Better Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots [Paperback]

Joe Farace (Author), Barry Staver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 29, 2008

This classic book on available light photography is back, thoroughly updated for digital photography and, for the first time, is packed with stunning, full color images throughout. Creating great images under less-than-ideal lighting conditions is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, experiences in photography. Challenge yourself, and with this book by your side you won't be disappointed. Photography expert Joe Farace and Pulitzer Prize winner Barry Staver use real-world examples of their own images to give you invaluable advice on how to get the shot right the first time. From practical tips, such as how to deal with inclement weather while shooting outdoors, to detailed information about getting great shots at your cousin's or your client's wedding, to brand new chapters on noise and white balance, you'll find everything that you need to turn your ordinary night and low-light shots into masterful works of art.

*Chapters on digital noise, white balance, and RAW image file capture give photographers all of the information they need to get successful available light shots
*Case studies and full color images made for real-world assignments provide inspiration for the reader to challenge their abilities
*A brand new chapter covering available light photography at weddings helps the family shooter or aspiring pro improve their skills

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Two industry pros show how shooting in available light can turn ordinary photographs into extraordinary works of art!

About the Author

Author of more than 25 books and over 1600 magazine articles, Joe Farace has been a regular contributor to Shutterbug magazine since 1994 with his Digital Innovations and Web Profiles columns. He was the original editor of eDigitalPhoto magazine and contributes to magazines such as Photo District News and PHOTO Techniques. He holds workshops and seminars at FOTOfusion, Palm Beach Photo Workshop, Shutterbug and Popular Photography and Imaging, has spoken at the PPA national events and New England Council of Camera Club's annual conference.

Barry Staver is a professional photojournalist whose work has appeared in hundreds of publications, including nine covers of Time Inc. magazines such as People, Time and Sports Illustrated. He is a shared winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (August 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240809998
• ISBN-13: 978-0240809991
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,665,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars No new information to "Interested Beginner" and above, January 29, 2009

By 

Jeffbokc "jeffbokc" (Oklahoma City, OK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Better Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots (Paperback)

This book is simply too basic. I am just an amateur who has photography as a hobby. Over time I have picked up on the basics of photography, and this book teaches nothing beyond the very basics. Below I will give a brief but complete synopsis of the entire book, chapter by chapter. If there is anything new to you in my synopsis, then purchase this book. Otherwise, skip it.

1. What is available light? It is light that is available when you take the picture. The "golden hour" is good available light.
2. Basic exposure. Guess what? Shutter speed and aperture are related. ISO is related, too. Use your camera's Shutter Priority or Aperture Priority modes as appropriate. Or use Program Mode or Auto. Also, use the histogram and get the exposure right. Shoot RAW if you can.
3. Digital noise. Guess what (again)? High ISO will result in noise. Use an anti-noise PS plugin to help with noise in your photos.
4. White balance techniques. Set your camera's white balance to your environment, or set it to auto, or shoot RAW and don't worry about it.
5. Fast lenses. Use a fast lens for low light situations. Good lenses are expensive.
6. Tripods and other camera supports. Use a tripod for low light situations. Good tripods are expensive.
7. Available light photography at weddings. I have to confess, I did not read this chapter because I am not a pro doing weddings. If you are a pro, you do probably already know what is in this chapter.
8. RAW-image-file capture. RAW and JPEG formats have advantages and disadvantages. You know what they are, so decide what you want to do, but RAW is better.

There, you have the book. I saved you some money! But if you don't understand any the above, you might consider buying this book. Otherwise, save your money and move on. (Rated 2 stars instead of 1 because someone might get something out of this book.)