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Captured by the Light: The Essential Guide to Creating Extraordinary Wedding Photography 1st Edition
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World-renowned wedding photographer, and one of the most widely acclaimed instructors in the industry today, David Ziser brings his no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point teaching style to a book that totally rewrites the rules for how wedding photography is taught.
This groundbreaking new book is the first of its kind to focus on the exact areas that wedding photographers have been begging a top pro like David to cover, including how to create professional quality light and beautiful images in every situation, how to compose wedding images that sell, and how to create amazing images in the limited time and at the fast pace of a wedding.
But David doesn’t just stop there. He covers every aspect of what today’s brides and wedding couples want from a wedding photographer, including poses that work every time and can’t-miss lighting setups you can use again and again, and everything is laid out in a brilliant step-by-step method that makes learning these techniques so easy, you’ll be able to pull off these same looks yourself (without spending thousands on expensive equipment). Plus, the book is packed with David’s tricks of the trade that he’s picked up in a career shooting all over the world.
LEARN HOW THE PROS REALLY DO IT
Each year David trains thousands of photographers on how to shoot weddings like a pro. He knows the problems and challenges today’s wedding photographers face, and that’s exactly what he covers in this book. You’ll learn everything on the list here and much more:
- Professional posing and composition tips
- Simple on-location lighting setups that are specially designed for the wedding photographer
- How to get gorgeous images using a minimal amount of time and equipment
- Creative lighting techniques that anyone can use to create dramatic wedding portraits that will set you apart
- David’s own camera settings and lens selections (which lenses to use when, and why), and how to get the best results with your existing gear
- How pros use on- and off-camera f lash, and a host of tricks of the trade that will make you more profitable and have you delivering the type of wedding shots you’ve always dreamed of!
The wedding photography industry has been waiting for a landmark book that would become “the book” that finally changes everything, and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting with the purchase of this book.
- ISBN-100321646878
- ISBN-13978-0321646873
- Edition1st
- PublisherNew Riders
- Publication dateFebruary 3, 2010
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions9 x 0.69 x 9 inches
- Print length312 pages
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From the Back Cover
World-renowned wedding photographer, and one of the most widely acclaimed instructors in the industry today, David Ziser brings his no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point teaching style to a book that totally rewrites the rules for how wedding photography is taught.
This groundbreaking new book is the first of its kind to focus on the exact areas that wedding photographers have been begging a top pro like David to cover, including how to create professional quality light and beautiful images in every situation, how to compose wedding images that sell, and how to create amazing images in the limited time and at the fast pace of a wedding.
But David doesn’t just stop there. He covers every aspect of what today’s brides and wedding couples want from a wedding photographer, including poses that work every time and can’t-miss lighting setups you can use again and again, and everything is laid out in a brilliant step-by-step method that makes learning these techniques so easy, you’ll be able to pull off these same looks yourself (without spending thousands on expensive equipment). Plus, the book is packed with David’s tricks of the trade that he’s picked up in a career shooting all over the world.
LEARN HOW THE PROS REALLY DO IT
Each year David trains thousands of photographers on how to shoot weddings like a pro. He knows the problems and challenges today’s wedding photographers face, and that’s exactly what he covers in this book. You’ll learn everything on the list here and much more:
- Professional posing and composition tips
- Simple on-location lighting setups that are specially designed for the wedding photographer
- How to get gorgeous images using a minimal amount of time and equipment
- Creative lighting techniques that anyone can use to create dramatic wedding portraits that will set you apart
- David’s own camera settings and lens selections (which lenses to use when, and why), and how to get the best results with your existing gear
- How pros use on- and off-camera f lash, and a host of tricks of the trade that will make you more profitable and have you delivering the type of wedding shots you’ve always dreamed of!
The wedding photography industry has been waiting for a landmark book that would become “the book” that finally changes everything, and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting with the purchase of this book.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : New Riders; 1st edition (February 3, 2010)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 312 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0321646878
- ISBN-13 : 978-0321646873
- Item Weight : 1.91 pounds
- Dimensions : 9 x 0.69 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,054,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #123 in Wedding Photography
- #230 in Photography Lighting (Books)
- #334 in Photography (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author

David Ziser sincerely believes in his photography.
"One of the most crystalline thoughts I have had in this profession was the result of a remark a student of mine made several years ago during a class I was teaching to 75 photographers from around the world.
The question was raised - 'Why were weddings such big events for people of his faith?' (He came from Israel to participate in my class.) His answer is as clear to me today as it was ten years ago - 'In the 4000 year history of people of my faith, we endured by living from one joyous event to the next!
That's when it became clear to me that the role of the wedding photographer was more than just about a weekend wedding. It was truly about capturing the most joyous events in peoples lives. Every photographer working in this profession MUST see and feel that "joyous event" as they look through their viewfinder. Only then will they be able to capture all the heartfelt images their clients deserve.
It is a honor for us to be asked to participate with our skills and talents in such an important part of our clients' lives."
DAVID A. ZISER BIO
- David is a nationally renowned wedding photographer and lectures to other photographers on international speaking circuit and writes extensively for professional journals throughout the United States and worldwide.
- David recently completed a 60 city city lecture tour traveling the US presenting his Digital WakeUp Call tour for 2009. It is the most successful digital wedding/portrait photography tour of the year!
- In July of 2007, David launched DigitalProTalk.com; a blog dedicated to the aspiring professional photographer looking to enhance his/her photography, Photoshop, Lightroom, and business skills. It's been called one of the best photo blogs available.
- David currently has 5 DVD's online for Kelby Training with 5 more planned by year end.
- In 2008 David was asked by Professional Photographer Magazine to be a regular monthly contributor to their award winning publication. David continues to provide feature rich articles filled with tips and techniques.
- In 2009, David was one of the leading platform speakers at WPPI drawing over 800 attendees for his program.
- David will be presenting at both Photoshop World conferences again in 2010.
- Several times during the year David conducts his week-long workshops in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area for professional and aspiring professional wedding and portrait photographers. These classes are attended by photographers from around the world.
- David Ziser continues to be one of the leading trainers in the industry for over twenty years.
Here is what past attendees of David's seminars are saying.
David, your commitment to the profession is second to none and your ability to instruct and share only raises the bar for all professional photographers. Your talent is truly a great gift to our profession.
David's images are so beautiful, really great they don't need any altering!
Absolutely loved the sales and marketing techniques!
Great class! David is truly passionate and knowledgeable about photography and digital workflow. I can't begin to describe how valuable this class was to me.
David is a great teacher and his passion shines through.
David's seminars and workshops always exceed my expectations.
Awesome!!!
Loved the experience!
Highly recommended!
David, your patience, caring, and generosity were a breath of fresh air.
David's programs are a real bargain, way more bang for the buck!
David, you are the best, you give 150% !
You make everyone feel like family at your programs!
Here are a few comments from notable individuals in the photographic industry
Frank Cricchio, M.Photog.Cr., past president of the Professional Photographers of America has described Ziser as "...one of the leading wedding photographers in the country. He is highly technically competent and has an artistic flair that is favorable to the total bridal industry."
Paul Ness, past marketing director for Eastman Kodak's Asian, Australasian, Latin America professional photography division, says of Ziser's photographs: "They reflect a sensitivity and skill that results in the creation of treasures."
Dr. Roger Saunders, past executive secretary of the Master Photographers Association of Great Britain says "He is one of America's top photographers. He has spoken to thousands of British photographers and is highly regarded by them; plus, he is very nice..."
Past Accomplishments:
- Retained to photograph the nuptials of Peter Frampton in 1996.
- Honored in 1995 by the British Institute of Professional Photography by being awarded the degree of Licentiateship. This honor is given to very few photographers outside of Great Britain.
- Invited to Photokina, the largest photographic exhibition in the world, to speak for Victor Hasselblad, Inc. First American wedding photographer invited.
- Subject of page one, full color, feature story in "Today" section of the Dallas Morning News; extolled Ziser as "...Wedding photographer extraordinaire."
- Traveled to eight international venues, including Seoul, Korea; Shanghai, China; and Bangkok, Thailand on behalf of Eastman Kodak Company to lecture to the best professional photographers in those countries about his style of wedding and portrait photography. Ziser is the first American wedding photographer to receive such an invitation.
- Featured by "Studio Photography" magazine, a publication reaching the professional market nationwide, which acclaimed "...Award winning photographer, David Ziser is showing the world how to take wedding pictures."
- Holds the highest honor of "Fellow" bestowed by the American Society of Photographers. Ziser is one of only fifty-five (55) photographers worldwide ever to receive this distinction.
- Ziser received the highest score possible, a perfect 100, on his photograph entitled "Joy in the Morning". The perfect score of 100 has been given less than twenty times in the last fifty years by the Professional Photographers of America.
- Eastman Kodak has selected many of Ziser's images for use in conjunction with national advertising campaigns and marketing programs. His work has been featured at national and international exhibits including the annual conventions of the Professional Photographers of America, Wedding Photographers International, and the Photo Marketing Association. In Kodak's widely acclaimed wedding booklet, "To Have and to Hold", Ziser's images comprised nearly one third of the publication. Kodak also used Ziser's images exclusively in their Picture Perfect Wedding Planner.
- The National Association of Photoshop Professionals has also used David's images and articles in their national publications.
- In addition to having been honored with the coveted Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees, Ziser has taken top honors every year he has entered print competition.
- Photographs Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Portraits and society events each year throughout Cincinnati and coast to coast. His work has been published in Newsday, USA Today, and Town and Country magazine.
- Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physics; Thomas More College, Covington, Ky. Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering; University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio.
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It covers what kind of lighting to use during your portrait shoots and how to achieve flattering lighting including:
-Exposure techniques and how to get it right without using a light meter.
-Using options such as bounce flash vs umbrellas and all the points between.
-Creative lighting methods including backlighting your subjects.
-Natural lighting without a flash.
Composition:
-Rule of quadrants and thirds
-Horizon Lines
-Repeat elements and framing a scene.
Equipment:
The author covers what kind of equipment he uses including why he uses a 17-85 4-5.6 (canon) lens and even non f2.8 premium glass. This is an important section because while he is using good gear, he is not trying to tell you to buy premium gear. In fact he recommends a lot of common sense glass that is within reach of even a starving artist. The idea here is that he is not trying to shove 2.8 glass down your throat and tell you that is what you "must have". He has great sample of work using a 7D (not that it is a point and shoot) and some basic f4 or 5.6 glass. He covers why he would rather use the high iso of the new cameras and stick to 5.6 when he can. You also learn about why he uses a wide lens at times and the proper way to do it. You learn about his lighting kit which is quantum flash and monolights at times mixed with on camera direct flash or bounce flash.
Next you follow the photographer from start to finish on a full day shoot to learn some great planning methods and how to capture the images along the way. We are talking a large portion of the book dedicated to the full day from start to finish.
So for the beginner: This book will teach you what you will need to do the job. Why you need it and techniques to get you going. It will not teach you about marketing or anything legal. It will teach you methods that are absolutely vital to doing the job right.
For the working existing pro's: This book is a great read and may give you some ideas to refresh why you are doing this job to start with and will maybe help get you excited again and give you some ideas. I found this book to be helpful and a joy to read.
A side note: This was mentioned before in another review I read about this book, the book has a lot of good samples and almost all the images shown are with the help of an assistant. I agree with this. It is not to say that you cant do the task if you work alone, but it will just mean more stress and some missed shots. It is not to say you cant do it but it is just not realistic to be able to capture everything on the day when you cant be in two places at once. I feel the majority of the lighting can be done using speedlights and lights on stands but you cant haul around monolights and be in two places at the same time. You will need to read the book and work with your bride to prioritize what you need to capture and where you need to be on the wedding day. I understand that not every photographer has an assistant or 2-3 assistants (as written in this book in some places) but that should not stop you from doing a good job. It means traveling with less gear and using it correctly and also working with your bride to get a timeline that can provide them with the photos they want. Most brides know what they are paying for and it is your job to educate them on what you can and cant do for a specific budget they have.
In the end I feel this book is great and a good read. I would buy the paperback version as I imagine the E book version would be hard to follow because of all the images. This book was written in a way that I feel the author is not holding back info or trying to show how great he is but rather in a way that is simple and clean. It can improve you as a photographer or teach you some new ways of thinking. Great job to the writer and happy shooting guys/gals.
I gave this book five stars and IMHO it fully deserves it. It is well illustrated and has easy to understand text which explains concepts well and coordinates well with the illustrations. I highly recommend this book for newbie or intermediate wedding photographers as well as those who shoot portraits and/or events.
Now that I've given this book a well deserved five-star recommendation I will nitpick a little;
On page 19 the author discusses histograms and while the points that the author makes about histograms are generally correct, I don't think he explains them well. When an image is under-exposed the histogram may be "shifted" to the left but it will not necessarily "hit the x-axis" except possibly on the right hand side of the histogram since few pixels in the image are probably bright. He says that the histogram "will go to zero (hit the x-axis) before it hits the right-hand y-axis" - awkward and not necessarily correct. I think there might be a less awkward way of saying this (how about; In an underexposed image most pixels tend to be not as bright as they should have been and therefore the histogram will appear to shift leftward with the histogram showing few if any pixels registering as having the brightest values - okay, I'm not the greatest wordsmith). Fortunately the author has good illustrations and images of histograms here.
The book says that it was "Produced by Kelbymedia Group Inc". I've noticed that there are generally two types of instructional photographic technique books. One type explains concepts in running texts and hopefully has appropriate images and captions to go with the running text to give good examples of what is being explained. The other major style is to organize all the text into a step one to X cookbook style. Hopefully there there are also ample images and captions to help explain these steps. The author has some explanatory running text but seems to force too much text into the cookbook style. This style seems typical of Scott Kelby produced materials and while this style can be quite effective I got the impression that too much of the text in this book was forced into that organization (and that it did not always benefit from that).
The author praises the high ISO performance of modern DSLR cameras on, what feels like, practically every page. I think most people will get the point if it is mentioned no more than ten times. :-)
Lastly, and this may be my pet peeve, the author uses the term "nodal point" on pages 136-137 to refer to where two lines intersect (as in the compositional technique known as the "rule of thirds"). Considering that the term nodal point has a number of very specific meanings in photography I would suggest simply saying something like "where two lines intersect" or "intersection #4 in figure #3" and not use a term that is generally used to refer to something else (i.e. in lens design).
All in all, even with my few nitpicks, I highly recommend this book to those interested in portrait, event and/or wedding photography.
Top reviews from other countries
Es beginnt mit dem Thema Licht / Ausleuchtung, dann Belichtung, danach Blitztechniken. Die Grundlagen werden anhand von Beispielen erklärt.
In seinem Buch wird viel geblitzt und vergleichsweise weniger auf ambient light eingegangen. Viele der Hero Shots sind entfesselt geblitzt.
Entsprechend gehts danach weiter mit Lichtformern bzw mobilen Blitzanlagen.
Es ist aber nicht so techniklastig wie es sich anhört ist es nicht. Eher Beispiele wie man zu den Bildern kommt die er im Buch zeigt.
Die Idee ist das Thema. Und die Umsetzung wird erklärt. Perspektiven, Symmetrie.
Workflow -> damit kein wichtiges Bild vergessen wird bzw das Brautpaar auch die Bilder bekommt die es erwartet :)
Für mich als Amateur war es eine große Hilfe die Sache nicht zu unterschätzen und mich gewissenhaft vorzubereiten.
Viele Dinge im Buch sind scheinbar einfach, bzw verständlich erklärt - erfordern in der Praxis aber oft viiiiiel Übung um wirklich zuverlässig zu funktionieren. Auch wenn man sich mit dem entfesselten Blitzen schon auseinandergesetzt hat. Weil eben der Zeitplan der Hochzeit oft eng gestrickt ist, die Szenen sich nicht (bis auf das Küssen) beliebig wiederholen lassen und vor Ort dann nur wenig Zeit für Korrekturen bleibt.
And I have not mentioned the simple and beautiful snaps of delicate flowers and lace that accompany almost every page.

