Product Description

Creating memorable images for video, film, & stills through lighting. In addition to his own techniques, photos, and light philosophy, Ross Lowell interweaves the insights and images of distinguished lighting directors, photographers, filmmakers, and classic painters. Some of the subjects explored include: Color Temperature Matters Hearing the Light Lighting Planes Lighting People Meter Matters Finessing the Light Motivating the Light Two-Light Techniques The One-Light Approach Setting Up a Small Studio Superior Exterior Lighting The Art & Craft of Lighting Craft & Art Best Ways to Achieve the Worst Lighting

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #145772 in Books
• Published on: 1999-04-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
As a teacher, I particularly value several chapters, such as Lighting by Numbers, In Broad Daylight, Dynamic Lighting of Static Subjects, Shedding Light, and Lights-On Lessons. These sections are teeming with the kind of applied wisdom that students are starving for. I enjoyed reading it; better yet, I learned a lot from it. --Charles Merzbacher, professor, New York University, Dept. of Film & TV

I am still citing Ross Lowell as the sensitive character who knew what light and movement were all about. This book confirms it. --Peter Jennings, anchorman, ABC News

Ross Lowell has spent his life learning and teaching about light . . . (This book) should be owned by everyone who has any kind of camera . . . The reward for reading just a few chapters . . . will surely be better pictures . . .Mr. Lowell s writing . . . has a lyrical and spiritual dimension that is inspiring . . . John Durniak, Valuable Lessons from a Master of Light, --The New York Times

E. Carlton Winckler, retired TV lighting designer and consultant
"Valuable reading for any serious lighting artist... by a skilled practitioner who loves his work and its satisfactions... The glossary is outstanding."

Peter Jennings, anchorman, ABC News
"I am still citing Ross Lowell as the sensitive character who knew what light and movement were all about. This book confirms it."

Customer Reviews

Why to light, not just how
Rather than lighting formulas which are a great way to see the tried and true setups, Lowell discusses the "whys" to light in particular way, opening up your creativity. It discusses selecting the planes of the subject that are desired to be emphasized/de-emphasized and lighting accordingly, eg good cheek bones vs. large ears. To consider having your lighting be consistent with visible light source in the scene. A great companion to Light: science and magic that considers how particular surface types should be lit. It will change the way you see light, consequently the way you photograph or watch movies.

Matters of Light & Depth
No problems. Who could complain when the product was delivered quickly and in the condition as described (great).

Illuminating (okay, okay, that's pretty bad, but the book isn't)
For those of us who seem mystified by why their videos look so...well, bad, Matters of Light and Depth offers valuable insights into the subtle and not so subtle qualities of light. Some of the material presented looks at still photography, and some takes advantage of classic artists whose tools were oil paint and canvas. All in all, while Matters of Light and Depth does not offer a "by the numbers" approach to lighting scenes, it does provide strong aesthetic considerations, as well as pithy quotations from people who "do lighting." It's worth looking at. And the glossary is entertaining, as well. Basically, you just can't beat something from Ross Lowell.