Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography [Paperback]

Stephen A. Dantzig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2004

Addressing the unique challenges that come with photographing models, this guide provides advanced lighting techniques designed to improve the artistic quality and marketability of a photo shoot. The science behind lighting is explained, from wavelengths to exposure, all with an eye toward bringing each picture to its fullest potential. Metered lighting, the difficulties of working outdoors, and the importance of lighting each pose correctly are discussed in full. Detailed explanations of classic lighting setups are included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen A. Dantzig, PsyD, has written for Professional Photographer, Rangefinder, and Studio Photography and Design. He lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584281472
• ISBN-13: 978-1584281474
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,214,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a dreamer with a sound foundation. I love photography and I enjoy writing about it and teaching it. I am happiest when working behind a camera. My friends would describe me as a very caring person who is not afraid to get to the heart of a problem. I take risks when needed and have a drive to succeed. I have a physical disability--cerebral palsy, and I use two canes to get around. However, this has never held me back and my accomplishments have surprised many people. I have rolled around on snow covered slopes [I'm not really sure you would call it "skiing!"] and explored the seas with a scuba tank strapped on. I have dragged many pounds of camera gear down ridiculous cliffs and stairs just to get "the shot." I have written five books [one in psychology and four on photography]. I have a great deal of passion about the things that are important to me. My interests outside of photography and education involve a study of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. I was born and raised in New York, and while I love being a "New Yorker," Polynesia presents such a fascinating and beautiful contrast. I am truly relaxed watching a young lady tell her story through the hula.

Official Bio: Stephen Dantzig is a nationally renowned lighting expert and author of Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography for Film and Digital Photographers, Mastering Lighting Techniques for Outdoor and Location Digital Portrait Photography and Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers (Amherst Media). His fourth book for Amherst Media, Portrait Lighting for Digital Photographers: The Basics and Beyond is set for a November 2009 release. He has written more than sixty articles and lessons on photographic lighting and ethics. He is a frequent contributor to RANGEFINDER Magazine and his lessons have appeared in Professional Photographer Magazine, PC Photo Magazine, Studio Photography and Design, ProPhoto West, ShootSmarter.com, ProPhotoResource.com, the Photoflex Web Photo School. His work has appeared on more than 22 magazine covers including local, regional and national markets. Some of his published works have appeared in the Amherst Media's Portrait Photographer's Handbook, Group Portrait Photography Handbook, The Best of Portraiture, The Best of Photographic Lighting (First and Second Editions), Lighting and Posing Techniques for Photographing Women, Professional Portrait Lighting Techniques and Images from Master Photographers, 500 Poses for Photographing Women, and Rangefinder's Professional Photography This Week Magazine (Hawaii), Pleasant Hawaii Magazine, Doll Reader, Metropolitan Home, Studio City Lifestyles Magazine, Santa Clarita Valley Living, and The Los Angeles Times. Stephen is a twenty-one time Award of Merit recipient from the Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County and has received two Awards of Merit from The Professional Photographers of Hawaii. His specialties include fashion, beauty and corporate photography. Commercial clients in Hawaii include: United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii; Mr. Brickwood Galuteria; Miss Raeceen Woolford (Miss Hawaii 2009), Mrs. Alicia Jones (Miss Hawaii USA 2003); several past and current Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii USA preliminary title holders and Miss Hawaii Teen/Miss Hawaii Teen USA preliminary title and title holders. Stephen also holds a Doctor of Psychology degree from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. He now works, teaches and resides in Honolulu, HI.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Photographic Book of 2005, November 20, 2005

By 

Rebel POW (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography (Paperback)

Dantzig delivers a 'must have' book for any of us, in the tradition of Art Ketchum's 'Portfolio'. It's a new book, with a 2005 copyright, so you know it won't be talking about film and hot studio lights.

Get this book.

Ok, that said, let's take a look at this book.

What I like about this book:

1. The very first chapter, "Light And Its Characteristics' is worth the price of the book. I know that we're all creative types and forgot most of our math about 15 minutes after graduating from college. Still the mathematical basis of light discussed by Dantzig is worth reading. And you know that any photographic author who discusses the Pythagorean theorem when discussing placement of studio lights isn't just rehashing old ground from other books!

2. REALLY useful examples. Unlike the Milburn book, Dantzig's examples are obvious. For example, on pages 18 - 19 (no filler here, we get right down to useful stuff!) he shows the very same model, photographed the very same way, with: a) 7" parabolic spot reflector, b) small silver umbrella, c) a small strip dome, d) medium strip dome, e) large litedome and f) extra-large litedome. The differences between these are obvious and valuable.

3. It's readable... Dantzig's a published author in many photographic magazines, and it shows.

4. He stays on topic. The topic is Light. No discussion of why you should use Photoshop's browser here, thank you. Consider the chapter headings:

Light and its Characteristics

Studio Basics

Intermediate Studio Techniques

Fashion Lighting

Outdoor Lighting

The Body Shot

Working With Models

5. Good diagrams on lighting setups (but see below, under what I don't like).

What I don't like about this book. Now, don't get me wrong, this is a must have book and my complaints here are definitely in the nit picking category:

1) Lighting placement setups and descriptions are not available for every photo. Sometimes I'm looking at a photo wondering how it's done (how many lights, what kinds of modifiers, etc.) and all I'm given is a too brief written explanation. Doesn't happen much, but more than once.

2) Dantzig's annoying use of his psychology credentials. Hey guy, I know you worked hard for them, but they have no meaning in the photographic world. Lose the PsyD at the end of your name and in your bio. After all, I'm a past member of the Chicago Board of Trade and I don't mention that on my OMP page.

NONE of the small complaints that I mention should deter you from buying this fine book. It is definitely the best I've found so far in 2005.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a book for amateurs/beginners, May 11, 2007

By 

L. Chen "catwoman" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography (Paperback)

the book has good illustration to each different types of lighting equipments. but the pictures are a little out of current glamour trend, and the colors are not that good. it does not talk about how to work with your object - the FASHION and the model. it's more like a headshot tutorial. it's good for beginners to grasp essential knowledge of lighting equipments, but on top of that, you need a lot of studio work to testify your judgement of the effects of all these devices.

it's a good tutorial, but not yet leading you towards creating master pieces.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars more of the same but poor diagrams, October 19, 2006

By 

Robert Dridan (South Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography (Paperback)

I found this book to be ok but the diagrams for lighting set up are very poor- orinetation is not even correct and there is little to explain the finer details of the light positioning etc. Only some of the photos give a diagram/explanation of how lighting was achieved and even then its poor and difficult to replicate. Master lighting guide by christopher grey is a much better book in my opinion.