Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers [Paperback]

Dave Montizambert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

This definitive guide to studio lighting explains and demonstrates universal lighting principles that help photographers think on their feet and master lighting theory and technique. Explained are essential concepts such as why light behaves the way it does and how to manipulate it to its best effect. Concrete, practical examples illustrate topics such as shooting light, dark, and reflective surfaces; mastering contrast control; modifying shadow formation to effectively shape mid- and light-colored objects; creating definition in black objects; and using Photoshop to fine-tune subjects. Instruction is also provided on creating simulated sunlight, painting with light, using softening filters, and lighting subjects in motion. Compelling photographs and numerous lighting diagrams are included.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dave Montizambert is a commercial photographer whose clients include McDonald's, Motorola, Tri-Star Pictures, Warner Brothers, and No Fear Sports Gear. He is the author of Professional Digital Photography, and his articles have appeard in Digital Pro and Professional Photographer. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584280034
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280033
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,641,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't be left in the dark about lighting, May 18, 2000

By 

Marilyn Dalrymple "MaLing" (Lancaster, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers (Paperback)

Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers

Dave Montizambert

Amherst Media, Inc.

110 pages Paperback

"What would you do if you were asked to photograph an ice sculpture, or a hand-blown glass perfume bottle, or a glowing mug of beer, or a silverware setting or a brushed steel appliance, or a black car with chrome details?" asks photographer/author Dave Montizambert. If given any of the assignments listed, would you know how to go about lighting the subjects correctly and effectively? Lighting--especially of reflective surfaces--can be tricky. The proper lighting of a surface or subject can a take dull, boring subject and turn it into a prize winning illustration. Proper lighting on your models can turn a so-so portrait into a dramatic statement. Lighting is important, understanding how to use it correctly can make or break your career. I used to think experience, experimentation and a good eye could lead the way to properly lighting a scene or subject. That doesn't always work, however. If you don't know how you got the perfect lighting on your subject, you won't know how to duplicate it if you want that lighting for another subject. You have to know the rules. Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers explains lighting in clear language and then demonstrates the various techniques with large, clean illustrations. The photographer's vocabulary of lighting terminology is explained and illustrated with equal proficiency. After reading this volume, you will know what specular lighting, edge transfers, diffused values, obstruction distance and separation lighting are. You will understand distant relationships of light to subject and main light to distance (to subject) to ambient ratios. Better than that you will know why and how light works, falls off, changes energy and reflects and how these elements effect your images. Any questions you may have after reading the text and studying the illustrations will probably be answered in the "`Tips' boxes." "Tech Tips" feature additional technical information to help you apply the techniques discussed in the chapter's text. "Quick Reminder" boxes repeat important terms and concepts introduced in each chapter. "Did You Know?" boxes feature even more helpful information concerning the use of techniques just learned. "Data for Frames" boxes tell all about the technical specifications of the images, and includes exposure information, camera, lens and film data. To illustrate the thoroughness of the chapters in this book, I will use the portion "Light Painting 101," from Section Three. The term, "light Painting" is explained; the reader is then referred to a previous page where light painting is being used by a photographer for a commercial shot. Three schematics of the set up are shown, along eight with illustrative photographs. Exact information as to the filters, light sources, props and other equipment are below the photographs and schematics. Exposure times and f-stops are described. A page is dedicated to describing how the props that were to be photographed using this technique were prepared. What more could you ask for? Dave Montizambert's book, Creative Lighting Techniques, builds on the lighting foundation pioneered by Dean Collins. For nineteen years Dave and his brother/partner, Mark, have created images for McDonald's Foods, Motorola, TriStar Pictures, Warner Brothers and No Fear Sports Gear, among others. Montizambert lectures internationally on lighting, metering/zoning and digital image manipulation. He is also an instructor for lighting and advertising at Western Academy Photo College in Victoria, B.C. He has written many articles that have appeared in such prestigious publications as Professional Photographer and PhotoMedia Magazine. So, what would I do if I were asked to photograph an ice sculpture, or a hand-blown glass perfume bottle, or a glowing mug of beer, or a silverware setting or a brushed steel appliance, or a black car with chrome details? I'd say, yes, I can do that. Reading this book has given me the confidence that I can successfully tackle any lighting problem that I might encounter with future assignments.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy those umbrellas just yet, October 19, 2005

By 

juan bobo (New York via Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers (Paperback)

I'm primarily a street photographer, and my studio lighting set up has for years involved umbrellas and reflectors. However, this book demonstrates- without actually stating it- how little control this offers the photographer. (Umbrellas are still useful, but they are not always the best solution.)

The technique of varying not only the source to subject distance but also the origin to source distance is worth the time and money I invested. (The source is your light modifier. The origin is the light itself.)

This is not for beginner photographers or even those new to studio lighting. The author assumes a good knowledge of photography and a basic knowledge of studio lighting. In fact, I feel the need to read it again.

I give four stars and not five because I felt that there could have been a few more chapters.

Note: the title is NOT "How to Choose and Purchase Photographic Lighting". The book is about how to USE Photographic Lighting.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good content for the intermediate-level user, November 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photographers (Paperback)

This is a useful book if you are already familiar with the
lighting equipment that exists, in which case the content
is quite good (4 stars). But it's not the best book for you
if you don't yet know what lighting equipment exists (2 stars).