The Best of Photographic Lighting: Techniques and Images for Digital Photographers

by Bill Hurter

Overview

Bill Hurter explains the characteristics of light—both natural and artificial—in this in-depth guide. Fully exploring color balance, exposure, and light ratios, the handbook expands on skills learned in the studio to explain how to harness the beauty of less predictable lighting situations, like those shot outdoors or on location. Packed with tips from more than 30 top professionals on wedding, portrait, and commercial photography, this resource is sure to both educate and inspire.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781584283348
Publisher:	Amherst Media, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/01/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Bill Hurter is the editor of "Rangefinder" magazine, the former editor of "Petersen's PhotoGraphic," and the author of "The Best of Wedding Photography," "Group Portrait Photography Handbook," "The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing," and "Portrait Photographer's Handbook." He lives in Santa Monica, California.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	7
	Simplicity is Essential	9
1	The Science of Light	11
	What is Light?	11
	Photons	12
	White Light	12
	The Behavior of Light	12
	Reflection	13
	Scattering	13
	Refraction	13
	Absorption	15
	Light Intensity	15
	The Color of Light	17
	Color Balance	20
2	Lighting Basics	21
	Two Primary Lights	21
	Key Light	21
	Fill Light	21
	Size of the Light	21
	Lighting Ratios	24
	Determining Lighting Ratios	24
	Lighting Ratios and Their Unique Personalities	26
	Metering	27
3	Studio Lighting	28
	Studio Strobe Systems	28
	Monolights	28
	Power-Pack Systems	29
	What to Look For	30
	Power	30
	Flash Duration	30
	Recycle Times	30
	Modeling Lights	30
	Color Temperature	30
	Fan-Cooled Generator	30
	Multi-Voltage Capability	30
	Computer Control	30
	Open-Flash Function	30
	Head and Accessories	30
	Types of Studio Strobes and Accessories	30
	Barebulb	30
	Barn Doors	31
	Diffusers	31
	Flats	31
	Gobos	32
	Grid Spots	32
	Mirrors	32
	Reflectors	37
	Parabolic Reflectors	37
	Scrims	39
	Snoots	39
	Softboxes	39
	Strip Light	40
	Spotlights	40
	Umbrellas	40
	Umbrellas, Shoot-Through	40
	The Perfect Fill	42
	Refltect Light Values	44
	Specular Lightlights	44
	Diffused Highlights	44
	Shadow Values	44
	Tabletop Lighting	45
	Light Tents	46
4	Basic Portrait Lighting	48
	Basic Portrait Lights	48
	Key and Fill Lights	48
	Hair Light	51
	Background Light	51
	Kicker Lights	51
	Broad and Short Lighting	51
	The Five Basic Portrait-Lighting Setups	52
	Paramount Lighting	52
	Key Light	52
	Fill Light	52
	Hair Light	52
	Background Light	52
	Loop Lighting	54
	Key Light	54
	Fill Light	54
	Hair and Background Lights	54
	Rembrandt Lighting	54
	Key Light	55
	Fill and Hair Lights	55
	Background and Kicker Lights	55
	Split Lighting	55
	Key Light	56
	Other Lights	56
	Profile Lighting	56
	Key Light	56
	Fill Light	56
	Hair and Background Light	57
	The Fine Points	57
	Overlighting	57
	Key-Light Distance	57
	Fill-Light Distance	57
	Multiple Catchlights	58
	Setting the Lights	58
	Background Light	58
	Hair Light	61
	Fill Light	61
	Key Light	61
	Fuzzy Duenkel's One-, Two-, and Three-Light Setups	61
	One-Light Setup	61
	Two-Light Setup	64
	Three-Light Setup	64
	Favorite Lighting Setups	64
	Bill McIntosh	65
	Monte Zucker	65
	Stacy Bratton	67
	Larry Peters	68
	Vicki Taufer	68
5	Indoor Location Lighting	70
	Continuous vs. Instantaneous Light Sources	70
	Lighting Groups	71
	Types of Lights	71
	Even Lighting	72
	Light Positions	72
	Feathering	72
	Focus	72
	Window Light	72
	Advantages	72
	Challenges	73
	Direction and Time of Day	73
	Subject Placement	74
	Metering	74
	Fill Light	77
	Fill Cards	77
	Room Lights	77
	Bounce Flash	77
	Custom White Balance	78
	Diffusing Window Light	78
	Mastering One Light	79
	Handheld Video Lights	80
	Diffused "Straight" Flash	82
	Bounce Flash	82
	Bounce-Flash Accessories	83
	Bounce Flash Exposure	83
	Multiple Lights	84
	Remote Triggering Devices	84
	Bill McIntosh: Multiple Strobes on Location	84
	Gene Martin: Combining Light Sources on Location	86
	Extending Depth of Field	88
	Reciprocity Failure	88
	Multiple Strobe Pops	89
	Painting With Light	89
6	Outdoor Lighting	90
	Finning the Right Light	91
	Shade	91
	Working at Midday	92
	After Sunset	95
	Controlling the Background	96
	Depth of Filed and Diffusion	96
	Retouching	96
	Subject-to-Background Distance	96
	Separation	96
	Reflectors	98
	Positioning	98
	Natural Reflectors	100
	Fuzzy Duenkel: Multi-Purpose Reflectors	100
	Subtractive Lighting	101
	Too-Diffuse Light	101
	Overhead Light	101
	Diffusion Screens	102
	Spotty Light	102
	Direct Sunlight	102
	Backlighting	102
	Metering	104
	Flash Techniques	104
	Barebulb Fill	104
	Softbox Fill	105
	TTL Fill	105
	X-Sync Speeds	106
	Metering and Exposure	106
	Flash-Fill with Studio Strobes	106
	Saturating Backgrounds	106
	Flash Key	107
	Flash Key on Overcast Days	107
	Flash Fill with Direct Sunlight	108
	Cool Skin Tones	108
	Low-Angle Sunlight	109
	Fuzzy Duenkel: Garage Light	111
	Painting with Light Outdoors	111
	The Photographers	112
	Glossary	117
	Index	121

Editorial Reviews

The material is presented in detailed chapters beginning with the science of light and then covering lighting basics.

Art Book News Annual

"This book is a must for anyone interested in creating portraits that are both marketable and memorable."  —PhotoStockNotes

"From the basics such as posing and composition, to technical aspects of focusing and lighting, this handbook addresses concerns for both amateur and professional photographers"  —PhotoSource.com

"A behind-the-scenes look at how the world's finest wedding photographers are using digital to shoot in more creative ways."  —PhotoGRAPHIC

"Packed with practical tips and truly dazzling images, this book will inform and inspire."  —Rangefinder

"A complete, fully comprehensive guide for portrait photographers. Packed with invaluable information."  —Light and Shade

"Hurter's wonderful tips are certain to push your images over the top and away from the ordinary. I highly recommend exploring the benefits of this book for yourself."  —Shutterbug

From the Publisher