Product Description

Customer Reviews (23)

No disk
Generally a good to very-good book, but let down by the fact the author makes continuous references to the images in the book as he edits them, but the book does not come with a CD of the images, nor are they available for download.

With the small size and poor print quality of the images in the book, it is sometimes difficult to see what is happening, whereas if the images were supplied you would be able to "follow-along".

So, while a good book, one you'll be disappointed with so I cannot in all honesty recommend it to you.

Interesting techniques but instructions lacking
There are a number of interesting techniques that you can try here but I found the instructions to be lacking.You would get through some of the steps only to find that the book doesn't explain how to do certain adjustments.Could be a bit more descriptive.I found this disappointing.

Great
This book has great step by step instructions, really easy to follow. With pictures to help you along the way!

2nd Edition! - What did you update Barry?
I went through both the 1st and 2nd editions and all of the text is the same and the example photos are all the same (some of the screen shots and pictures print better and some worse in the 2nd edition). The only differences are in the appenidix dealing with shortcuts!

I think the author (and publisher) have done a grave disservice to their customers by claiming this is an update!

What will you do for the Photoshop CS3 update?

Good techniques but lacks photos to help you practice
Overall, this book shows a lot of neat tricks into special effects. The downfall of this, is there are absolutely no pictures the consumer can practice on. This book is suited for intermediate, and not novice. The step by step instructions can be confusing if you don't know where the tools are located. In addition, some of the pictures are next to each other, and it would be helpful if the step by step instruction labeled which picture belonged to each step; this causes confusion. I believe that teaching should be hands on. It would really be nice if the CD with pics were included so the person reading could follow it more clearly.

If this book had a CD, then I would give it 5 stars, but it doesn't.
the techniques shown are suited for those specific pics.

If you are a beginner or novice, I do not recommend this book. I have 10 years experience as a graphic design, and although I understand what the author is saying and writing, there are some areas that are confusing and not detailed enough. ... Read more

Product Description
Explores the basic concepts necessary for designing and implementing lighting setups. This text adopts a conceptual approach to lighting, focusing on ideas and setups; it assumes readers have a prior knowledge of equipment. Coverage includes lighting, color control, texture, exposure technique, and elements that create image, 'look,' and mood. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Not Worth The Price
I bought this book because, as someone who has shot a limited amount of both film and video, I wanted to learn more specifics about lighting, exposure theory, color theory, and so on. While the book covers all of these topics, it does so in a limited, rather basic way, and for the information you get, it is not worth the price. It is a flimsy paperback book with lots of empty white space on every page and the illustrative photos are mostly black and white, which is fine for black and white cinematography but . . . .

I returned my copy and purchased "Motion Picture and Video Lighting" by Blain Brown for 1/3 the price of "Lighting for Film and Digital Cinematography." Not only is Brown's book less expensive, but it is PACKED with highly useful, very practical information. Plus, it includes a DVD with lighting demonstrations, technical tests, and short scenes illustrating the lighting principles covered in the book. Also, I really like the section of Brown's book that lists all the major types of lights used on professional shoots (from Fresnels and HMIs to PARs, Dino's, MaxiBrutes, FAYs, Soft Lights, Space Lights, fluorescents, and so on). Yes, Brown's book is a bit more technical, but he covers the basics very well and his book is, in my opinion, a far better investment, and a less expensive one at that.

THE BEST BOOK FOR CINEMATOGRAPHERS
This book is a definitely must have for anyone interested in cinematography. This book goes thru all the different aspects and things that a cinematographer must know to create beautiful images. It does go into detail about video as well. But the thing is, and it does state this in the book, if you use film techniques for video, you'll come out with much better images than those that you see on those bland tv sitcoms and such. If you know the film techniques you can't do anything but improve the quality of your video. And the lighting exercises in the back are good ways to practice what the books teaches...all books on lighting should come with exercises. The only true way to learn lighting is to engage in it. This is a great book but the price is a bit outlandish.

Excellent but pricey
I'm very new to lighting for any film stock. My goal is to become more aware of how to light for film, mainly digitial stock. This books does provide extremely detailed information on lighting, such as footcandles, gamma, lighting terms and much more, but mainly in one chapter. It did provide detail about digital film lighting and standard photography lighting. I wish it gave more insight about "moods" but I learned a great deal. Downside, it's expensive for the material you get.

Not for Novices
This book dishes out a lot of information in the small space between it's paperback covers.I read it looking for film lighting basics, and had a tough time grasping some of the more technical language involving exposure, T-stops, etc, even though I have a decent background in photography. The book does a poor job of addressing and explaining these key concepts.I gleaned a decent amount of information from the pictures and diagrams, but they were poorly aligned with the text, requiring lots of flipping back and forth. All in all, I would reccommend this book only to people with a fair amount of knowledge of the physics behind photography and/or film.

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 ... Read more

Product Description
This is a practical study of the art and craft of lighting for the screen, comprising detailed discussions of the underlying principles and techniques involved. In its new format, this international sourcebook has been extensively restyled to reflect current developments. It assumes no previous knowledge or experience, and has been specially designed to put the exact information the reader needs at his fingertips. The new text is sectionalized so that it is more adaptable to lighting courses and personal study. It covers all aspects of the craft, from the basic physics of illumination to everyday practicalities. There are explanations of the mechanics, techniques and aesthetics of lighting treatment. The text presents everyday problems and practical solutions, and suggests alternative effective methods. Lighting techniques need to be flexible, for they must satisfy a wide range of situations, and this book helps the reader to understand rather than merely imitate routines. Skillful 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 of experience, with advice and guidance that should bring successful results right from the start. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

KathySmith
"There is another aspect of color which must be understood, and that is "color depth." This is the apparency of depth (relative distance from the viewer) characteristic of different colors and depending on background against which they appear.
Against a white background, colors give the illusion of distance from the viewer in the order:
blue-green (apparently nearest the viewer)
blue
purple
red
yellow
yellow-green (apparently farthest from the viewer)
Against a black background, the apparency of distance changes:
red (nearest)
orange
yellow
green
blue-green
blue
violet (farthest)
Color depth and color harmony must be used in conjunction..
As an example of the use of this technology, I was once submitted a set design for a film which looked a bit unintegrated, as though it didn't really belong together. The main fault was that a black-board in this particular classroom scene looked like it was closer to the audience than the students, when it was actually farther away--thus robin the set of depth. I tried to work with the color wheel (Grumbacher Color Compass) to find some different color background for the set and discovered at that time that I couldn't get the combination that had been proposed on a color wheel or on the depth perception chart. It turned out out that the blackboard would have to be yellow to make the set come off.
Another example, a proposed set design for a Greek temple I was handed had its color depth backwards, collapsing the set and making it look small. The back walls and floors and pillars should have been Greek white marble, and a decorative frieze set in the back wall (because of the white backgrounds in this set) should only have been apple-green.
The costumes would also have to have been followed color depth perception--fabrics of almost all hues were available in Greece.
Further data on color depth may be found in the book "The Techniques of lighting for Television and Motion Pictures, by Gerald Millerson, and published by Hastings House, 10 East 40th Street, NY, NY 10016."
This is on page 105 in the book entitled ART by L. Ron Hubbard
I use this book more than any other lighting book in all of my productions and recommend everyone buying both for your work library.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240512995/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

Great book
This book is awsome. It starts from very basic information such as the nature of light to delve into specific details. For example it talks about facial features and how light affects their appearance through shadows, etc.
Another great feature is that it gives images of an object or a scene under different types of illumination. Then there are long captions that describe how the scene was illuminated in each picture and what the results are.
It contains very practical information such as how to light a grand piano, or how to avoid camera shadows and other common errors.
It also talks about the actual design and eventual execution of the lighting and about lighting instruments and their use in specific conditions.
Tons of diagrams help understanding and each of them is carefully explained.

This book will help anybody understand the concepts and then it will become their close companion as it contains many tables useful as reference on the set.

One of the best books on LIGHTING for film & television
I highly recommend this book to cinematography students wishing to learn about lighting technique and styles. Millerson has taken the trouble to explain a lot of cinematic lighting in detail with a lot of illustrations,charts, diagrams, etc.

This book is a MUST HAVE if one is serious aboutknowing about film & video lighting. It is easy to understand & isquite well indexed for quick reference.

help me
Hi. Dear sirs, as I can acquire the book 'Technique of Lighting for Television and Film by Gerald Millerson'. A thank you. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

The ultimate light source guide
Both natural and artificial light are analyzed and essential elements for successful commercial photography are revealed.This book starts off with a vast array of equipment for producing light.Each lighting apparatus is thoroughly explained as well as how each device applies light.Many examples of setup diagrams detail how different types of lighting angles affect an image and ample photographs illustrate each change.The best lighting techniques for various situations help perfect the illumination demands that commercial photography requires.A creative approach on common subjects is also covered.This book is the total package that will provide an edge in this photographic discipline.

Incredible insight
What a book. This book takes you from step one all the way to the final stages of photographic lighting. This is what my teachers weren't teaching me. This is a real world application of commercial photography for any photographer at any level. It has helped me comprehend how the simple basics of lighting grow into complex shots that are based upon simple yet exact theories. Wonderfully illustrated and executed.

A basic guide, nothing unique or interesting
This guide is great for the beginner, but as someone who has been in the photography world for years, I was hoping for something that would push my creative lighting skills.This book definitely did not do that.I also found it to be incredibly boring.While the model shots could be nice for the right person, the hundreds of shots of volleyballs were just horrible.Unless you are a true beginner, skip this book.

Very useful
This book is well done with lots of photos to accentuate the descriptive language.I recommend this book.

Perfect for the college-level collection strong in photography studies.
What skills produce top images and big sales? Lighting has a lot to do with a photo's success or failure, and the basics of commercial lighting are here revealed in a guide covering how to use and capture light. From selecting commercial equipment to creating setups and shooting using panels, grids, umbrellas and more to soften or accent lighting, Master Lighting Guide for Commercial Photographers is filled with both photo how-tos and business tips for neo-professionals. Perfect for the college-level collection strong in photography studies. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

A great second book!Encore, encore!
Both of Dr. Rand's books are great!See my review on his other book on photography lighting.Lighting for Photography: Techniques for Studio and Location ShootsBoth great books, buy the pair and read the other first then read this one.Lighting and Photographing Transparent and Translucent Surfaces: A Comprehensive Guide to Photographing Glass, Water, and MoreYour money will be well spent!

Essential reference
Rand tackles one of the most difficult subjects with precision, depth, and clarity.Every photographer must deal with photographing transparent and translucent objects, and few become expert at this challenging subject.You'll find everything you need to know here to deal with reflections, distortion, and other aspects you're likely to encounter when photographing water, glass, and similar objects.This unique guide is an essential reference for any serious photographer.

Wonderful Book.
I want to learn how to shoot glass, This is the right book to do it.

Excellent and Comprehensive
Rand's recent book is well-written and highly informative. It's thorough and yet still a pleasure to read. The book's focus allows the author to examine the subject matter in depth. Rand's all-encompassing approach to the topic offers valuable information for the amature and professional photographer alike. Unlike some other books, his examples are not fill; instead, they trully aid in recognizing subtleties and effectivly implementing techniques.
I highly recommend this book.

Great book with lots of detailed technical info...
This book is a nice companion book to my other photography techniques collection. It has quite a good discussion on different scenarios in terms of photographing technically challeneg subject matter. It is good learning material about control lighting with surface texture interaction with light. ... Read more

Product Description
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are no longer confined to use in commercial signage and have now moved firmly, and with unquestioned advantages, into the field of commercial and domestic lighting. This development was prompted in the late 1980s by the invention of the blue LED, a wavelength that had previously been missing from the available LED spectrum and which opened the way to providing white light. Since that point, LED performance (including energy efficiency) has improved dramatically, and now compares with the performance of fluorescent lights - and there remain further performance improvements yet to be delivered.

The book begins with the principles of LED lighting, then focuses on issues and challenges.  Chapters are devoted to key steps in LED manufacturing: substrate, epitaxy, process and packaging.  Photoelectric characterization of LEDs, Lighting with LEDs and the imposition of a certain level of color quality, are the subject of later chapters, and finally  there is a detailed discussion of the emergence of OLEDs, or organic LEDs, which have specific capabilities of immediate interest and importance in this field.
... Read more

Product Description
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING FOR PHOTOGRAPHY clearly explains the use of artificial lighting of all types through a rich combination of detailed diagrams, visual examples, and practical instruction. Written for beginning photographers, the book introduces and explains the basic concepts of lighting techniques and the relevant equipment and hardware before going on to cover the latest advances in lighting equipment and digital capture devices. This fundamental knowledge is then used to teach key techniques that will help readers utilize the equipment effectively in their work. Equally emphasizing both studio and location environments, ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING FOR PHOTOGRAPHY describes methods for solving a variety of challenges so that readers will gain a thorough understanding of how and why artificial lighting techniques work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Self-Study Book on Studio Lighting
Although it seems to have been written to be used as a text book for a college course, this is the most detailed book on studio lighting I've found so far. It provides very specific diagrams and examples for learning how to organize your studio lights and other equipment. Even if you're not using it with a course, it's still an excellent book for very serious self-study.I'd say it's the best self-study book on studio lighting published so far and by far.It's pricey, but I think it's still worth it.It'll very much be worth it if you go through the book thoroughly and try the various lighting set-ups they show and explain.Just don't rush yourself. ... Read more

Product Description
A practical and inspirational guide to using lighting to maximize enjoyment of your garden; Lighting solutions for patios, eating areas, conservatories, roof gardens, pathways and terraces; Lighting techniques for different effects; How to choose lighting hardware, from solar power to fluorescent lights and projectors; Colour photographs of stunning schemes show how to achieve the effects you want; Practical advice on safety, wiring, power and planning considerations; Artworks showing the practicalities of lighting, including wiring pond lights ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great How To!
A year or so ago, we did some major garden renovation, painted the exterior of our house and the perennial garden had its fifth birthday and celebrated by exploding into blossom. Summer evenings on the patio became a habit and I began casting around for lighting ideas.Professionals wanted to add enough light to do brain surgery at enormous expense, and solar lights weren't bright enough, no matter how many we installed.Kits didn't contain the right combination of components (no landing strip pagoda lights, please) and there was the color issue--we both really dislike the bluish tint of a lot of big box store lighting, and some of our friends had horror stories about the expense and durability of some brand name kits.So what to do?

I did some research and two books were repeatedly recommended; this one and another that sells for just under a hundred dollars.Being cheap (which is why I'm doing this myself) I purchased this one, and I can't imagine that the other one containes any more useful information than this one.While most of the pictures are of very elaborate landscaping, some taking lighting to an unnatural extreme, the real juice of this book is in easy to understand explanations of electricity, wiring runs and types of fixtures.Referring to this book, and using the pictures only as illustrations of what different fixtures can do, I was able to lay out a low-voltage lighting plan for the patio and yard in about three days.All the components are readily available, either through home improvement stores or the internet, and if you know what you're looking for, at a much higher quality and only slightly higher price than some of the brand names kits.I'm looking forward to enjoying some rather (ahem) innovative lighting effects next summer!

This is that rare bird; a genuinely helpful do it yourself book (though it recommends having a licensed electrician do the work, my plan is low voltage, and since I can't electrocute myself, why pay big $$$?). It won't do the work for you, but is a terrific investment if you have the time, inclination and patience.

expert opinion
At last, an up-to-date replacement for Ortho's 1984 "How to Design & Install Outdoor Lighting". This is a thorough overview of lighting techniques, system design and the variety of lamps and lampholders used in both line voltage and low voltage outdoor lighting. Despite the usual disclaimers (the Brits must be as litigious as Americans) about having only a qualified electrician install garden lighting there is useful information for the DIYer.

This is not an installer's manual but it does provide sufficient information to enable one to grasp the essentials of lighting design's dependence on the proper lamp type as the key to success. After all, lighting fixtures are just lamp holders and the effect is in the lamp not in the fixture. Many well-photographed illustrations of lighting techniques are provided with explanatory captions and backed up with colored drawings to reveal detail. I was surprised to see charts of lamp types drawn out-of-scale but there were accompanying photographs to put them back in perspective. Credits were in source order so it is difficult to track a photo to its source i.e. if you want to know who was responsible for a photo on page 107 you have to scan the entire acknowledgements section. No equipment credits are given although some of the photos look like catalog pix and the experienced eye will detect products not currently available in the US. The book cover shown above is not the cover on the book I received which shows a rather pedestrian garden walkway with pagoda (!) lights and a faucet and coiled garden hose instead of the sumptuous Japonisme entry. ... Read more

Product Description
Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance and Entertainment continues to be the most trusted text for working and aspiring lighting professionals. Now in its second edition, it has been fully updated to include new advances in lamp sources such as LEDs and plasma lamps, automated and programmable displays, updates for managing color, and new methods for using electronics.Its clear, easy-to-understand language also includes enough detailed information for the most experienced technician and engineer.

* The most trusted and comprehensive book on automated lighting available!
* Easy to read with minimal "tech-talk"
* Covers the latest advances in lighting displays, such as automated LED other and programmable displays
* New methods for using electronics ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book
This is a great book for people wanting to learn more about Automated Lighting. The book covers tons of material from the history of automated lighting, through power requirements (including a detailed section on what power is and all of the different standards), through programming and so on. It is very easy to understand even for someone who has never touched a moving light.

Fantastic
This is an unbelievably complete and up-to-date review of the 21st Century technology and techniques available for lighting and set designers working today. Whether you attended theater design and/or lighting school in the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s, this book has new information that you most likely did not learn with the fullest data imaginable on where to acquire equipment, how to use it, and how to achieve the best effects for the least expense. No set or lighting designer will be sorry to have purchased this volume.

Absolute Perfection!
This is exactly what I expect from Focal Press (well-known for its superior film/entertainment-industry texts) ... a genuinely thoughtful text with helpful, aesthetically appealing illustrations/charts/examples.

Yes, the price is a bit intimidating, but know that this is an essential text for those in the entertainment industrial. It literally contains everything you could possibly need or want to know. It is (without hyperbole) all-encompassing. In fact, I would not hesitate to say that Cadena's text could easily replace the three texts I currently use as references.

What's more: this is a sturdy book. The covers are created from exceptional thick stock. Likewise, the actual pages are printed on glossy, sturdy stock. Does this matter? Absolutely! This book will be around for years and years. (And it will endure endless exploration and abuse).

If you're looking at this review (or page), you need this text! Buy it!

For those in the trade
'Automated Lighting' appealed to me because although I like to shoot video (interviews, documentaries, cats playing with the keyboard) I don't know enough about lighting other than what three-point lighting arrangement is.I thought I might gain some solid knowledge about video and film lighting in this book.

Well, I got that, but this book more; it is chock full of information that is particular to the professional lighting person.The picture on the cover of the book kind of tells it all:it shows a rock band hitting a crescendo, with pyrotechnics, mad guitar playing, and a ceiling full of lights.

Well, gosh, I have about as much chance at being hired to do the lighting at Kiss' next concert as Tiger Woods has at getting a marriage counseling gig.There are chapters entitled 'DMX512 and DMX512-A', and 'V-Rated Tools'.Er, no, I don't think so.But wait!There it is!Chapter 22!'Three-Point Lighting'!

This book isn't useless for totally ignorant (about lighting) people such as me.It's just WAY more than that.There are chapters on the physics of lighting, electromechanical systems, overcurrent protection, electricity and magnetism and the like.So it is a hugely in-depth look at lighting for pretty much all venues, live, theater, and film and video.

I don't need to know how to find the capacitive reactance of a load (p 108), but some people do; those would be the professional whose business it is to light up large, or small, performances in a safe, effective way.

And yes, I did learn more about what I was interested in, the lighting of video productions.But that's a small part of the book.

This is a wonderful and hugely valuable book for those in the trade.For them, I'd give this a solid '5'.For those of us who pick it up hoping to learn a bit more about effective lighting techniques on a small scale, it's a '4'.Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Get the definitive, holistic guide to transforming space with light.

There are no shortcuts to designing beautiful and effective architectural lighting. Lighting is both an art and a science that impacts occupants' health and well-being, the Earth's resources, a project's cost, and user satisfaction in the built environment. If you are serious about lighting, Architectural Lighting Design, Third Edition is the one source for all the technical skills, aesthetic fundamentals, and practical knowledge you need to design efficient, sustainable interior and exterior lighting for every type of building.p>Expanding on the depth and breadth of previous editions, this edition boasts more than one-quarter new material, including new discussions about sustainability, lighting details, and the assessment of manufacturers' product data. This richly visual, learning tool and reference ramps up the wattage of its coverage with:

• More than 220 black-and-white photographs, which expand and improve the visual repertoire.
• New, in-depth coverage of daylighting, controls, and lamping strategies for more sustainable lighting solutions.
• An attractive revamped design and content structure for easier access.
• Guidance on criteria, design concepts, and details.
• An accompanying Web site featuring additional information and color application photos.

Customer Reviews (5)

Depending on your background, may be all you need or not nearly enough
I was given this book as a gift just after I started working in the lighting industry, and at the time it gave me a very good overview of various lighting topics.The author spends a good deal of time on the "soft" issues of lighting design: those that tend to be more subjective and perception-based rather than technical.

If you are very new to lighting design, or if you come from an interior design background, I would recommend this book.Other volumes, such as "Lighting Engineering: Applied Calculations" and the IESNA handbook are more appropriate if you deal with the technical/engineering side.

A great reference material
For those looking for lighting basics that covers lamping, and the psychology of lighting, "Architectural Lighting Design" serves this purpose with flying colors. However if you are looking for creative solutions to lighting problems this is not the book. "ALD" though still has some helpful tid bits even for those more advanced in lighting design. The section on specifications is very helpful, and very complete, and the section on filling a space with light is an inteligent and thoughtful approach to lighting. Personally I would enjoy a section which covers a few areas that I felt got overlooked; Lighting controls, Green considerations, and the foot candle method, but overall it'sgood book to have in a person's library and might have answers to the questions you are looking for.

Everything You Need to Know
If you're an interior designer and want to expand your lighting horizons - this is the book to buy.It's very accessible for those who might think lighting is all about wiring.This book gives great instruction on lighting design and well as product. A must have in any designer's library.

horrid
I had to purchase this book for my Lighting Design Course as a part of my M. Arch program, and this book has done more to confuse me than to help me.The editing is excruciatingly bad, all of the chapters ramble on and repeat themselves constantly, and it is missing at least one crucial element--an explanation of how to diagram lighting layouts and control systems.Do yourself a favor, and find a different book.

The best explanation of the lighting design process in print
This is an excellent book.The reasons are these: the process of lighting design is explained with a thoroughness and clarity unseen in other books; the most important points are always accompanied by examples taken from real projects-the author's own or others; the voice of the author is immediate, conversational, and easy to learn from; and, the balance between technical detail and the practical business of getting the (lighting) job done is admirably struck.

Steffy explains the lighting design process in its proper order and with the proper emphasis.He begins by defining the lighting design problem as one grounded in vision-explaining just enough of that fabulously complex process to make the designer aware of the mechanisms by which we visually apprehend the world.How that world is to be seen is defined by the programming phase of a project.In this long section, Steffy shows how psychology, architecture, the requirements of visual work, and many other factors are brought together to define the goals of the lighting project.Each of these aspects is discussed from the designer's perspective and accompanied by unambiguous examples.This first third of the book is probably its strongest section-by the author's design evidently, since it is far more common to plunge into "picking equipment," rather than pause and ruminate about the purposes and goals of lighting for a project.

But the very beginning of the book does not provide much technical underpinning; and so perhaps its only weakness is that the fundamentals are treated at the start with a brevity that may not sufficiently develop a readers' understanding.On the other hand, we are spared the usual inane drawings of candles and spheres, and the often-erroneous analogies trotted out to "explain" things.

The middle third of the book deals with the more technical issues of lighting design: schematic design, daylighting, lamps, luminaires, controls, and design tools.Steffy has chosen members of the architecture and design community for his audience.As such, mathematics has a useful but circumscribed role in the process, and detailed issues managed by electrical engineers are left to those registered professionals.Given that, the coverage is thorough and sufficiently detailed for the reader to leave the text with useful information.The long chapter on lamps is up to date and more than just a recitation of data and characteristics-rather, there is always advice given and experience shared about how different lamps can or should be used.The same can be said of the section devoted to luminaires.

The rest of the book is devoted to the process of getting the lighting design specified, purchased, on the job, and installed.This includes an elaborate explanation of equipment pricing, contract documents, and the practical matters of getting the right equipment to the project.There is no more extensive or thorough an explanation of these important aspects of lighting design in print.

One of the books strongest points is the abundance of examples; there is at least one used to clarify each important point.Absent are the usual hedges and unhelpful generalities about "design;" rather, one finds a bracing, thought-provoking specificity: "do this, not this;" and, marvelous to read, there is nothing imperious about this, for reasons are always given.The examples are particularly important and helpful in the long sections that explain programming and construction documents.In each of these two cases, Steffy offers specific and detailed examples from his own projects.The annotation is extensive and adds the detail that often brings home the point.

Steffy writes in a direct, conversational style that draws the reader into the topic.(The first word in his preface is "Yikes!")The effect is that of being in the presence of someone willing to help, willing to explain things, and who knows what they're doing.This is very important point, since it is a good bet that the book will be used most often for self-study.The modernity of the process by which we learn is acknowledged in the book: there is a continuous sprinkling of Internet addresses where one can find more information.The style, detailed examples, and mechanical layout of the material promote direct understanding.There are none of the usual unsupported recipes and vague injunctions.The directness of Steffy's conversation with the reader helps convey what he knows and how he has applied it to lighting design.And Steffy knows a great deal-he is an internationally recognized lighting designer.

Steffy's book can be recommended without reservation to those who are serious about learning the technology, craft, and process of lighting design-reading it is a close approximation to an extended conversation with a successful and seasoned expert who is willing and capable of sharing what he knows. ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with professional information and cutting-edge technologies, SCENE DESIGN AND STAGE LIGHTING, Ninth Edition, equips you with the most up-to-date coverage available on scenery, lighting, sound, and technology. Completely current, the exciting new ninth edition mirrors the best of real-world practices. Vibrant color production photographs support the text and spotlight examples of contemporary work. Scenery design and technology coverage includes a strong emphasis on modern technology, while changes in the lighting section reflect the latest practices. Coverage of sound for the theatre reflects the digital age in which we live and work. The text also includes an expanded section on television design, as well as greater emphasis on health and safety issues. The authors emphasize collaboration in all sections of the new text, and they provide insight via interviews with professional lighting and scenery designers in two features: "Working Professionals" and "Designers at Work." Reflecting current professional practice, SCENE DESIGN AND STAGE LIGHTING, Ninth Edition, offers in-depth coverage of a broad range of topics, making it the most detailed and comprehensive text available in the scenic and lighting design and technology fields. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent Source
pretty good book, has a lot of information on stage design, lighting, and sound properties. the go-to book for stage design in professional and amateur theater.

Just Starting Out
Book was required for Scene Design and Stagecraft course at school. I am no where near finished with it, as the class has just started, but already I feel like I'm learning a lot about the construction portion of the book.
Book was in great condition upon purchase, and came in before the class so that is a bonus as well.

It's alright
The book arrived around the time that it was supposed to, but was not in "like new" condition. There was an abundance of highlighting done within the book and a deep gash in the side. It's in good enough condition for me to be able to use it, but I tend to keep my books in very good condition so it will take getting used to.

Nice Book
I am a Scenic Designer and found this book to very informative.It gives the basic information for someone getting started in theatre.This book is not for people that are looking for designer profiles and the best designs in concept.It is for beginners breaking down all the info you would need toknow about theatre and getting started in Scenic and Lighting Design.The biggest positive for me it that the book contains mostly designs that I haven't seen in any other design books.The designs are from more regional designers as apposed to world renowned designers.It's always nice to have new things to be inspired by.

I bought the book used and it was worth it for the new inspiration.

An indispensable reference book for all theatre techies !
Working backstage? Asked by your local community theatre to pitch in doing props? Foolishly said, "Of course I can build a tree(Silly fool only God can)!Here are the helpful hints and clues that will point you in the right direction without looking like a total fool. Design, construction,lights and sound- Oren Parker has it all. This latest edition is my thirdcopy! They just keep getting better and better. This "rumor" bestexplains the abilities of one of the authors. A colleague once related thestory in which Oren Parker showed up in the university scene shop in athree piece suit, painted a full back drop and walked out without a drop ofpaint on the suit. I'd be interested in knowing how true this is but notany less impressed with how informative this book has been for me. Wellworth the exorbitant price. ... Read more

Product Description
The most beautifully decorated room pales without proper lighting. Get the latest ideas for innovative and efficient techniques with Ideas for Great Home Lighting. This detailed primer explains the basics of proper lighting, how to choose the right bulbs and fixtures, and design tricks to get the most from lighting, both indoors and out. Includes an extensive photo gallery and an updated buyers guide for practical inspiration and simple execution on light projects ranging from utilitarian to dramatic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellant ideas
I bought this book because i needed some sort of source that has lots of images for lighting ideas, and this book was a good one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful book
This is a great book.I have been using Photoshop Elements for 3 or 4 years and have taken several classes, and gone through a few basic books on using it.I had been looking into plug-ins which would provide lighting effects.By going through this book, I have discovered how to do all the things I wanted to do.This book describes them clearly and step by step.It's given me information that I couldn't find anywhere else, and explained how to do all the lighting effects I wanted.I find that I don't need a plugin after all, I can do everything I want with elements now that I know how.

neat lighting tricks in this book
This is a interesting book.The author has lighting tricks that I've not seen anywhere else.I've tried a few, just to get my feet wet.I haven't used any in a real project yet.

Absolutely Terrific book
I am having so much fun with this book.I have never read one of these Lark Photography Books, and sorry it took so long to find it. He has EXACT directions for each project--so anyone could follow them--and the effects are so dramatic.My favorite one so far, is "putting my car on fire"--really neat. Actually you could apply it to most objects...and this is just ONE of his techniques...I say, "MAKE IT THE NEXT BOOK YOU BUY"You will not be sorry. ... Read more

Product Description
Anyone working with lighting in the entertainment industries will find this an immensely readable source of information. The authors, themselves experienced lighting practitioners, have collected a wealth of essential lighting technology and data into one comprehensive reference volume in an accessible, jargon-free style.


The new edition of this popular text covers the very latest technology, including advances in lamps, motorised lights, dimmers and control systems and current safety regulations.

A comprehensive 'on-the-job' tool, for easy reference
Presents technical information in a readable, jargon-free style, for ease of understanding
Provides thorough coverage of the subject, to keep you up to date with the latest technology ... Read more

Product Description
Solutions to on-site lighting problems are offered in this manual, which shows how to correct lighting with filters, reflectors, and diffusers. Before-and-after photographs from real assignment shoots illustrate the techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

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,

Not as good as I thought it would be
I bought this book with out really looking at the title I guess! This is more for photographers who plan to use 2 or more lights to shoot on location for corporate use.

Very useful
Very useful book, full of practical details and advice. Only (slight) problem is that most examples are for film-based photography, i.e. not a lot of digital-specific advice. Still, an extremely informative book. ... Read more

Product Description
Fundamentals of Lighting serves as a primary text in introductory lighting courses or
as a supplementary reference for such courses as commercial and residential design
studios. Focusing on the basics of lighting, this book explains the fundamentals of
designing quality lighting environments within the context of the design process.
Students will learn the principles of lighting, effects on color, elements of lighting
systems, and styles of luminaires. They ll then learn how to apply these concepts
within specific interior design contexts, including residential and commercial spaces,
with a focus on universal design, human factors, and sustainability. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fundamentals of Lighting
The book came as described and in a timely manner. I would purchase from this seller again.

Good review
I received my order earlier than expected and they managed to send two of my other books in the same bundle. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether the subject is female, male, or both, glamour photography is only as good as the lighting set up that establishes its mood. The superb examples in this volume show the best lighting effects in the field, and feature detailed diagrams which show just how such glamorous results are achieved. 90 illustrations, 40 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good for creative ideas
I own just about all the books from the Pro-Lighting series, and this review covers not only this New Glamour book, but all of them. They are great books for getting new ideas and showing examples of accomplished photographers. They are not heavy on technique and therefore are probably not well suited for beginners. Other than a simple diagram, it does not do a good job of telling the whys and hows of the photographs. All in all, they make good coffe table books.

Excellent resource
A very comprehensive illustrations. Great diagrams. And excellent examples does this book a great resource if you're even a novice or an expert photographer

Photographer in Alaska
This book is wonderful.It provides some very creative examples along with enough info for your imagination to take over.You will need a basic understanding of exposure and lighting but New Glamour can help you take the next step.

The book's for person who wants to study glamour photography
I'm a glamour photographer and I find the book is very very useful for me to study more. I already have another pro-lighting series like NUDES, GLAMOUR SHOTS, PROVOCATIVE SHOTS, PORTRAIT and LINGERIE. You can study about the lighting set up or just to look at the final photos in this book, all the photos are amazing, they're sharp, beautiful and very arty.

The book is very nice and usefull
I liked this book very much.Ihave already NEW GLAMOUR one and BEAUTY SHOTS one.I would like to buy another books from this series, but they are relatively expensive ( the average month wage in our country is 200 USdolars) for me as a student, but however this book is really very helpfulleven for profesionals. And its like a learning book for amateurphotographers, like me.Now i am trying to save money for another one. ... Read more

Product Description
Improve your photography with more than 200 lighting tips from a top photographer

Written by Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon and leading fashion and studio photographer Vered Koshlano, this guide is packed with professional advice on the essential element of photography: lighting. It provides detailed information and insider secrets that are bound to make you a better photographer.

You'll learn the basics of studio lighting as well as how to achieve special effects. A 90-minute DVD is included, with additional tips on using reflectors, diffusers, accessory flashes, and more.

• Explores the basics of studio lighting in various situations
• Features more than 200 lighting tips and secrets for planning and taking the most impressive digital images in the studio
• Compares available camera equipment, accessories, software, and printing options
• Covers post-shoot digital darkroom techniques and workflow tips and tricks
• Companion DVD includes advice on making the most of accessories such as diffusers, reflectors, and accessory flashes
• Written by two top professional photographers and illustrated with full-color examples

Studio and Location Lighting Secrets provides information from the pros to improve your photograpic skills.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great for beginners!!
This is a great book if you want to learn the basics of photography lighting. The techniques are really easy to follow and the text is really reader friendly. It has lots of pictures taken by a great studio photographer called Vered Koshlano. Not only the book covers lighting but it also covers the importance of using make up and props on your shots. It comes with a DVD that teaches different easy setups.

An introduction
This book covers introductory information for the beginning photographer (i.e. which lens to choose).If you are looking for a platform to build knowledge from this would be a good place to start.

Another great book
Rick Sammon keeps writing books that make photography understandable instead of making them so technical that they are too hard to follow.

Rick's Done It Again!
Rick continues to be one of the most prolific authors of photography books that are practical, easy to understand, very well illustrated and most importatntly written in a manner that enables the reader to say, "oh, that is simple to do!".Rick teams up with other professional phtotographers to provide other insights and suggestions as to how to get great results very quickly.

Rick's writing style mirrors his lectures and teaching style, whereby he provides concise and clear, "how to" steps to get the results that make your pictures -POP!

Rick, another winnner, I'sm sure!

Keith ... Read more

Product Description
Have you mastered the essentials of your digital SLR camera and now want to learn how to use light as a tool to enhance your photographs? "David Busch?s Quick Snap Guide to Lighting" provides a concise introduction to working with light and exposure, improving your photos with filters and reflectors, and transforming good lighting into great lighting, all in a simple-to-browse book. This guide offers focused information that explains the purpose and function of each type of lighting, how to use it effectively to take compelling photos, and how to improve the lighting you find in a scene. You'll learn how to create and work with diffused light, tame daylight so your pictures don't look overexposed, the secret to multiple light sources, how to use light creatively, techniques for action shots, lighting for travel and architecture, and much more. Each topic and concept introduced is condensed into a two- to fourpage spread, illustrated with striking full-color photographs, and all the basics of light and lighting are presented. The book is designed so you can thumb through it and easily find exactly the chapter and information you are looking for. And a mini-glossary helps by defining unfamiliar terms as you go. Get ready to conquer the mysteries of light to take better and more beautiful photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Photo lights, lights, lights
If you want to know everything about the proper lighting under all different kinds of circumstances, then you need this book.What to do with artificial lights, sunlight or using your flash under any and all times.

Very illuminating!
I am not a professional photographer and this book was not written for professional photographers (who probably already know everything written in it, anyway). It is written for people like me, who photograph for pleasure, don't have a lot of peripheral equipment, and want to take the best photo they can with what equipment they do have (or, at least, not buy any extra equipment that is superfluous).

The book is arranged very logically: There are major topic divisions which are chapter headings, then subheadings for relevant situations that fall under that heading. Ex: Chapter: Travel and Architecture. Subheadings: Choosing Best Light and Best Angle; Monuments and Museums; Interiors; Mixed Illumination; Sunsets and Sunrises; Night Lighting; Fireworks; Water, Beaches, and Snow.

Each category is supported by relevant text and on-point and well-captioned illustrations. Often, the illustrations include a "right" version and a "wrong" version so that you understand the underlying principles that govern each situation.

The two chapters dealing with portraits were very helpful to me, even though I don't own any lighting equipment other than a flash. The series of illustrations demonstrating not only how to use light, but also how to use shadows were extremely interesting. I have always taken the safe route of having everything well lit and adding drama in post-processing. I'm now trying to consciously allow for shadow to happen from a selected angle to better sculpt the subject. Post capture processing is not an adequate substitute for getting it right in camera, and lighting is the single biggest contributor to a good photograph. So I'm trying to understand light, which is a lot harder than it sounds.

There are ample illustrations of side lighting, bounced lighting, reflected light and countless other combinations that I can create using my flash (straight, bounced, or fill-in), existing lighting, and a simple reflector (using one of those collapsible sun shields you use to keep cars cooler). I will probably never consciously worry about lighting ratios, but actually seeing the different effects achieved by each different ratio, gives me a better idea what my final photo will look like before I take the picture.

Of course, if you do have umbrellas, off-camera lights, and other specialized studio equipment, the lighting setup sketches showing how each photo was lit will be useful (although I would think that, by the time you set up a professional studio, you already know all this). For people like me, those setup sketches are still helpful, since I can visualize what the main light is doing and what the contributions of the peripheral sources might be. It's sort of the left-brain part of photography, not the art.

The best thing I took away from this book is to understand my lighting options when presented with a photo opportunity. Whether photographing my grandson or a an interesting site during a trip, there are ways to make the best of whatever conditions are present at the moment I'm there. A professional might set up lighting or come back at a time with better conditions. But I'm not a professional, I'm there when I'm there, I don't have much time to set up, and rescheduling is not an option. So it is particularly important to fully understand what options I do have.

David Busch's Quick Snap Guide To Lighting
Very helpful. I am just getting into portrait photography and Busch explains things clearly. There is plenty of information for a more advanced reader. I would definitely recommend it along with his Nikon d90 book which I bought recently.

So you want to know about lighting!
I bought this book because I wanted to know more about lighting techniques with external flash and studio lighting.

This book has been very helpful in showing me how to take a variety of photos in various lighting situations.It is very easy to read and you don't need to read it from cover to cover.You can skip to the section that you are interested in.

I rented some studio lights from lensrentals.com and used the techniques shown in this book to take some very professional looking photos.

At last!An introductory guide to lighting!
I purchased this book after meeting the author at his booth at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC, and found him to be as knowledgeable and engaging in person as he is on the printed page.I had read two of his other books when I was learning how to use my Nikon D60, and got this one now that I am ready to branch out and (hopefully) master the use of available light, electronic flash, and multiple light sources.

I've managed to read through it quickly, as the ideas and techniques are presented in a clear no nonsense way with lots of photos that illustrate types of lighting and their effects.Now I plan to go through and study it.I'm no professional (and do not plan to be), but I'm confident that this book will help me take pictures that look pro in every way.The illustrations are great, but I know I can do just as well myself once I've learnt the lessons this little book provides. ... Read more