Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

Another Gem
I'm hooked on these authors and there's SO much I like about this book.This book not only teaches what it says it will, but it inspires and helps the photographer to become an "artist" and to develop our vision pushing the boundaries past average results.One lesson that shows how to go beyond average is teaching the importance of graphic tiers and how to light them, I loved this throughout the book.There are important "walk-throughs" for various set-ups, that open the door to a wide array of creative options.I loves this book because I love being able to harness the beauty of the outside world, instead of being caged in a stuffy studio, and this book offers the steps to do that.Though the results of some of my latest images have been more advanced than my regular work, the basic instructions in this book 1) what gear is needed 2)where to get it 3) how to connect 4) where to begin lighting, has afforded me the process quite easily, and achieve the look I wanted.Another affordability this book offers is doing all the leg work for sourcing out equiptment that's inexpensive and does the job.The worth of this book is well beyond what it costs and I will definitely look for other titles by these frontier authors.

Perfect for photo reference collections
Multiple Flash Photography: Off-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Photographers provides a fine survey from two photography instructors who show how to use multiple off-camera flashes to improve lighting. From selecting the gear and syncing it with camera and environment to blending existing light with flash, this is a pick no photographer should be without, and perfect for photo reference collections.

Create photographic art
This book provides a means to see what is possible as well as to learn / fine tune your photographic skills in ways that you probably haven't thought of before.That's really the bottom line - throw away your previous conceptions and become absorbed in what this book has to say, the message is very simple... but quite powerful.I guarantee you will want to read their other books to explore Rod and Robin's insights into other areas of photography.This is not your 'usual' photographic book, you will not find the information or the insights presented this way anywhere else.

As I read this book, one of the early sentences caught my attention and stuck "A flash is used to illuminate ideas, not just to eliminate shadows."This one sentence embodies what this book does a masterful job at explaining and illustrating, don't simply take snapshots... you can use your camera and flash(es) to do so much more that will be meaningful and beautiful to you years hence. Do not read this book hoping to have it tell you how to take pictures of the world as you see it with your eyes.It tells you how to take those pictures as you see them with your heart.

What is so pleasurable is that this book is not written to impress with overly technical camera-speak, it's written in down to earth language with just a touch of humor to make it fun. If you're someone like me (who is not an experienced photographer with years behind them), you will get something out of this book and it will change the way you think about flash photography. It is not written as a recipe book, several of which I have owned as they were highly recommended when I looked for resources online. You won't find Rod and Robin saying, in this situation... set your camera and flash settings up thusly. Who wants to try and memorize all that type of detailed information? Not me.That doesn't help me create my images that reflect my personal view.I read those books, put them on my shelf... and more recently when I picked them up and flipped through them, I thought "there is really nothing in here I need any more" and I donated them.It was a very different experience with Rod and Robin's books. Those I pick up and page through to find my inspiration, and "re-sync" myself if you will, fairly regularly.I own the first two and they're already becoming dog eared, the badge of honor for a well loved book.

One of the main things that draws me back to the book is that it is not simply a book on flash photography of people or landscapes or macro or animals... or whatever... the images and the multiple flash techniques described cross all those boundaries.SO, whatever type of photography you love, there is something here for you.There are a lot of 'before' and 'after' shots as well as diagrams in reasonable amounts to show you for the particular situation, how the light was set up, where it was directed and what impact it had on the image.THIS is probably the most profound information, definitely a case of a picture paints a thousand words.Also, this book gives you useful insights into composition... a way of thinking about putting your image together and lighting it that makes it work as a whole.You'll no longer be taking just photographs of a subject. Snapshot? pshaw... not any more.The entire world looks different to me now.It's really weird, just driving down the freeway and everything I notice is different.I am seeing things that I didn't see before.That's very, very cool.You will see in the images how light is used to communicate feeling, it can be bright and happy, moody and dark, soft... each different situation makes an image feel differently.

You'll also get information on what equipment you do need, how to find it inexpensively... as well as the trade-offs you'll encounter when faced with a myriad of choices in flashes and flash accessories.There are also DIY ideas... and trust me, I've never been so fond of tin foil, oatmeal cans, tissues... and other 'found' objects.In using whatever I happen to have, like when I'm wayyy out camping or backpacking or ? and didn't want to carry a lot of equipment but now want a particular image... I have found that the resulting images are often some of my favorites, that the quality of the light in them is particularly unique.It's a lot of fun.It also gives some hints on saving battery life in your flashes, a nice cost-savings (as well as helping in the camping and backpacking arena, camera stuff can get heavy).

Of course, the book concentrates on what you can create using two or more flashes.If you're just starting out with flash photography you may want to read "Off-Camera Flash: Creative Techniques for Digital Photographers" first.

A note. The book is targeted for photographers that prefer to use their cameras on manual and thus retain artistic control of their images.If this is a precipice you've thought about stepping over, the book gives many reasons that using cameras on automatic is not only limiting, but often more expensive. This type of photography requires a LOT of practice... but my mistakes have made me stronger, so to speak, and like driving a manual car, you sometimes find that there is a great deal of fun in controlling things that were previously done for you. I found a certain... artistic validation... in this book and was definitely a good read.

The incentive to experiment
Basic premise of this book is the photographer should envision the desired final image and create it.Do not let ambient light dictate your photo's appearance.With clear, concise examples the authors go through the steps from concept inception, equipment (el cheapo to moderate price), and camera settings to putting it all together.The result is how to create images rather than record the scene.The approach works, I gathered two flashes and one camera.With some experimentation the image I've wanted for three years was created.

Multiple Flash the simple way.
Rod and Robin Deutschmann have done it again with their second book, "Multiple Flash Photography: Off-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Photographers."Building on their first book, "Off-Camera Flash: Creative Techniques for Digital Photographers:" the book's specialty is the use of several flashes to improve the look of your photography.When you follow their instruction, you are able to obtain the control of light that you would get in a studio setting, outside in other venues.This book teaches you the basic of lighting technique.

In chapter after chapter, the authors provide cost-effective, inexpensive ways to bring this message to your audience as photographers, through flash photography.By even using different makes and models of speedlights, and even homemade solutions; you can have professional results, without the professional expense.The beautiful pictures inspire and move the reading and learning process along.The technique is explained, and your mind goes to "how do I do that?"

While much of the book concerns flash photography, this book is so much more.It articulates the zen of photography.You are able to think in a different way, beyond a simple snapshot mentality.The difference between documenting your world, to interpreting your world.From the comfort and complacently of automatic settings, to the accountability and freedom of going fully manual.

To Rod and Robin, each picture can be a message.Within the book, Rod and Robin provide a checklist to allow the message to "sing" as the authors tell it.This becomes a simple process of how to feel about a photograph, rather than just how it looks.For me personally, this book really spells out the process.

Another great feature in this book is the yellow post-its of truths and tips located throughout the book.They are from "No Shortcut" to "Optical Slaves Indoors" to "Six Steps to Artistic Freedom."These post-its are easy to remember in the field while shooting.

Being an experienced beginner, I am beginning to see how flash photography could impact my photography.While the fear of "washing" things out by using my "pop-up" flash on my camera, and the learning curve for good flash photography has intimidated me; Rod and Robin's two books have made the process much less frightening for me.I look forward to applying what I have learned through their books.

But the books aren't just for me and my skill level.People from every skill level can apply and adapt the lessons and tips in this book.Even the most experienced can readily the authors' MacGyver like techniques to their shooting.
... Read more

Product Description
This new edition is revised to incorporate all the significant changes and recent developments in 35mm photography, including updated information on flash systems, film speed standards, DX coding, zoom lenses, autofocus lenses and the latest advances in compact and automated SLR cameras. There are sections on cameras, film, solving picture problems, including isolating the main subject and photographing at night, tackling special projects such as photographing children, animals and recording electronic images, flash, accessories and special effects. There are easy-reference charts of condensed information on film types, lens fields, zoom lens ranges, filters, flash exposures, selling your photographs and a glossary of commonly-used photographic terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

BRITISH
FAIRLY DECENT BOOK. NOT AS GOOD AS BRYAN PETERSON'S "UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE"

OH AND IT'S WRITTEN IN BRITISH ENGLISH. A BIT HARD FOR AMERICAN ENGLISH SPEAKERS TO
UNDERSTAND.

Your One Stop Reference
Like "The Joy Of Cooking" is to the home
chef, this is the one photography book
any amateur photographer should have as
a basic reference. It teaches you the
things you need to do good photos and will
stand you in good stead over the years as
a manual on "how to" from things like F-stops
to how pictures should be framed. A cheap
buy at this price and worth having in your
library.

Good Starting Point and Quick Reference
This book is great for a beginner to get a first idea of what goes on behind the scenes to create different effects/qualities in photos, and as such, provides a good quick beginner's reference to put in your camera bag.However, I feel that this should be a companion to a more in-depth book, which goes into greater detail on subjects like exposure.

Bursting with useful tidbits
A small book with an enormous amount of information. It won't tell you WHAT a good picture is (take a visual arts course for that), but it will tell you how to make what you consider good the best it can be via themedium of 35mm film. Almost everyone who isn't a professional camera jockeywill read this book and repeatedly say "Aha! So that's how it'sdone!"

Buy it. 'Nuff said.

Basic Imformation is covered nicely!
It makes for a great book to carry with you, and refer to when needed for advice.I use it a lot! ... Read more

Product Description
Revised edition of the mega-best-seller, now completely revised and updated to include the latest trends in wedding photography!

The wedding photographer faces a difficult challenge. Working with emotionally charged clients, he or she must capture a once-in-a-lifetime event and make average people look perfect, with no opportunity for retakes.

The completely new edition of Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer is the picture-taker's “bible” to lighting, posing, and taking gorgeous photographs that will increase sales and profits. The guide is organized as a thorough and detailed script for a typical wedding day. Over 150 stunning photographs take the reader, step by step, through all the pictures clients expect to see in their albums, from formal portraits to candid shots at the reception. Plus, this updated version details all the latest trends in wedding photography, including wedding photojournalism and black-and-white wedding photography.

Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer is also a valuable business tool. Readers will discover hundreds of proven approaches for boosting sales, including making sales presentations to clients, choosing a professional lab, using digital files, creating wedding albums that make an impact, and closing the deal. This brand-new edition also includes tested tips for using the photographer's newest and most essential marketing and sales tool—the Internet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Awesome book for ANYONE interested in shooting weddings
This book formed the basis for my entire wedding photography business. It's great for a beginner who's just getting into the business. The sample contract is awesome as well. VERY eye-opening indeed. I recommend this read for anyone getting into wedding photography or for those who wish to improve upon their wedding photography. I bought this book almost 6 years ago and I'm still reading it over and over today. The info never becomes outdated.(apart from references to a few independent websites which the author cannot guarantee are still online beyond publishing time).

Too Vague Not Enough Detail
It wasn't what I thought it would be (I was hoping more detailed and step by step).It has a lot of great information about wedding photography, but doesn't go into enough detail to be helpful in taking the shots. I don't feel any more comfortable about doing a wedding from reading this book.It does provide a good script for the newer wedding photographer, but falls short by generalizing.It talks about techniques in taking shots, but doesn't go into the details about those techniques. It left me with more questions than answers.It's not the all inclusive guide.You will need additional books (or experiences) to round out where this one leaves you.

Satisfied
I'm looking forward to using some of these techniques at my nephews wedding in October this year.

Nice pictures
I bought this book to get pointers to shooting weddings. It really didn't help me that much but it does have some nice pictures.

So-So
Didn't find this book all that great.Some information was very useful, but much of it was too simplistic, or even outdated.You can't shoot modern weddings like you did in 1970, and this book had some example shots that seemed very old-school.

I don't regret buying it, but I wouldn't go to this book first when I'm looking for new, exciting ideas when shooting weddings. ... Read more

Product Description
Author Bob Davis is a photographer whose high-profile clients include Oprah Winfrey and Eva Longoria, and whose work has appeared in Time, O Magazine, and People.Along with his invaluable professional advice, this beautiful full-colorbook includes a DVD featuring portions of his workshop curriculum. He covers theelements of lighting and shares his two-strobe technique that will enable you tocreate studio-quality lighting anywhere with only minimal equipment.Amazon.com Review
Learn to achieve the best possible images with minimal lighting equipment

Author Bob Davis is a photographer whose high-profile clients include Oprah Winfrey and Eva Longoria, and whose work has appeared in Time, O Magazine, and People. Along with his invaluable professional advice, this beautiful full-color book includes a DVD featuring portions of his workshop curriculum. He covers the elements of lighting and shares his two-strobe technique that will enable you to create studio-quality lighting anywhere with only minimal equipment.

• High-profile photographer Bob Davis is especially known for his lighting techniques; this book shares his advice on lighting for professional photographers and serious amateurs
• Covers all the key elements of photographic lighting, with informative illustrations and lighting grids
• Details the author's pioneering two-strobe technique that reduces the amount of equipment a photographer must carry to a shoot and dramatically lowers equipment costs
• Features professional tips and stunning full-color images
• 60-Minute DVD includes video from the author's three-day lighting and photography workshop

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographersoffers your professional advice worth many times the cost of the book.

Top 10 Lighting Tips
Amazon-exlcusive content from author Bob Davis

1. Become a seeker of light.My lighting improved leaps and bounds once I began to notice and study light and how it creates mood, shapes, and defines textures.It’s all about light.I take mental notes when light catches my eye. I love the way the sunlight reflects off my stone counter tops and creates beautiful patterns on the kitchen cabinets.I then think of how can I emulate that.

2. Take visual notes using your cell phone camera.I love using my iPhone for this.Most people have a camera on their cell phone; it’s great for capturing those wonderful moments when the light catches your eye. Later, practice recreating that light with any type of light source, flashlight, shop light, strobe or video light.

3. Practice, practice, practice… I use a teddy bear and a flashlight to see how the light and shadows change as I move the light around the teddy bear.Then, I try to create that same look using an off-camera flash.

4. If you find using an off-camera flash a challenge because you can’t see the light, try using a flashlight as a modeling light.Point the flashlight in the same direction as your flash head.For a long time, I used a Mag light rubber banded to my Speedlight until I became comfortable using my flash.

5. Use a diffuser over your flash and, if at all possible, bounce your flash.Even the pop-up flash on a point-and-shoot can be diffused using facial tissue.If your flash has an adjustable head, try bouncing it off the ceiling by pointing the flash head upwards, or even to the side if there is a wall near by.Review your results, and make a mental note.

6. Whenever possible, get your flash off-camera.You can create depth and dimension by getting one flash with a bounce diffuser about 45 degrees to the left or right of your camera.This creates a nice modeling light to shape your subjects, and looks more natural than direct on-camera flash.

7. Read you camera and flash manual.I know they read like bad stereo instructions written for engineers, but if you read one page, and then practice what you’ve just read with your camera and flash, soon you will master all of the functions of your flash.

8. Use fresh batteries; even better, use rechargeable high capacity batteries.This alone will greatly improve your overall flash consistency.

9. Use flash outside on a bright sunny day to fill in the shadows under the eyes, hence the term “fill flash”. Photograph people in open shade to avoid them having to squint, and remember to turn on your flash to fill in their face with light.Almost all point-and-shoot cameras allow you to use your flash outside.Give it a try, and see how it puts that sparkle in their eyes.

10. You don’t always need a flash, I love lighting people using a reflector.There are many types of collapsible reflectors.You can use anything as a reflector.I once created a reflector in a pinch by using a paper plate and covered it with aluminum foil.It works!Remember it’s all about the light.Have fun, there is no wrong way to light; there are no rules written in stone.Create the light you want!

Tips for Using Strobe Lights

Strobes give you an incredible sense of flexibility in your approach to light, largely due to the many different ways you can manipulate and adjust their output.

Your flexibility increases significantly if you are able to move the flash away from the camera's hotshoe, because you can position it exactly where you would like it. Add more flashes to the mix, and you’re straying into more creative territory… This is your cue to take control of your lighting!Create the light you want anywhere.

I envisioned a romantic taxi cab ride, but I wanted to capture that feeling of motion, twilight and love.I like to think outside the box, literally!For this picture of the newly engaged couple, I mounted a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, in aperture priority mode, with a 16 – 35mm wide angle zoom lens at 18mm, 1/8th sec with f/4.0 at ISO 160.Here’s where it gets fun, so hold on and lets go for a ride.I mounted the camera on the outside trunk deck of the taxi using a Delkin Fat Gecko suction cup mount, and triggered the camera using a Pocket Wizard remote control.I used a Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter and Radiopopper transmitter and receiver to fire the remote Canon 580EX II Speedlite, in ETTL II mode, inside the cab.The Speedlite was diffused using a Lightsphere light modifier, creating the light I wanted.I choose aperture priority because of the changing available light as we drove through the streets of Chicago.I knew the camera would choose a slow shutter speed because of the low ISO, giving that sense of motion I had in my mind’s eye.

I’m always trying to tell a story through my pictures.I did the formal, “safe” pictures of the bride and groom first, and then I asked if they were up for something a little more creative.I got the green light, so I quickly changed from soft light-modifiers, such umbrellas or Lightsphere, to hard light.Using creative hard light, you can create a dramatic mood.I was feeling a little Casablanca; you know the old, classic black-and-white film with Humphrey Bogart?I had only a few minutes to create the look.I placed the groom in the background, and put spot light on him with one Canon 580EX II in ETTL II mode in group A.I modified the light using a HonlPhoto Snoot to vignette the light: focusing it on him, not the background.Next, I gave the bride the yellow flower, and asked her to give me a little attitude.I had her look into the second Canon 580EX II in ETTL II mode in group B, modified with a small beauty dish.The beauty dish creates a softer light than a snoot.I used a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in manual mode, with a 70 – 200mm IS II lens at 70mm, 1/250th sec with f/2.8 at ISO 200.The Speedlites were triggered using a Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter and Radiopopper transmitter and receivers.I choose the long lens to compress the space, and an aperture of f/2.8 focusing on the bride’s face for a shallow depth-of-field blurring the groom.I loved the image and so did the bride and groom.

Customer Reviews (20)

Canon 580EXII
I love the book and video. I purchased soon after purchasing my canon 580 ex II so I needed
a more basic book at first but after getting the basic knowledge of how the flash works, this book
and video offers great info and ideas. Also,turned me on to the classes held around the country
where you can go and work with professionals and models to experiment and learn.

Pretty average introduction to flash photography
If you really want to learn how to use small flashes go to Lighting 101 at [...]and then buy the DVD tutorial. If you really want to see great small flash images buy Joe McNally's books. This book covers the basics but does not give enough detail to be able to take many of the images shown. And the images themselves are often average and repetitive. It is clear he loves backlit subjects they are shown again and again. He obviously likes shots with planes; again very repetitive and often they are average quality with basic mistakes.

I see the light now!!
Now I am not so dependent on the automatic features of my camera. I see the light now and I went into it, and now I am FREE!

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers
Bob Davis is not just a visual storyteller; he is also a verbal maven. The language and style of this book is extremely accessible. The content is well organized and the topics flow naturally. The written explanations are thorough and informative; furthermore, they integrate tightlywith the photographic examples. And the diagrams showing the lighting setups are invaluable. For those of us who are not disciplined enough to diagrams how our own lighting setups work, they are an indispensable resource that can be referred to again and again. Thanks, Bob!

Very helpful...
I can learn a little new from everything I read and this book helped bring a few things together for me. Nice work! ... Read more

Product Description
In order to develop your artistic skills to the best of your ability, you first must understand the science and the fundamentals of photography. Whether you are a student of photography or a seasoned professional, this thoroughly updated edition of the classic text Basic Photographic Materials and Processes will provide all of the scientific information that you need. Full color throughout for the first time, this third edition covers new topics including digital resolution, digital sensor technology, scanner technology, color management, and tone reproduction.

* The most comprehensive treatment of the science of photography available
* Completely updated and revised to include digital processes
* Full color throughout for the first time
* New topics covered include digital resolution (sensors, printers, printer paper), digital sensor technology, scanner technology, color management, and tone reproduction
... Read more

Product Description
Distilled from over thirty years experience and addressing both black-and-white and color printing, Post Exposure's purpose is to teach photographers the refinements of photographic printmaking, taking them from making merely competent prints to making excellent ones.






Post Exposure provides clear explanations of principles and theory, but the focus is on practical techniques and examples of fine printmaking. Post Exposure contains numerous photographic prints, including sixteen pages of color.





Covers the producing of prints with various enlarger heads
Updated "Tricks of the Trade" covering safelight fogging, adequate wash steps in reversal print processing, and litho film masks for dodging and burning in
Expanded coverage on how to do split-filter printing, how to use Sistan and color film masking ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A great Book
I think this a very great book for all photographes, especially for colur users.

Stefano

A darkroom technician's stream of thoughts
The author has collected a number of articles he has written, many already published in various magazines over the years, and has reworked them with some new material. Since Ctein is an excellent technician, for readers who enjoy deep discussions for some of the more technical side of traditional drakroom work, the collected subject will be interesting, but this is not comprehesive in the way of a "how to do it" manual. Some parts, like the "this is my darkroom" chapter could have been omitted, but it's worthwhile on the whole. Note that this is about purely traditional photo printing techquiqes and related subjects - no digital. The author appears to have personally abandoned the subjects of this book to "go digital", based on his current output of publsihed artilces.

just started to read
if all the information after page 20 is as valuable as what i have read i will say that this is one of the top books on the subject..not for the begining photographer...some darkroom work really adds impact to this book

An indispensable photographic printmaker introduction
Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Post Exposure: Advanced Techniques For The Photographic Printer continues to be an indispensable photographic printmaker introduction and reference to the underlying principles and practices needed to produce professional quality photography prints. The clear text fully and cogently explains all of the principles and theories, with a "user friendly" focus on practical techniques illustrated with a number of examples of fine printmaking. All aspects of printmaking are covered included safelight fogging, adequate wash steps in reversal print processing, using litho film masks for dodging and burning-in, new coverage on split-filter printings, the use of Sistan, and more. Post Exposure is a "must" for any photographer aspiring to produce professional quality photographic prints.

Full of tips for the serious printmaker
Do you know how to make an unsharp mask for your color negatives? How to evaluate your enlarging lens? Why your variable-contrast prints might be unsharp? These are just three of the unique tips I could found on Ctein'sbook and that made it worth its price but the whole book, from cover tocover, is superb reading material.

Although the book is assembled fromseemingly disconnect articles, it is an out of the ordinary collection oftechniques focused on improving your darkroom work.

A must for dedicateddarkroom workers. ... Read more

Product Description
As every photographer quickly learns, there’s more to studio lighting than simply learning the equipment. In Basic Studio Lighting, an expert photographer and renowned photography teacher provides nuts-and-bolts guidance for mastering the complexities of one of the most important aspects of making a photograph: proper lighting.

Readers will discover surefire tactics for using equipment properly and innovative ways of utilizing color and light to create fabulous effects, as well as getting hands-on practice with exposures, accent lighting, backgrounds, set-ups, and dozens of other studio techniques. Plus, dozens of outstanding color photographs illustrate each technique step by step.

Perfect for aspiring photographers and students as well as veterans, Basic Studio Lighting provides all the theory and practical techniques needed to create professional photos that make an impact. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Basic is the Key Word
If you are learning lighting and need diagrams, skip this book.

If you are learning lighting and enjoy creating your own lighting setups and are willing to experiment to be different than the masses, buy this book.

The information will get your feet on the ground and help you grasp what light does, you can then take this a build your own lighting setups to match your personal vision.

If you have lots of experience and know lighting back and forth, then this book may be too basic for you. I enjoyed, even though I knew I was ahead of some of the topics, but if I had been looking from an experience point of view for a new "Wow factor" I would have been disapointed.

Fantastic book on studio lighting.
I've read and can appreciate all the reviews that came before this one. This book is NOT a cookbook on lighting. It IS a treatise on understanding how lighting effects photographs and how to best use lighting to define your photographs.

Those reviewers that have complained that the book didn't tell them how to light a given photograph will return to this book for understanding and inspiration once they master the basics.

I've read (and learned from) many photographic lighting books prior to this one and can say this is the finest book I've yet seen. It taught me to understand lighting, rather than simply use lighting.

Good book
I really like it, it's easy to read and good illustrations. good tips on lighting. it's really helping me on my photo technique's and my equipment.

Me gusto, es fácil de leer, y las ilustraciones son muy buenas. Me esta ayudando mucho en mi técnica de fotografia y me da ideas para montar mi estudio

It's not the book the title implies
This book should been titled "Studio Lighting Theory".While I appreciate the theory and concepts described in the book, I was looking for BASIC STUDIO LIGHTING instruction, and this book does not deliver.There are many, many nicely lighted portraits and product shots in this book but they are like teasers..."Try and figure out how I lighted this one!"In another review of the book, the reviewer considers the lack of diagrams a plus, but I surely can't see how holding back information can be beneficial.

I suspect, this was just a money grab by the author.A collection of his photographs--most of which he may not even remember the lighting setup used.The book is a bit dated, too, with nothing but film references and no fluorescents even mentioned in the continuous lighting section.

If you are looking for an introduction to studio lighting, this book will disappoint.I suggest looking elsewhere.That's what I'm doing now.

Such a Missed Opportunity
There is no question that Tony Corbell takes wonderful photographs. Go to his website at [...] to see for yourself. But, as we've often seen, raw photographic talent more often than not does not translate into teachable talent or competent writing skills.

In `Basic Studio Lighting' Corbell tackles a needed subject, writes in an agreeable fashion and delivers with beautiful examples. Yet one finishes this book, while thankful for the nuggets of valuable information, ultimately disappointed.

Disappointed at the missed opportunity. Corbell might very well have delivered a photographic knockout punch. He could have written the definitive textbook on studio lighting. Instead his book falls into the "out of 144 pages, I picked up three new ideas" category that too often describes photographic instruction books.

How do you possibly write a book on basic studio lighting without a single lighting diagram connected to an individual photograph? Tony Corbell did.

He even knows the importance of conveying that information. Consider, on page 128, Corbell writes "Placement of the separation light is of key importance..." yet no diagrams. As in none.

Didn't early on somebody, anybody (maybe an editor who should have known better) say, `Uh Tony? You might want to diagram those lighting setups, just in case someone might actually want to use your information"? This omission alone takes this book from the keeper category and lands it into the `read once and discard' category.

This book reads like Tony's lectures might sound if they were written down with a slideshow of images behind him, not like a book written from scratch.

Such a missed opportunity. ... Read more

Product Description
This easy-to-use, inexpensive book introduces readers to the fundamentals of photography and suggests ways in which they might create photographs that have meaning.Oriented toward traditional black and white photography, thebook also explores digital techniques and web photography resources, equipment, cameras and camera accessories, the exposure and development of film, and the making and finishing of prints. All aspects of the process are explained and illustrated clearly in two-page spreads, each of which addresses a self-contained topic.For those who don't know anything about photography—but want to learn, and anyone who wants to take better pictures than they do now. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Good Textbook
Required text for Photo 1 class, but a good overview of photography + processes, including digital. Very good master's examples.Clear explanations + illustrations.

A good instructon manual for operating a Chemical Darkroom
This is a good book for the beginner who wants to learn how to operate a chemical darkroom. It's simple and straight forward.

The Book That Tells It All
It's well writtten and illustrated and goes through all the fine points related to film photography.A Keeper!

Definitely for beginners
This book is great for begining photographers. It goes over all the important aspects of photography and is very easy to follow. I love the visual aid. It's a great book to go back to when you forget how to load film in a camera or just picking up basic f-stop and shutter combinations for varioius situations.

Good introduction for beginners
I am a teacher of photography and have looked at a number of different photographic text books and this is one of the best I have seen for beginners. One of the strongest aspects of this book is its copious illustrations and photographic examples that reinforce the concepts it is putting forth. While no book is perfect, I challenge any of the critics of the book here to come up with a better text that is as easy to read and as clearly laid out as this book.

I would agree that this book does not have a lot of information about how to use a digital camera - most of the digital information is about editing and printing photographs. I can see that would be a problem for someone wanting to learn just from this book about how to use their specific digital camera, but to be fair digital cameras can be so different from one make or model to the next and with the rate of change of all things digital it is very challenging to set anything down in a published text that will really be true for every digital camera. I do have to supplement the information in this book with information about that, but this book does an excellent job of explaining all the basic technical information about how a camera works which is completely applicable to all cameras, digital or otherwise.



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Product Description
Like photography itself, toning is a culmination of artistic and scientific processes. This guide explores the techniques photographers can employ to extend the longevity of black-and-white prints, improve contrast, create an antique appearance, or add electrifying color. Using minimal, readily available equipment, photographers can learn to control variables-paper, dilutions, and toning duration-to create repeatable results. Duo-toning, masking sections of images, and safe handling of chemicals are discussed. ... Read more

Product Description
This sturdy book gives the reader all the information needed to re-touch photos using an airbrush: masks, stencils, silhouetting, retouching, and restoration of old black and white photos, etc. ... Read more

Product Description
For serious photographers who want a complete understanding of the elements of colour photographic printing and duplicating methods, whether or not they intend in the long run to be involved with laboratory work themselves.



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Product Description
Written by pros, including the latest features from Photoshop 7, the authors of Professional Photographic Techniques will reveal not only how to recreate darkroom techniques without turning out the lights, but also how to create images well beyond traditional barriers. Of course, you don't need to be a pro to benefit from the knowledge in these pages; this is the perfect handbook for anyone who cares about photos.

Fully illustrated in color throughout, the text is organized into a series of examples that provides a comprehensive guide to image manipulation on Photoshop 7 - everything from the glamour of magazine retouching, through restoration work to the nitty-gritty of color reproduction. Because the authors remember the days before Photoshop existed, they can show you how to achieve chemical-free equivalents for all the old tricks as well as plenty of new ones.

All these methods are revealed with before and after examples that you can actually follow and apply to your own work. These include coloring, restoring and aging images, removing unwanted parts of the image, depth of field changes, useful techniques for creating works of art and how best to display your work for the rest of the world to see.

The emphasis is on techniques that will help you produce work that stands head and shoulders above the crowd, with clear step-by-step instructions. All this, of course, combined with publisher friends of ED's commitment to providing fast, friendly and free technical support, via our website.

Our aim with this book is to show you how to replicate techniques and effects that professionals use rather than advanced Photoshop skills. By the end of it, you should be confident enough to use them in your own images; blending these techniques with your own creativity and inspiration. As one of the authors, Janee, recently said: "While people do like my work and I'm always striving to improve it, I think that my goal has always been to show my reader what s/he can do, rather than to show what 'I' can do." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

No files, no support!
While the book moves well from more basic techniques, the constant reminders that you can follow along using the downloads available on the authors' web site turns out to be aggravating false advertising.While I appreciate that the authors decided not to enclose a CD in the book, then they need to insure that their web site can supply the files needed to use the book.They have a support email address, but not suprisingly emails sent to that address bounce back.Perhaps the authors are professional photographers, but they're clearly not professional publishers.

Not a truly professional book
I was attracted to the word 'professional' in the title, and that's why I bought the book. This turned out to be a poor reason to buy the book, and I was disappointed with much of the content.

I suppose technically speaking this book does cover techniques that professionals use, but it doesn't really cover them to a professional extent. You can buy whole Photoshop books dedicated to things like restoration or color correction. In this book, they have brief chapters. Maybe this book is supposed to be an introduction to professional techiniques??

Even then, I found some of the approaches to be questionable. On many occassions there was definately a more flexible, less destructive approach to the presented problem (ie. a more PROFESSIONAL way). Books I've read that I thought were good professional photographic technique books would include 'PS Artistry', 'PS Master Class', 'Photoshop Color Correction.' I gave it 3 stars (cause you can't pick 2.5), and because it might be useful to someone else; as well it didn't strike me as a hit n' run scam book. Maybe it would be alright for an intermediate user, but check out other books too.

Disappointing
This book is disappointing for the hefty price tag. The book is not substantial and most of the exercises are gimicky, perhaps fun for someone who wants to create "How did you do that photos" but of little value for a serious photographer. Also, unlike most manuals in this price range, the exercises are not in the book but must be downloaded from a web site. Without a high speed hook up this is an arduous task. Plus you must buy Winzip for another $... if you don't have it.

A LOT to Like
SUMMARY:

A presentation of numerous practical, entry-level-to-advanced techniques that can be learned while completing 31 detailed, step-by-step relevant, non-trivial tutorials. "Learn by doing" emphasis. Put-on-your-hardhat and dig into the exercises approach.

NOTEWORTHY:

* EZ to read. Not pretentious. Doesn't make you feel like a PS "idiot."
* Practical advice: Not just the "hows," but the "whys."
* Richly illustrated: Lots of diagrams.
* Very, VERY good chapters on restoration / retouching techniques.
* Emphasis on non-destructive methods.
* Learn the relationships among layers, layer masks, adjustment layers through Layers palette screenshots.
* Have a question or problem? Use their e-mail support. I did. It's quite good.
* NOT a comprehensive guide for the film-based photographer making the transition to digital nor a soup-to-nuts consummate bible on PS7.
* NOT for true beginners. Get some PS experience first. Understand the basics of tools, menus, adjustment layers and layer masks.

Great ideas and easy to follow!
You definetly have to know photoshop to use this book! I like that this book shows you how to achieved different effects, like cleaning up skin tones and motions blurs etc. There are so many books on the market that teach you photoshop, but where do you go after that? This book is a natural progression for people who know the basics of the program, and now what to do something with it. And it's easy to follow! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a study of the aesthetics and techniques of Spanish pictorial photography. Special emphasis is placed on work of the photographic impressionists, the critical stages in the evolution of photography's artistic status, and Spanish pictorialism from 1900 through the post-war period. ... Read more