Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #672822 in Books
• Published on: 1996-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

Learn how to use small lights creatively
This book is full of great tips on how to convert the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Although written a few years ago, all of the principles still apply today. The author covers all three flash modes - full manual, auto thyristor and TTL metering. (Ironically, because of the widespread use of digital and its instant feedback, full manual flash is now as popular if not more popular then ever before).

Lighting diagrams are provided for most shots along with both a brief summary and a more in-depth discussion - perfect for dipping into if you don't fancy reading the book cover to cover.

In most cases, only the finished result is shown but in a couple of instances, "before" and "after" pictures are included to emphasize the transformation the author's lighting has made. This is extremely useful as it removes a common excuse for lackluster results - "how come I never come across scenes like that". The answer, of course, is that neither does anyone, but that the successful photographer CREATES the scene. Of particular interest is Bob Krist's use of modifiers and gels to create eye-catching effects (e.g. turning a boring sickly green lab into a multi-colored high-tech wonderland).

All the equipment used throughout the book is portable and the author discusses the lighting gear he uses and why he chose the various pieces of equipment.

Overall, this is a great read. I've read it cover to cover once and re-read various chapters multiple times. It is an easy read, but full of useful but yet very accessible information.

Footnote: some reviewers have mentioned that Nikon equipment is required to get the most from this book. I would firmly disagree (even though the author uses Nikon gear and mentions SB flashes), as TTL is available for any dedicated flash brand, auto-thyristor works the same on any flash offering it and full manual is independent of flash make.

Love this book !
Of all the photography books I have read, and/or have sitting on my shelf, this is still my favorite.
Yes, the technology is outdated.
Yes, the corporate gigs he shoots are past the limits most photographers will ever experience.
But the techniques he uses, thoughts behind his style, and photos he creates are timeless.
This book may not be the best for the amateur photographer. But as an experienced photographer, I love flipping through the book to get inspiration, ideas and options.
And, the shoots he outlines in the book are even easier in today's digital world of Pocket Wizards and multiple lighting options.
If you are to the point in your career (or hobby) where you want to become more creative in your lighting, you won't regret purchasing this fine book.

Good location lighting tips
The author gives a little bit of flash "basics" and gives a lot of great ideas on how to light different locations. I would recommend this book even to just get different ideas. FYI: No digital photography information,