Portrait Lighting for Digital Photographers: The Basics and Beyond [Paperback]

Stephen Dantzig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

The fundamentals of exposure and the essentials of lighting are explored in this photography reference that uses progressive images from portrait sessions as its basis of explanation. Starting with how light is perceived differently by the camera than the human eye, this resource clarifies the more complicated laws that govern light, breaking the rules down with clear, effective examples. Various light sources are investigated—from simple sunlight to advanced professional and studio systems—as well as the types of lighting units used at different times during the sessions. By adding or modifying one light at a time, a sequence of images shows how the desired effect was achieved, offering photographers step-by-step troubleshooting tips. Concise text paired with photo examples offer any portrait photographer the techniques needed to create perfectly lit images.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen Dantzig is a nationally renowned lighting expert and the author of Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography for Digital Photographers, Mastering Lighting Techniques for Outdoor Location Digital Portrait Photography, and Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers. He is a frequent contributor to Rangefinder magazine, and his articles have appeared in Professional Photographer Magazine, PC Photo Magazine, and Studio Photography and Design as well as many other magazines. He teaches and lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584282657
• ISBN-13: 978-1584282655
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #249,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book for anyone who is thinking about lighting!, November 25, 2009

By 

M. Hartle "photo guru" (Honolulu Hi) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Portrait Lighting for Digital Photographers: The Basics and Beyond (Paperback)

Steve Dantzig has put together a book detailing everything from the basics of lighting to post production (A.K.A. Photoshop) and even how to work with outdoor lighting. His knowledge and love of light shines through in this masterpiece. He has taken his time with this book to hit on some key subjects including placement of lights for desired shadowing on your subject, making due with one light setups, and multiple light setups. I find Chapter 4 called: One light setups, to be the most useful chapter for me, as i shoot on location alot and don't want to lug around anymore gear than i have to. If your looking for that one photography book which is easy to read and help you get on your way to taking more professional pictures,(no matter what your level of expertise) I highly reccomend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good resource for budding portrait photographers., November 20, 2009

By 

Kirk Tuck "Kirk Tuck" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portrait Lighting for Digital Photographers: The Basics and Beyond (Paperback)

First of all I think this book is a great step up for people who've entered the field using strobist techniques who are now ready to turn what had been hobbies into serious portrait businesses. Steve does a great job explaining the ins and outs of working with more traditional studio lights and modifiers. And that's a good thing because it leads to consistent results and fewer changing variables. One thing I really like in this new book is the use of little computer diagrams to show how the lights and modifiers are set up for nearly all of the important shots in the book. It's one thing to look at great portraits but it's twice as effective if you can also look at the "floorplan" at the same time.

Steve does a great job showing you how to great photos in the studio and outside. (I'm jealous of some of the beautiful locations he gets to shoot in as well as his diverse selection of models.)

If you want to know more about lighting and working with people this is a good place to start. Not too much. Not too little. This book is just right.

You might also look for his work in Michelle Perkins book 500 Poses. It's a nice resource.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Currently the top photography book on my shelf, November 4, 2009

By 

Leroy Lehano (Honolulu, HI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Portrait Lighting for Digital Photographers: The Basics and Beyond (Paperback)

Portrait Lighting for Digital Photographers, The Basics and Beyond is an invaluable read! The first few chapters teach the fundamentals of lighting in a concise and easy to understand format. I was able to grasp the concepts of exposure and metering. Now when I setup light I can predict how light will behave, accurately measure it, and manipulate it with the technical understanding I did not have before.

I was most delighted to find the section, Lighting Styles! I've been searching the Internet for a resource that listed classic lighting styles, like the Rembrandt, with examples. The book covers several styles like Rembrandt, Side, Loop, Butterfly, etc. There are an enormous amount of pictures that illustrate the differences in light, from power, placement, and diffusion. The images help to reinforce the concepts explained, and it's all in one place! I find myself using the examples as a reference when I am conceptualizing and planning my lighting setup before an important shoot.

My absolute favorite parts of the book are the chapters that cover digital correction and manipulation of light and color, especially the post production enhancements! The author gives valuable tips on preparing to adjust color, shooting with adjustment in mind, and performing the adjustment on one or a collection of images!

And finally I was delighted to see a chapter on location shooting. Understanding the behavior of artificial light in a controlled environment is great, but being able to take that knowledge and mix it with ambient light is a real treat!

I've already recommended this book to friends who like myself have started as Strobists. We are starting to use studio strobes more and more, and are in search for a deeper understanding of light. This book made a difference for me.