Critic of "How to set up photography lighting for a home studio" by Amber Richards
343347
Gives very rudimentary information. This for the very, very new photographer who has no exposure at all to lighting equipment or to lighting setup. I do like the lighting diagrams and the accompanying explanations. However I think actual pictures of the lighting setups on a subject would be most helpful.
4097825
An in-depth book outlining how to be successful in bridal portrait photography.  This is accomplished by guiding you through the process of obtaining consistant results in exposure every time.  Lighting set ups are illustrated in diagrams for both studio and on location.  Finally, posing techniques for optimum dynamic is given.  There is even a section on building comfortable relationships with clients to optimize the experience of creating artful portraits.
1906044
To be fair, I probably would have given this book a higher rating after I bought it last year.  I was new to night photography and I did learn quite a bit.  However, I still felt my ability to capture images at night was not up to par with some of the night photographers Ive seen on the web.  I tried a couple other books but none of them really went beyond the basics.  Then, I recently came across a book called Colliers Guide to Night Photography that also covers all the basics, but then goes on to explain more advanced techniques.  It covers many things in detail that aren't covered or only briefly covered in Jennifers book, including focus stacking to increase depth of field, photographing lightning, and using star trackers.  It also goes into more detail on blending multiple exposures and stitching large images.  I cant tell you how much this has already improved my images.

The skies in almost all of the photos in Jennifers book are blue.  This is fine if there is a moon out, as the Rayleigh scattering effect causes the night sky to be blue for the same reason it appears blue during the day.  But there is no Rayleigh scattering under no moon and therefore the sky is not blue.  You can artificially make it blue by lowering the white balance but then you may lose any air glow in the shot.  Air glow is usually green or red and is a fascinating phenomenon that you can lose in your shot by putting too much of an artificial blue cast in the sky.  Air glow is not discussed at all in Jennifers book.

Finally, one of the biggest issues Ive found with this book is that Jennifer Wu is a Canon Explorer of Light and therefore only lists the brand names of lenses if they are Canon.  Unfortunately, Canon lenses suck for night photography. I bought a really fast, expensive lens from Canon and it had awful image quality in the corners.  Ive since replaced it with much less expensive lenses recommend in Grants book and I am much happier with the results.  Its a shame that Jennifer is unable to provide an accurate review of lenses because of her ties to Canon.

This being said, Jennifer Wus book is still a good book and has a lot of useful information.  It is better than several other night photography guides Ive read, but Ive just found this new book by Grant Collier to be that much better.
2660428
Working with and understanding lighting is a skill that is difficult to master.  This book provides the new photographer with "homework" from each chapter to help with the comprehension of the lessons and allows the Photographer to practice with the camera to acquire the desired effects
3905307
Bentley Meeker's Light X Design: 20 Years of Lighting is a wonderfully educational and beautiful coffee table book (11.25 in x 14.25 in). The book is filled with interesting descriptions of venues and photographs of event designs created by his company, Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging. For twenty years, Mr. Meeker has designed the environments for major events such as weddings, corporate meetings, awards shows, musical performances, modeling shows, club parties, and museum galas.

The book begins with Bentley's detailed explanation of his personal relationship with light as a spiritual force, a literal and figurative illumination of his life. This relationship started by chance but developed with his creative activity.

By chance in New York City, Bentley took jobs slinging lights in theater productions. These jobs were largely free lance so he was able to maintain a good level of independence. At first, he saw and lit only objects and backgrounds on stage. Over time, he began to see the light itself, not just lit objects, as a key element to any event. Illumination is something that creates an environment and is more than light reflections glancing off of objects. Bentley realized he could use light to not only create illusions on stage but also allusions to beauty, insightful perception, and immediate unfiltered experience. Light could help create experience for the soul.

As the reader turns the pages of the book, one line descriptions and beautiful photographs of light designs are presented. The single page may focus on one design or multiple space views creating shifting moods in the observer. We can vicariously experience the event, entering the hall, ballroom, museum, club, or atrium and know how it felt for the people attending it. You can attend the wedding of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the Plaza Hotel, visit museums like the Whitney from the outer reception area to the inner sanctum, see a comparison of Mr. Meeker's many different lighting designs of the Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom, and follow the creation of varied environments in Gotham Hall.

As you continue through the pages, you begin to pick out details that are as beautiful as the total space: a wonderfully lit table set with glasses, flowers and candles, an area of rug with an intricate pattern of colored light, a unique chandelier suspended in light to mark a theme. The themes vary from simple and direct to abstract and surreal coordinated in details and total environment.

As you move from weddings to birthday parties to major fashion shows to gala society events, you visit some of New York's most exclusive venues. In addition to the Plaza Hotel and Gotham Hall, you can visit 110 East 42 Street, 55 Wall Street, unique lofts, outdoor settings, tents, clubs, and other great venues.

In the Forward, Preston Bailey describes the talent of Bentley Meeker and discusses their collaboration on many successful events. If you recall some of the events that you have attended in your life and see in Light X Design how the entire experience could have been enhanced by lighting, you will appreciate the brilliant work of Mr. Meeker and wish that sites of some of your own significant events had been designed by him.
3182643
I found this book to be a wonderful addition to my photo book library.  Author, Allison Earnest, takes the reader step by step from the physics of light and how our eyes see objects compared to how a camera's digital sensors "see" light through to the modifying of studio light, the experimenting with studio light, the modifying of light from one's camera hot shoe, and the modifying of outdoor light. These chapters make it easy for the photographer to expand on his or her creativity.  This step-by-step approach will certainly compliment either a serious amateur or accomplished amateur who both want to explore new horizons in their quest for greater achievement and satisfaction. She uses both technical and practical explanations that are explored simply and thoroughly for all to understand.  I don't think you can go wrong with this great source of practical and useful information.
2405115
Lighting is what photography ("light writing", in Greek) is all about, right?  If you haven't mastered lighting, you're not taking photographs; you're making snapshots.

This book is a masterful guide to light in all its forms and uses.  Read it to learn what you can really do with your camera. I recommend it highly. I find myself returning to this book as a reference time and time again.
2560884
If you've struggled in your low light photography or just thinking of extending the range of lighting situations that you want to capture in that direction then this books for you. It touches on most of the things one should be aware of when doing low light photography:

 - type and quality of light sources and the challenges they pose to getting the white balance right
 - handheld operation and technology/techniques to help with camera shake
 - motion blur and extensive techniques to avoid or repair it
 - tripod operation and using techniques (such as HDR) that don't necessarily come to mind when thinking low light

Given that it's a "field" book it comes in a nice, pocketable, 3.5"x6" format which should make it easy to bring along. It printed on good quality paper and with good colors. One caveat and the reason for just four stars is that because of the small format I wish the book came with an online resource where one could look at larger size versions of the pictures  in the book. It will make it easier to see some of the smaller features being discussed.
2974467
I am half through the book and this is truly a fantastic book! I have the previous two books from Roberto and this one is consistently great quality. This is not your boring light book but definitely a fresh look at lighting your photography. It teaches you to explore lighting possibilities in every day situations without expensive equipment. Just by reading the first few chapters my head got full of many creative ideas that I will exploring in the net few weeks.
2883330
After reading The Photoshop Darkroom last year, I became hooked on Harold Davis's amazing creativity and ability to teach.  As an avid reader of photography books (my shelves are crammed tight),  there are those books which I've never finished . . . and then there are those books that are tattered and weather beaten from going with me on photo shoots in the field.  Creative Lighting, like my other books from Harold Davis, is quickly falling into that second  category. He discusses ambient and studio light as it pertains to both nature and portrait photographers.

If you would like to learn post-processing techniques that are unique, inspirational, and cutting edge, look no further. For instance, many books cover HDR, but only Davis teaches what he calls "Hand HDR", a process that combines different exposures using layers and layer masks, resulting in an image superior to anything produced using an automated HDR program. Does it take longer?  You bet.  But it challenges and nurtures the artist within the photographer in ways often overlooked. Davis inspired me to  explore the world of LAB color and I have never viewed a photograph the same way since, knowing that there is a color space that transcends RGB.

Looking for a cookie-cutter, how-to book on digital photography, then this book is not for you.  Looking for an innovative, inspirational journey that challenges you to jump "outside of the box" and tap into your creative potential, Creative Lighting is the perfect choice.
963893
This is well written book with the basic lighting techniques for the motivated photographer. It is not a tutorial type of book but it provides a starting point which provides the reader the conceptual frame work in order to use lighting. This is a good book that is well illustraded.
1800970
Great book on how to improve thee lighting in your photos.  Learned a lot of techniques for lighting unusual objects and scenes.
245289
Of the many books on close-up and macro photography in print, this is the ONLY one I've found that demonstrates highly original lighting techniques that are cost-effective and lead to artistic results. Note I said "artistic" results, not scientific results with magnification ratio charts etc. If you are looking for microphotography topics look elsewhere. This book is for the artist who wants to learn how to visualize a creative shot and actually capture it. Ever considered using off-camera flash in the bright sun to light a close-up of a flower? You can see it done here, and learn also keep your sunset in the background too, or turn your background black! That's not something you see in other close-up books which generally rely on available light or expensive macro flash set-ups.

The included photos show the incredible effects that can be garnered with light manipulation, even with the camera hand held, and even without a macro lens! I appreciated that many of the photos were accompanied by a series of shots showing how the photographer was positioned, where the light was, what modifications were used etc. I was quite surprised by how accessible the techniques were for even new shooters.

One of my favorite chapters was a thorough teaching walk-through of an indoor macro shoot using flash. In my view, the only thing that would have made this book even better would be the inclusion of more theories and strategies for exposure since everything here is done manually, but&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Michael-Freeman-s-Perfect-Exposure-The-Professional-s-Guide-to-Capturing-Perfect-Digital-Photographs/dp/0240811712/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Michael Freeman's Perfect Exposure: The Professional's Guide to Capturing Perfect Digital Photographs</a>&nbsp;is great for that knowledge. I applaud these authors for sharing this information outside of their workshops and would dearly love to take one of their classes!
2830847
Whether you're an average hobbyist or a professional photographer, knowing how to take advantage of lighting conditions is the key to creating great photographs. This book gives a thorough understanding of everything you'll need to know about lighting, providing practical tips and techniques. The book is filled with numerous photos alongside detailed explanations and lighting scenarios. The photographs in the book are also well varied. Chris Bucher describes in great detail how lighting works, and how to use what light you have (or need to compensate for) in order to achieve the best results possible.

Throughout the book's 10 chapters, major topics covered are well organized and written in a way that even a novice can appreciate. At the end of each chapter, Bucher sends you on assignment to gain practical experience from the material just covered. You can also upload your work to a dedicated website where others can comment and vice-versa.

I liked the fact that the book's techniques and explanations aren't limited to DSLR cameras only. Several examples of point and shoot work are included. I own both and because of this book have gotten motivated to move out of my point and shoot's auto settings for better lighting control.

There's a full range of lighting techniques covered and I'm happy to add this book to my growing collection of photography lighting reads. Every style and range of photographer will benefit from its usefulness.
1972954
This was amazing!! The light is fantastic and it is sooo easy to set up and take down and take with you! So pleased! Here are some studio shots I took with them after I got them in!
1718597
My first reaction was, "Where are the studio diagrams?"  However, as I read on, Rand and Meyer introduce the Light Dynamic (LD) Edge.  The LD Edge becomes the focal point in defining and understanding the quality of light.  If you are looking for a "how to" book this is not for you.

Nevertheless, if you want to gain an understanding of light and exposure in the studio and on location (with or without natural light), I assure you that this will give you a better understanding of the lighting elements that make a good portrait.
800358
A practical guide to understanding and using lighting to capture the image as well as many useful techniques for improving images of people, especially women.