The Complete Guide to Night and Low-Light Photography (Paperback)

by Lee Frost (Author) "Cameras and cars have a lot in common..." (more)
Key Phrases: integral metering system, exposure compensation facility, telezoom lens, Ilford Delta, Kodak T-Max, Kodak X-Tol (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Aimed at photographers who pack away their cameras as soon as light levels fall, this brilliant book shows how, with just a little skill and imagination, even amateurs can produce breathtaking photographs in nighttime or low-light settings. The guide begins with a clear explanation of technical aspects that must be considered, such as the best equipment to use for low-light indoor or nighttime outdoor shots, which color and black-and-white films to choose, how to ensure correct exposure in tricky situations, and details relating to both natural and artificial light. The book then tackles a wide range of themes and lighting situations, presenting specific guidance for shooting low-light landscapes, portraits, buildings, carnivals, fireworks displays, and weather phenomena such as lightning, sunrises, and sunsets.

About the Author
Lee Frost, author of The A-Z of Creative Photography, contributes regularly to a variety of photographic magazines, and his landscape and travel pictures are published worldwide. He is based in England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Amphoto Books; 1St Edition edition (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817450416
• ISBN-13: 978-0817450410
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 137 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars In a word? InComplete, September 5, 2001

By	S. Casper - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to admit that I was very disappointed by this book. The information contained in it (the tips, tricks, equipment suggestions) can be found at various place online with only a little bit of research. For my money I was expecting something a bit *more*.

What this book is, is a show case of the authors (often breath taking) low/no light photos. He has many impressive shots mixed in with the text of his documents, but sadly does not include any information about these shots other than "Location". No film speeds/type/brand, no shutter or aperture settings, not one bit of useful information about them other than "I was here".

What the book isn't is complete (far from it). Aside from the photo's lacking any information that could be of use to the reader, his discussions are not detailed. He seems to prefer to gloss over his points with out sharing with you the why you should so something "this way" vs. "that way" (an example is his discussion on shutter speed vs. aperture settings he seems to prefer longer exposures than larger apertures but never fully explains why).

Don't misunderstand me either. I'm not someone with a lot of experience with 35mm SLR photography (low light or otherwise). My Canon ELAN II is so loaded with features it might as well be little more than a glorified point and shoot. And I still found this book too basic.

If the author wanted to show case his pictures he would have been better served to do as at a gallery than an "instruction" manual.

82 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An EXCELLENT book - I think..., June 29, 2001

By	David P. Ellis (College Park, MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I get the distinct impression that writers with a great deal of photography knowledge/experience found this book too basic/elementary. However, from my perspective (a novice photographer whose preparing to make the step up from P&S cameras to 35mm SLRs), I have not found a more clear, informative, resource than this. What has proven so invaluable to me is not only the endless list of tips and suggestions for successfully shooting in night/low-light situations, but also the 66 pages dedicated to equipment selection. If you have not already purchased equipment and are first learning about it before purchasing like me, then this book will prove invaluable to you. Mr. Frost gives a wealth of information on equipment, from camera bodies to lenses to flashguns to tripods. It's wonderful (albeit basic) for helping decide on equipment, ESPECIALLY for learning about which specific accessories will most benefit you in night/low light situations (e.g. film and filters). For those who are already well-versed in equipment or already have their own equipment, I can see how you would find the first 1/3 of the book less useful.

Even if you can't use the equipment section, though, I still can't see how anyone cannot love just to see his prints. I know little about photography, unlike some of the other critics, but I think the pictures are absolutely stunning. Admittedly, my primary interest in photography is in night/low-light situations, so perhaps I'm unduly biased. Nonetheless, his photographs are so exceptional, they actually motivate me to go out and start shooting! Perhaps more importantly to novice learners, he often thoroughly explains how each photo was taken and/or shows side by side comparisons to demonstrate how different equipment/techniques affect output.

Finally, unlike some other photo books I own/have read, this book publishes full-color prints (or B&W, if shot on B&W film) on high quality paper. As such, you can appreciate the quality of the examples. This alone is a great advantage over some books that choose to reproduce the prints in B&W on low quality paper.

To sum it up, I love this book. The only thing I don't like is that it's too big (A4 size) to carry around to all my shoots! Thank you, Mr. Frost. I'm going to come to the UK and thank you personally one day!

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, October 10, 2000

By	Cyle M. Nunemaker (Harrisburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Man was this book ever helpful to me! I bought this book because I went to Europe almost 2 years ago and came back and developed rolls that didn't produce a single usable picture. I was planning another trip to correct my photo mistakes (I wanted the Eiffel Tower and London's Tower Bridge at night). I bought the book, read it and applied the SIMPLE steps during my last Euopean trip (aug 00). Not only did each of my night rolls (24 exp) produce at least 23 usuable pics, but 3/4 of them are professional/identical to the examples in the book. I was also able to help my friend take great night shots as well. BUY THIS BOOK and use that 'AP mode' as he said! Both will help you.