Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Paperback)

by Fil Hunter (Author), Steven Biver (Author), Paul Fuqua (Author)
Key Phrases: exposure steps, polarized direct reflection, produces direct reflection, Bad Characteristic Curve (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'This is the first book I have seen on photographic lighting that is worth using as a text. Light-Science and Magic is about principles, not cheap tricks or the authors' portfolio. Thanks.'---Pete Christman, Savannah College of Art and Design.

'An excellent guide to high-quality studio-style lighting, even on location.'---John Alderson, Booklist. -- Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"There truly is a lot to like about Light: Science and magic. First, it is the most complete reference to lighting that I have seen. Second, the authors, while assuming that you know little about lighting, present the topic in a nondemeaning manor, and advance the topic very quickly."

-BC Books (May 2007)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3rd edition (March 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240808193
• ISBN-13: 978-0240808192
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (125 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,723 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Lighting
  #13 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > How-to
  #17 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Equipment

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 103 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding and Essential!, February 16, 2003

By	mirasreviews (McLean, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

This review is from: Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Paperback)

Fil Hunter and Paul Fuqua have written a truly essential reference for product photographers and an outstanding educational text for all photographers. Light, Science and Magic teaches its readers the principals of lighting. It describes in detail how to light surfaces, metal, glass, liquids, extremes (black-on-black and white-on-white), and people for different effects. These subjects were chosen because they are reputed to be the most difficult subjects to light. But because the book emphasizes the principals of lighting, those lessons can be applied to all lighting situations. The examples in Light,Science and Magic are in-studio, but the principals apply out-of-doors and anywhere that there is light. You don't need to have a background in studio photography or a knowledge of lighting equipment to understand and benefit from this book. You need to have only a good understanding of exposure and camera operation. Information on basic lighting equipment is found in the appendices for those who are unfamiliar with studio equipment. Because the principals of lighting apply equally to film photography and digital image capture, most of this book's content will not go out of date. No photographer should be without the knowledge in this book. If you can absorb all of the book's content, there is nothing that you will encounter in all your photographic adventures that you won't know how to light to get the effect you want. It is well worth its price!

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saved me money the first day, July 11, 2001

By	Gary Wise (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Paperback)

I love the approach in this easy to read book. The authors' philosophy is to be as creative in as many ways as possible, even down to improvising equipment and overcoming lack thereof. If, say, candles will suffice, then why use strobes? I feared a huge shopping list for my foray into the world of studio lighting. This very helpful alternative to months of expensive experimentation has shown me a more structured approach, the focus being on Return on Investment while maximising results.

68 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Photography is all about light, November 30, 1999

By	Lisa A. Leone (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Paperback)

Whether you're a beginner with a point-and-shoot or a professional with a huge investment in equipment, you need to know how light works. This book can teach you everything you need to know. It has both theory and practical guidance. The authors don't tell you which lights to use in a given situation -- they teach you how to determine what lighting to use to achieve the effect _you_ want. And they help you select lighting equipment.

To be fair, it's not always an easy read (there's a lot of theory and some math/physics to wade through), but it's worth the effort. I saw the difference in the next roll I shot. I only wish I had found this book a few years ago...