| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/04/2008 03:24:46 AM · #1 |
I'm looking for a good book on lighting that covers all types of different lighting scenarios dealing mainly with natural or available light. Any suggestions?
Alecia |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 04:16:54 AM · #2 |
Light: Science and Magic - explains light, not just a book of example lighting set-ups.
You should also read Strobist, an excellent lighting blog. |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 08:25:29 AM · #3 |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 02:14:48 PM · #4 |
I would take a class on natural light through the local university where you meet in a ladies studio, who has such an accent that she's hard to understand, and teaches you to hold your hand up in the light to see what you should do.
That's what I would do.
:-p |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 02:27:57 PM · #5 |
While serving tea in 100 degree weather.
Message edited by author 2008-02-04 14:29:12. |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 02:36:53 PM · #6 |
I have Light Science Magic - it's a bit too deep for me - GRIN! But I am determined to work through it (sometime).
I also got two wonderful books for Christmas
Skin
The Complete Guide to Light & Lighting in Digital Photography
I have not had the time to seriously study any of the books yet - but on first glance they all look VERY good.
The Light & Lighting book has some awesome sections in it where they use the same model and move the lights around it so you can see what changes you can expect - One of the situations offers 60 different lighting on a face.
Might be worth you wandering into a store to check out all three and see what suits your needs best.
Meanwhile I'm waiting for some 'free time' to read mine - hopefully just owning them will assist me for now - GRIN! |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 02:51:50 PM · #7 |
Thanks Lisa. I'll certainly look into your recommendations.
A |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 04:25:26 PM · #8 |
You might try to PM  Gordon. I remember a few weeks ago he started a thread advertising a reasonably priced video that, IIRC, was primarily about using natural light in people photography. Gordon was involved in the production somehow. I can't find the link now, of course. I didn't buy it, so I can't review it, but it sounded quite interesting at the time.
Portrait Photographer's Handbook has some good information about shooting on location, both using available light and combinations of available light and flash. Overall, it's a good book, but if you rate book value by pounds of dead tree per dollar, it's a bit expensive. |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 05:03:39 PM · #9 |
|
|
|
02/04/2008 05:37:55 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Ann:
You might try to PM Gordon. I remember a few weeks ago he started a thread advertising a reasonably priced video that, IIRC, was primarily about using natural light in people photography. Gordon was involved in the production somehow. I can't find the link now, of course. I didn't buy it, so I can't review it, but it sounded quite interesting at the time.
|
You can read more about that DVD here, view a sample and also find a link to buy it. You could also ask  hihosilver about it, as she bought a copy. It is a good option, particularly if you are interested in learning more about natural light.
Message edited by author 2008-02-04 17:39:52.
|
|
|
|
02/05/2008 01:26:02 AM · #11 |
Alecia,
As the old saying goes, "when the student is ready...the teacher will come."
I have to say the sun is my BEST FRIEND when it comes to photography. Having spent some time in Samy's Camera store on Fairfax in Los Angeles (4 floors of photography HEAVEN)...I can tell you I can't afford a better lighting system than what the sun may offer...;-)
So, my challenge has always been how to use natural light to my best advantage. Of course, as a working Mom, I have a limited amount of time to devote to my photography. To improve myself, I have to rely on the experts to put it all together for me so I did buy the video classes as mentioned below by my hero and Master of Lighting... Gordon.
If you are looking for mere "tips and tricks" about the latest and the greatest hardware / software...this set of videos is not for you. Randy Kerr presents a wonderfully classical approach to a natural lighting system that when appropriately applied will effectively improve any photographer's technique independent of expensive camera equipment or the latest software. In fact, he focuses entirely on the core topics of how to bring out the best qualities of your subject in very systematic and specific detail and entirely in natural lighting. You will find more information at the following link:
Randy Kerr - West Camp Photo
I also believe that having a mentor is crucial to developing my own skills as a photographer and I pester Gordon constantly! (Poor guy...I really should send him flowers for his patient work with the creatively impaired such as I am!). In addition, I also pester my Nikon hero who reminds me that the best natural lighting is never farther than Just Over the Next Hill.
No matter what...Nature never disappoints!
Good Luck!
-M |
|
|
|
02/05/2008 09:29:35 AM · #12 |
| Thanks Mae. You are too kind. |
|
|
|
02/05/2008 10:41:01 AM · #13 |
| I have a book called "Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting" by Catherine Jamieson and Seacn McCormick. It has chapters on "Outdoor Portraiture" and "Interior Existing Light Portraiture". The book is aimed at the amateur, but has good tips and setups for everyone. Here it is. |
|
|
|
02/05/2008 11:40:13 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by pearlseyes:
I'm looking for a good book on lighting that covers all types of different lighting scenarios dealing mainly with natural or available light. Any suggestions? |
A) It's not a book,
B) It doesn't specifically deal with NATURAL light,
I found these recently. What you can learn here is the use of reflectors and diffuser panels.
Light Schemes
Lighting Setup Tutorial |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/26/2025 01:53:25 AM EDT.
