The Best of Photographic Lighting: Techniques and Images for Digital Photographers [Paperback]

Bill Hurter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2005 | ISBN-10: 1584281685 | ISBN-13: 978-1584281689

With basic information on the characteristics of light and specific techniques for controlling light in a variety of environments, this resource teaches photographers how to harness light, the most important factor of good photography. A discussion of light basics that includes exposure, color balance, and light ratios provides photographers with the essential understanding they need to approach any photography project. Specific analyses of studio, portrait, and indoor and outdoor lighting detail how to use studio strobes, set up a Rembrandt lighting scheme for a portrait, diffuse window light, and flash-fill with direct sunlight. Tips and photographs from more than 30 wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers offer practical advice and inspiration to help photographers take advantage of—rather than be limited by—light's powerful effect.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The material is presented in detailed chapters beginning with the science of light and then covering lighting basics."  —Art Book News Annual

About the Author

Bill Hurter is the editor of Rangefinder magazine, the former editor of Petersen's PhotoGraphic, and the author of The Best of Wedding Photography, Group Portrait Photography Handbook, The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing, and Portrait Photographer's Handbook. He lives in Santa Monica, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584281685
• ISBN-13: 978-1584281689
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,259,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Hurter has been involved in the photographic industry for the past 30 years. He is the former editor of Petersen's PhotoGraphic magazine and currently the editor of both AfterCapture and Rangefinder magazines. He has authored over 30 books on photography and hundreds of articles on photography and photographic technique. He is a graduate of American University and Brooks Institute of Photography, from which he holds a BFA and Honorary Masters of Science and Masters of Fine Art degrees. He is currently a member of the Brooks Board of Governors. Early in his career he covered Capital Hill during the Watergate Hearings and worked for three seasons as a stringer for the L.A. Dodgers. He is married and lives in West Covina, CA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skillful Combination of the Technical and the Practical, May 17, 2006

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best of Photographic Lighting: Techniques and Images for Digital Photographers (Paperback)

Lighting is probably the single biggest factor that separates the professional photographer from the amateur. The amateur sees what he thinks is a picture, raises the camera and shoots. He doesn't realize the differences between the actual image that the camera records and what he sees with his eye. His eye can make adjustments between light and shadow with his brain filling in the details that the camera misses.

Here in one, well illustrated, book is virtually everthing there is to know on lighting. It covers everything from the technical aspects of light (i.e. the temperature, which is a measure of the color or whiteness of the light), to reflecting the light, to light tents for photographing reflective things like jewelry or the stainless steel appliances in an upscale kitchen, and a memorable photograph showind several glasses of beer that are reverse lighted to show the color of the liquid.

Besides the discussion on lighting, there are numerous pictures with a description and often a diagram of how it was lit. The phographs and images shown in the book are from a who's who in photography. This is the way the pros do it, all summed up in a relatively small book that is clearly worth the low price.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Rate!, November 26, 2005

By 

S. Prince "photofreak" (Seiad Valley, ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Best of Photographic Lighting: Techniques and Images for Digital Photographers (Paperback)

I looked a long time for the 'best' book on lighting. I choose this text. It is 100% as promised in the promo. I knew nothing about the science of lighting when I began reading. When I closed the book, I was very well informed. I don't see how the data could have been better presented. EASY to apply! Excellent diagrams. I am using diagrams to think out my studio lighting setups. Will remain in my library as a reference.
A book BARGAIN.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Techniques guaranteed to produce flawless lighting effects, November 7, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best of Photographic Lighting: Techniques and Images for Digital Photographers (Paperback)

Bill Hurter's The Best Of Photographic Lighting: Techniques And Images For Digital Photographers is a winner: it provides pros with techniques guaranteed to produce flawless lighting effects, helping photographers understanding the science of light, how it affects photography results, and how to make the most of both studio and location shots. The photos are truly stunning - and the explanations on options and how they were sifted to gain superior results is educational and very specific.