37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have for anyone interested in lighting., July 30, 2009
This review is from: On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography (Paperback)
What a wonderful book. Just having read through it the first time I'm overwhelmed with the amount of fantastic info in here. And the photography in this book is beautiful. He breaks down how each photo was shot in incredible detail, talking about the equipment and camera settings. There are many before-and-after shots that show the shot with and without flash or with different types of flash that really exemplify how important proper lighting really is. This is surely a must-have lighting book for any serious photographer and I can guarantee I'll be coming back to it time and time again.
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72 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mastery of Light is Crucial, August 8, 2009
This review is from: On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography (Paperback)
Disclaimers:
1. I do know Neil van Niekerk
2. I use very little flash
I've known Mr. Niekerk for more than a few years and there are few photographers for whom I have as much respect, personally or professionally.
While I am known for my "available light" work I do consider a mastery of light, be it available or supplemental, to be crucial for the production of great images.
Mr. Williams states, eloquently, in his foreword that we live in the age of the "quick-fix" during which period it really does seem to be de rigueur to eschew knowledge and learning.
If you recognize that "flash" is your weak point, or if you desire to improve your lighting skills & knowledge then I suggest that this book should not only be on your purchase list, at the top :), but also that you do spend the time reading, practicing and understanding the techniques and concepts presented in it, paying particular attention to Mr. van Niekerk's statement regarding manual exposure; "You decide. Not the camera." This is of key importance and is often overlooked or neglected
The book itself is very well written, using precise, unambiguous language leaving little, if any, room for misunderstanding. The chapter subjects are comprehensive.
The diagrams are clear and concise and each and every photograph in the book illustrates its point very clearly.
My only issue with the foreword is that Mr. William's statement this "is a fantastic book" is that it is not in bold print!
It is indeed a fantastic book. It's not a quick fix, I don't believe it was ever intended to be one.
It does require reading and practice, after all practice does make perfect!
George Weir
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simple techniques to improve your photos, August 23, 2009
This review is from: On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography (Paperback)
I was amazed to see this author bouncing flash off a building 30 feet away, but his techniques truly work. A lot of authors tell you to bounce the flash directly above you or slightly in front of you to get the most flattering light, but he tells you how to do it right. Definitely get this book if you take any indoor photos where flash is essential. He makes the light look natural. And he gives one specific tip that will drastically increase your odds of good lighting.
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