appreciate.
I'm the outgoing vice president of NLAPW Palm Springs--we were honored to be among Matt's first speaking engagements--and have seen our members create beautiful digital art photography. Thanks to Matt's book, I now know how it was done! Artists seeking to sell and exhibit their work will find great career guidance. For other shutterbugs, the book will eliminate some of those photos that you cringe at later (I know I have a few!)
The image manipulation tips in Photoshop are extremely valuable. This is a terrific book, even if you've only toyed with the idea of doing digital photography. Matt's vivid, lively prose makes this a pleasurable read.
You must get "Digital Art Photography for Dummies" if you shoot digital........2006-01-25
If you are a digital photographer that is starting out or trying to get into the "art" side, then this book is for you. This book is well written, easy to understand, and full of excellent images and great walk throughs. I can tell that Matt is very comfortable with this topic and is an expert in his field. It touches on many easy ways for new shutterbugs to expand their knowledge without taking the fun out of photography. His Adobe Photoshop knowledge is also very useful when post processing scans of film, slides, or negatives as well as existing digital images.
Matt, thanks for your time and energy in writing this book. I will recommend it to both family and friends.
Books:
- Louis Armstrong's New Orleans
- Moose Peterson's Guide to Wildlife Photography: Conventional and Digital Techniques (A Lark Photography Book)
- On Film Editing
- Perpetual Motion
- Photographers Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business: Everything you need to know to run a successful photography business
- Photography
- Photography (101 Essential Tips)
- Photography and the Art of Seeing: A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography
- Photography and the Art of Seeing: A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography
- Photography
Books Index
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General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing, and Retouching Faces and Bodies
Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography
Still Life and Special Effects Photography: A Guide to Professional Lighting Techniques, Second Edition
Best Business Practices for Photographers
