Reviews (7)

Answers MANY Questions ...
This book is invaluable to anyone struggleing to make prints like the master printmakers. Picture by picture analysis of negatives, lighting, exposure and split filtering to make it all work. While I do not take the kind of pictures used as examples, there is something in each one that is applicable to a very broad range of photographs. Thanks Eddie!

Not broad enough in scope...
I was disappointed in this book because I had expected useful information and techniques. The photographs chosen do not seem to convey much and the "technical" explanations of the manipulations involved to utilize the characteristics of variable contrast papers do not (for me) illuminate the process at all! In fairness to the author my dissatisfaction may well stem from the fact that I quite simply do not relate to his photographic style and fail to see anything here worthy of emulation.

Not what I expected
I was looking for a good book for learning how to use split printing on variable contrast papers and any other useful sort of tips...P>Mostly this is a book about how this individual person used techniques to create certain prints that he fancies very good. Frankly, I'm not very impressed with most of them, and in fact I think the color slides -- that are shown to illustrate the scene "as it was" in comparison to the b&w negatives he took -- are often better than the resultant b&w print. Moreover he uses color toning as a crutch to prop up his inherently weak photographs; I have nothing against toning, and in fact I think a couple of the prints in here are quite good and helped by the toning, but if the print can't stand on its own, blurring it for "artistic effect" and toning doesn't really help that much.

While he discusses the methods used to create each print, he does not discuss them very fully, and he doesn't usually say how he came to choose those methods to get the "best print" he could. There is some how-to info in the back but it's not very comprehensive.

If I had known this was how the book was before, I would not have bought it. There is simply far too much white space and not enough useful information for someone wishing to learn the techniques to improve their own prints.

Tips from a master printer
Dodging, toning and related topics for the advanced printer. Skips basic lessons on the orginal print process and delves right into advaced techniques; superb in this regard. Split contrast printing delt with in detail. If you wish to use VC papers this book would be a good investment, as he teaches a printer some really crafty tricks in this area (such as using a #1 filter to burn-in clouds while using a #3 or 4 filter for the rest of the exposure). Great for fine art printers everywhere.

Detailed but disappointing book on use of VC papers w/B&W
I am an avid B&W photographer who does all my own darkroom work. i have many books on the science/art of B&W and use VC papers (FB and RC) exclusively. I looked forward to reading Eddie Ephraum's treatment of this with great anticipation. Yet I was, overall, disappointed. Frankly I am not impressed by his work anyway which I am sure contributed to my feelings in this regard. This book is useful if you are an avid toner and want another perspective on the issue, but overall my two star rating is generous! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Worst photography book on the market
This book is awful. The pictures are not very good, there are a few diagrams but the pictures don't reflect the diagram. The woman are attractive and pretty - that's the only good thing I can say about this book. There are many other better choices for glamour photography than this book.

a good one...
pretty good book. many of the techniques are really detailed, which i like. after all, this book is a tutorial. the author has obvious partialities, but you know...? they work.

good job!

Absolute Best Glamour Lighting Book
First I should point out that if you are looking for a single book that covers all you need to know about glamour photography, you will never be happy. Having said that, I believe this to be the absolute best book on glamour lighting for someone who is serious about doing glamour photography. I am a serious working photographer who does quite a bit of glamour photography, and although I do not always agree with the author, I find the lighting techniques presented in this book to be mostly excellent.

Useful, but incomplete
Kimber's book is well written and readable. There are numerous diagrams showing the lighting set-up used. Why am I less than enthusiastic? First, Kimber repeatedly stresses that tungsten lights will produce a warm, glamorous image. In my opinion, so repeatedly that he excludes other, equally useful information. I also think that the quality of the photographs is not sufficiently good to accurately show some of the lighting effects. If you have access to a full studio and can test his set-ups, fine. If you don't... This is NOT the only book I'd want to own about glamour photography, although in fairness it does contain numerous good examples of effective lighting. Borrow from your library.

One of the best book on the subject of lighting and Glamour
After reading this book I found new information that I've been able to use in my teaching class on glamour and modeling class I teach at Sac City College. When this book came out in England before it came out here USA I had to have it shipped here from England. This is because it took a whole year before The USA could see how well the author presented the Technical Data and the windows that show the layout of lighting and camera location, is above all other books on the market.... ... Read more

Book Description

Covers all the fundamental skills required for location photography when using Digital, 35mm SLR and medium format cameras working with both existing light sources and introduced light.

Through a series of practical exercises the student photographer is shown the importance of image design, communication of content and the essential techniques required for competent and consistent images capture and creation. The basic essentials, from exposure, to framing the image and how to work with light and contrast are explained in detail. New in this edition are chapters covering 'Sensitivity and Image Capture' and 'Filters'.

Assignments are provided for genres such as landscape, environmental portraiture and the photographic essay. Illustrated throughout with student and author work, including a new 8-page colour plate section, Location Photography is an inspirational guide as well as a structured learning tool for mastering the essential techniques.

Mark Galer lectures in photography at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia - the leading photography course in the southern hemisphere. He is also co-writer and teacher on their new online photography courses. He has lectured in photography both in the UK and Australia and has worked commercially as a freelance photographer on corporate and editorial. He is also author of 'Photography Foundations for Art and Design', and co-author of 'Digital Imaging: Essential Skills' and 'Photographic Lighting: Essential Skills' also published by Focal Press. Email: mark.galer@rmit.edu.au

* Learn the essential skills for creative and competent location photography

* Put your skills into practice with numerous activities and assignments

* Benefit from a highly structured, successful learning approach ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My Photography Bible!!!
Detailed, precise and easy to understand information about: professional view-cameras, (medium and 35mm cameras are not the focus of attention of this book, but you'll find some information about them); pro equipment; films; lighting techniques; portraits (very good lighting guide - all kinds of lightings!!!); still-lifes; copy work; special effects... EVERYTHING... Doesn't have lots of information about developing and printing. Above all things it's a very creative book, from a very talented and creative photographer. It's a book for those who have some knowledge of photography and want to know more about studio and professional work. ... Read more

Book Description

Portraiture is a complex craft, made exponentially more difficult by the variable lighting, cluttered backgrounds, and equipment limitations of location shoots. This guide leads beginners and professionals alike through all the technical and creative challenges of this increasingly popular art form. Subjects covered include choosing film, picking lightweight and durable equipment, calculating exposures, using the Zone System, and making the best of ambient light. Tips and techniques are reinforced with full-color examples, accompanied by advice on posing and composition. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great photos and helpful text
The book is helpful and directive with good explanations on how to set up on-location lighting, mostly using natural light. It is beneficial to me, however, it deals primarily with medium format, non-automatic, cameras and equipment; only one chapter deals with 35mm and autofocus cameras. Even though the book was written in 2003 the author never mentions digital photography, never even touches on it. That is a drawback. If you are using digital, this book may not be good for you. The information about use of lighting, diffusers, and reflectors is still a great help. I do recommend the book.

A Logical Approach For Better Portrait Photography
Most portait photography books teach by making you a "clone" of the author. Mr. Allen's aproach to portraits (in both of his books) is not that way. He teaches you how to think about your own style of portraiture and then how to test your technical approach in a step by step method, so as they say, "you can get it on the film". If you follow his logic, there is no way you cannot end up a better photographer. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Essential Book
I am a serious, pro-amature who's been away from photography for quite a few years. When I treated myself to a Nikon N80 for my birthday this year, I knew that black and white photography was where I wanted to focus. Black and White Shots is an invaluable source for me for staging as well as lighting for black and white photography. I was able to look at pictures that caught my eye and read both description and a diagram of how the photographer put the shot together. Film type, f/stops, lighting types, positioning and notes about the shoot -- this book had it ALL!!! It told me the basics and allowed me to add my own creative touch to a photo session. Definitely a reference KEEPER!

Amazing book!
This book is one of the best in studio photography. you can even use the lighting and diagrams for color portrait.
I love this book, it's the best among all the other books i have in this field.

Excellent resource for any level of photographer
As with all of the Pro Lighting series of books, this latest edition adds insightful tips and tricks into the world of "pro" level B/W photography. Especially helpful are the detailed shot elements that allow you to very closely achieve results like those you see in print.

A must have to complete the collection. Do not miss this title. ... Read more

Book Description

For photographers who have a basic understanding of how to operate their cameras, this book offers easy techniques, a myriad of photographs from acclaimed studio photographers, and numerous lessons to create great effects that portray subjects in a flattering light. Whether working in a spare bedroom, in the garage, or in a well-trafficked part of town, photographers learn how working in the studio allows them to control the effects of lighting on their subjects, no matter the weather or time of day. Including practical advice for achieving the shadows and highlights that make any subject appear photogenic, assignments that command an increase in creativity and efficiency, and progressive photos that illustrate various steps in the lighting process, this book provides the hard facts and hands-on experience photographers need to make the images they have always dreamed possible. ... Read more

Book Description

Skilful lighting involves a subtle blend of systematic mechanics and a sensitive visual imagination. It requires anticipation, perceptiveness, patience and know-how. But learning through practice alone can take a great deal of time. This book is a distillation of many years' experience, with advice and guidance that will bring successful results right from the start.

Whether you are a student studying lighting techniques in the television, video and film media, or a professional lighting for the camera, this book will be an invaluable aid. Other members of the production team, including camera crews, designers and directors, will also find the information here interesting and useful.

The book concentrates primarily on the fundamental principles of lighting in studios, on location and display, as well as single-camera, small unit production, improvised and economy lighting, and working with limited facilities. Emphasis is also placed on the safety aspects of working with lighting equipment.

Lighting for Television and Film reflects the author's considerable experience of lighting techniques in BBC studios, his teaching and consultancy work.

Gerald Millerson's analytical writings spring from a lifetime's personal experience in the medium, and from his teaching and engineering background.During his career with the BBC, he was primarily associated with studio operations in the Television Service.His lecturing background included courses in TV production at a number of American universities.
His other books for Focal Press are Television Production, TV Scenic Design, Video Production Handbook and, in the Media Manuals series, Effective TV Production, Lighting for Video and Video Camera Techniques.

*A classic and definitive work

*Internationally acclaimed sourcebook

*Reflects current development in lighting technology ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lighting for Television and Film
This skilfully illustrated book is a practical guide to lighting for television and film. It covers the principals, techniques and equipment involved in lighting for single-camera location shoots, as well as multi-camera studio productions. It is an excellent handbook to help film students understand all aspects of lighting, but can be retained throughout your career in the motion picture industry for reference purposes. It starts off with the basics and gradually moves on to more complicated aspects of lighting. The emphasis is on the practical application of the theory behind lighting. In this respect it is full of examples of common problems and how to solve them in practice. It is clear that this book was written with the knowledge gained from years of practical lighting experience. ... Read more

Book Description

A mix of theory and practical applications, Placing Shadows: Lighting Techniques for Video Production 2E covers the physical properties of light and the selection of proper instruments and their placement for the best possible effect.For the advanced amateur and those pros looking to enhance the look of their productions, this book covers the fundamentals, as well as providing a solid reference for tips on better performance and how prepare for and avoid costly and time-consuming problems.

The new edition includes an expanded section on location lighting, including the latest equipment and techniques to make location work easier, less expensive and using considerably less power.A section on studio lighting completes the work, including Hollywood-style lighting fixtures and techniques that will give interior work a balanced, professional appearance. The book includes all the latest lighting units available today.

Covers the fundamental properties of light as well as practical advice and many tips and tricks
Updated and revised to include the latest in location and studio techniques and equipment
Shows how to select the best equipment for a particular situation ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good info if you want to know how a light bulb is made.
I have a background in photography so using tungsten lighting is not new to me. I thought this book would have more technique then I was led to believe.

It does have some great info on how a light bulb is created and the various parts but is not very fulfilling. this book is not what I thought it would be like and
the reviews from others are misleading.

It goes over various lighting setups, any photography book covers this and skims over ratios. It explains color meters in short detail but it would be great to have more "meat" to hang on to then the author's bad grammar and old sayings. He suggests that you learn by doing. enough about his experiences, show me something I don't know how to do!

If you want to learn lighting for video, this is not the book to buy. If you want to learn about light bulbs and color tempatures of tungsten lights then this book delivers.

I give it a 2 stars because it does have some merit but not in the area of lighting technique. For a really thin book, its not worth the price even if you get a discount.

Puts ligth on the life of beginers and pros
I belive this book can be very helpful for people who want to make films, either as a guide to create a nice looking product or as a general idea of how ligth works for the image, this book is a great begeaning in every cinematographer's career.

Great introduction to "Art" of lighting.
As a beginning Videographer I found this book a great introduction to the many different lights and techniques used in obtaining good video. The book is also very current on what is available today. I feel it could have been a little more in-depth, but for the price and length I found it well worth buying and reading. The authors write in a very "readable" style that educates you but doesn't bore you. Highly recommended.

"Must" reading for aspiring video producers & videographers.
Now in a completely updated and expanded second edition, Placing Shadows: Lighting Techniques For Video Production continues to be the best one-volume "how to" guide and reference on the practical fundamentals of studio and on-site location video production lighting techniques. Producer, director, videographer, Chuck Gloman collaborates with independent lighting designer Tom Letourneau to provide a superlative guide that covers every aspect of video lighting from meters and scopes to lamps and reflectors. Placing Shadows is "must" reading for all aspiring video producers and videographers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

John Garrett's Black & White Photography Masterclass
I did not think this was a MASTERCLASS. Has a lot of black and white prints...but, short on text. I was looking for more in the instruction area as a MASTERCLASS on photography.

Truly a masterclass of it's own
This is really an excellent book for teaching, or just for the public. It gives you great pointers on how to achieve a certain look for a particular picture. It is also interesting to see how different pictures can look when certain effects are applied to it. I would recommend this book to anyone as a gift or a personal collection of their own. ... Read more

Book Description

135 color photos7 x 9Expert information on outdoor photographyAdvice and inspiration for any photographer Understanding the effects of light on a subject is one of the most important elements of taking top-quality outdoor photographs. This richly illustrated guide discusses in detail the varying qualities of natural light-how it affects metering, aperture selection, film speed, mood, and composition-to help both beginning and experienced photographers improve their images. Practical techniques are offered for low-light situations, sunny skies, overcast days, clouds, reflections, shadows, haze, and fog. Includes a gallery of the author's own photos. George Schaub is the author of numerous books on photography, including How to Photograph the Outdoors in Black & White. He teaches photography and printing at the New School/Parsons School of Design in New York and lives on Long Island. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Covers all the information that is essential for photographers to understand when working with light. New for this second edition is the 'Sensitivity and Image Capture' chapter which includes the latest on digital image sensors as well as film emulsions to help you choose the right medium for your work. Through a series of practical exercises, the student photographer is shown how to overcome the limitations of equipment and capture mediums, to achieve creative and professional results. With theory kept to a minimum, this book shows how to tackle difficult lighting conditions and manipulate light for mood and atmosphere using basic and advanced metering techniques.



For captured and created imagery, TTL and hand-held metering techniques are also demonstrated. Controlling introduced lighting and ambient light together with advanced metering techniques and lighting ratios are covered. Illustrated throughout with author and student work, including a new 8-page colour plate section, this is an inspirational guide as well as a highly structured learning tool.

John Child lectures in photography at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia - the leading photography course in the southern hemisphere. He has worked for many years as a professional photographer, with clients including Ford, Singapore Airlines, American Express and British Airways. Email: john.child@rmit.edu.au

Mark Galer also lectures in photography at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia. He is also co-writer and teacher on their new online photography courses. He has lectured in photography in the UK and Australia and has worked commercially as a freelance photographer on corporate and editorial assignments. Email: mgaler@photography.rmit.edu.au

Save time, with one easy volume learn how to make your photographic lighting work for you.
Put your skills into practice with innovative practical activities.
Use the inspirational images as a guide to what you can achieve. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

what type of photographer are you?
I think the question is whether you are an advanced amateur or pro photographer already-someone who is looking for advanced diagrams, etc. on studio setups, etc. That is NOT the type of book this is. For someone-such as myself-who is self-taught and trying to learn or solidfy an understanding of lighting, this book is an excellent tool. It does include exercises, but by no means do they take up the bulk of the text. Most of the text is lean, clear writing that helps you understand the characteristics and behavior of light, some different choices you have for lighting, etc. As such, the book very much fills a niche for a certain audience because unlike other books, this one attempts to teach the foundations of photographic lighting. And it does that job well.

Don't waste your money
I regret buying this. Its partly my fault for not reading more reviews. Its also partly the problem with buying on line. In a book store had I looked at this book I would have seen that is merely a lesson plan for teachers with out an idea. The book offers almost no information. Instead the premise is that the 'student' should go out and do the exercises. In other words, learn it by yourself.
Perhaps if you are a teacher without an idea you could use this for lesson plans. The authors are an example of university teachers who publish garbage to appear to advance their status on campus. Otherwise this book is useless.

Good for very general and basic information.
This is not a good book if you want in-depth information on the subject of lighting. However, it does give a nice overview of the major areas of photographic lighting. Unfortunately, it leaves the reader wanting more information and further explanations. I felt this book was a good read for a novice photographer, but not someone who knows the basics, but wants a more in-depth view of the broader categories of lighting.

Essential Skills - Photographic Lighting
This book is fantastic! It covers all aspects of photographic lighting from film, filters, exposure, compensation, zone system to creative techniques. The terminology is easy to understand and techniques explained in a "no nonsense" format. Excellent for beginners to intermediate photographers.

I have had this book for a few months now and through practicing and completing the revision exercises, I have a better understanding of the techniques used for photograhic lighting situations - location and studio (lighting ratios etc)

I hope they publish many more books like this one.

Thanks Amazon. ... Read more

Book Description

Provides the basic concepts necessary for designing and implementing lighting setups.Incorporates coverage of lighting, color control, texture, exposure technique, and elements that create image, look, and mood. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Must Have
Anyone interested in Ciinematography sholud have this book. It is full of practical examples, and the apendix is a very useful reference. Lots of information you will not find elsewhere

no better introduction to the craft
I have had this wonderful book since its first imprint. It demystifies the art of cinematography and lays a good foundation for the reader to understand both the craft and practice of cinematography. Those who have struggled to read American Cinematographer will have no problems after reading this excellent book. Highly recommended. But why the price increase? I paid only $30 in 1992.

EXTREMELY HELPFUL
This book absolutely helps the beginning cinematographer in every sense of the word. It is not only helpful for the amateur cinematographer but its also a useful and resourceful book at any stage of your profession. There are diagrams that help you duplicate lighting situations explained in the book. This book truly attempts to teach you. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A good general guide
I would recommend this work to beginners and photographers who are intermediate but have little or no experience with low light or night photography. There are better works out there on this subject that will serve the more advanced and serious amateur better than this volume might. I bought this book because it gave a good general overview of just about all the various aspects to an often overlooked area of photography. I nearly didn't buy it because I picked up Andrew Sandersons book at the same time. I had been vowing to buy Sandersons work for over a year and finally the time came. The only thing that made me buy this work was the excellent sections on Painting with light and Star Trails at the end of the book, rarely seen or discussed in any other photographic literature I have ever seen. I give this book a four star rating for tackling these last two sections but would otherwise have rated this book in parallel with Meehans 'Guide to Filters' for the exact same reasons.

Having said all of the above it's a great general guide and if thats what you need then get this book. If you are an intermediate or professional needing something more dense to bite down on you can't go past Sandersons work which I have reviewed elsewhere.

It simplifies night photography
The book approaches the topic unlike any other in the existing light photogrphay genre. Where some other books fluff it up with technical talk, Carucci explains it all in plain english.

Night photography is such a mystery, and the author explains all the elements that affect the picture in the first chapter. After that, each topic is covered in depth.

Having a understanding in fundemental photography, I found this book informative though I'm not sure if a beginner would get as much out of it since Carucci seems to speak to readers that grasp the basics rather than those new to photography.

Even if you're not into the text, the pictures themselves stand on their own.

Barely enough for most
Apologies first, the cover was not that inspiring compared to many other photography books, and so had yet to buy it. I picked it up at a local library and went through it, basically it focus on cityscapes shooting, a very interesting area to learn due to the difficulty in getting the desired exposure and lighting.

I realize that there are many repeating information on bulbs/lights temperature and type, sure they are the main essence to coloring the shots but having such information all over the place makes the book seems so messy. The best thing about this book is the illustration of shots taken on diferent lighting and film. It really does help you to see more creatively if you are new to this.

Interestingly it does shed some light on light painting, seldom found in writing, actually I had no real idea on how it really works till I read this book. I had done some light painting prior to this, but only for fun, this book tells you how to expose it.

Whether it appeals to you, you just have to see it for yourself. This is not a wholly technical book, more inclined towards beginner on night shooting. Newbies may like the presentation of the book, very journal-like (and hence seems disorganized), like writing a trip on night photography, but there's no section on fundamental photography (and I dont suggest one to start learning photography through this area...might just put one off with the difficult shooting situations). Newbies to night shooting may like the information on color temp and the type of lights associated, and how they actually look like. Advanced people may find the book too shallow, and fundamental.

Not All I Thought It Would Be
I made the mistake of ording this book and Lee Frost's Complete Guide to Night and Low Light Photography at the same time. They are very similar books, but Frost's is better. (I gave it a 3.)

Whereas Frost's book is fairly balanced between landscape (sun afterglow, moon light) and city/building shots, this one is heavily weighted toward the city. (From the photos, I can't confirm that Carucci has ever stepped off pavement.) I guess if your specific interest is low light city work, you might prefer this one. Same thing if you're very interested in slow-sync flash and other flash techniques. Otherwise, both books remain a bit weak on technical substance. (The brief twilight section in Zucherman's Natural Light Photography gives you about 30% of what you get here.)

An invaluable manual for night-time photography
I had been taking pictures for years before I read this book. I have read it multiple times since and learn something new each time. John Carucci takes you on a step by step process through not only night photography but photography itself. His photographs are incredible and best of all he gives detailed information on each shot. I am convinced that nighttime photography is the most interesting pursuit there is. I can honestly say that I have learned more about photography from this book than anything else that I have ever found. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Heavy Light
Absolutely one of the most incredible books of surreal art and scupture I've seen.The figures are big round bodies full of expression.Wonderful!

One of the most amazing surreal art books in recent times
De Es is clearly one of today's best fine artists and is a fascinating thinker, as well. His surreal images become burned in one's mind ... Read more