Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

They concentrate on the size of light sources, the types of reflections produced by various subjects, and how to manage those reflections in a way that will add significant elements to your technique.

The discussions about lighting glass alone are worth the price of the book.

After you have read it, you will be seeing and using new knowledge both on the street and in the studio.

Their sections on electronic flash need to be updated to include modern TTL systems and upper end flash meters, but there is a lot of good information about using flashes.

It is important to shoot their examples for yourself to learn the techniques. The time will be well-invested.


An essential part of your library   July 29, 2001
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I have a number of books on lighting, but this added information I had not seen elsewhere.

They concentrate on the size of light sources, the types of reflections produced by various subjects, and how to manage those reflections in a way that will add significant elements to your technique.

The discussions about lighting glass alone are worth the price of the book.

After you have read it, you will be seeing and using new knowledge both on the street and in the studio.

Their sections on electronic flash need to be updated to include modern TTL systems and upper end flash meters, but there is a lot of good information about using flashes.

It is important to [photograph] their examples for yourself to learn the techniques. The time will be well-invested.


Saved me money the first day   July 11, 2001
 36 out of 36 found this review helpful

I love the approach in this easy to read book. The authors' philosophy is to be as creative in as many ways as possible, even down to improvising equipment and overcoming lack thereof. If, say, candles will suffice, then why use strobes? I feared a huge shopping list for my foray into the world of studio lighting. This very helpful alternative to months of expensive experimentation has shown me a more structured approach, the focus being on Return on Investment while maximising results.


Light-Science & Magic : An Introduction to Photographic Ligh   May 14, 2001
 1 out of 8 found this review helpful

I read this book- Although hard to read, the concepts are essential to understanding lighting. If you want to become a better photographer read this book.