Light: Science & Magic : An Introduction to Photographic Lighting [Hardcover]

Fil Hunter (Author), Paul Fuqua (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240517962 | ISBN-13: 978-0240517964 | Publication Date: February 1990

The purpose of "Light Science and Magic" is to teach students and professionals to predict results before they set up the first light stand. It provides information that will enable them to arrive at exactly the lighting they want regardless of the subject being photographed. Some chapters are devoted to the subjects of photographing metal and glass and to portraiture.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a practical text for photographers (student or working pro) who need to solve a lighting problem. The exercises use minimal equipment and are based on studio still lifes; once understood, the principles can be used anywhere. By controlling the size of the light source, the type of reflection, and the family of angles of the reflections, the photographer can get the results he wants. Step-by-step examples include lighting glass, metal, shiny, black on black, and white on white subjects. Film range vis-a-vis shadows and highlights and the problems of mixed fluorescent and tungsten lighting are discussed, as are different types of studio lights. Illustrations are well placed and helpful. Recommended.
- Rona Mosler, Hackettstown P.L., N.J.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Focal Pr (February 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240517962
• ISBN-13: 978-0240517964
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truely an excellent introduction to lighting., August 21, 1999

By 

Don Thompson (Ridgecrest, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light: Science & Magic : An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Hardcover)

Light Science & Magic is an excellent introduction to photograpic lighting. The book covers the use of light, shadow, and exposure to aid the photographer in developing images that convey his or her vision of the subject. It also provides a good discription of lighting equipment.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Puts principles of photographic studio lighting into focus., November 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Light: Science & Magic : An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Hardcover)

Studio lighting 101 might best describe a book which explains principles and properties of light as well as its actual applications in studio situations. Do you wonder how to get rid of reflections or shadows in photos? Once you understand the science of why those shadows exist, you have the mental tools needed to become the creator of your photo images instead of a flash slave.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book pulled together what I knew and filled the gaps, July 3, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Light: Science & Magic : An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Hardcover)

I've been photographing informally, or at least without training, for about 30 years now. In that time I've done a lot of portrait work, and learned a thing or two about lighting. A friend gave me this book, and it's been EXTREMELY useful in pulling together all the things I knew and showing me how they relate to each other, and filling in the gaps.

I hadn't really thought about *textbooks* for photography before -- as I said, I haven't had any formal training in the field. The books I see in bookstores are too elementary and too unfocused for me; and I don't see tham as good for a beginner starting out, either. But finding some real textbooks that go into depth about particular parts of the field is an eye-opener for me.

My photos are better for it -- especially studio portraits and the still-lifes I did for a wine book last year (Terry Garey, _The Joy of Home Winemaking_, AVON). See other photos at http://www.ddb.com/photo.