Creative Lighting Techniques for Studio Photography

by Dave Montizambert

Overview

This definitive guide to studio lighting explains and demonstrates universal lighting principles that help photographers think on their feet and master lighting theory and technique. Explained are essential concepts such as why light behaves the way it does and how to manipulate it to its best effect. Concrete, practical examples illustrate topics such as shooting light, dark, and reflective surfaces; mastering contrast control; modifying shadow formation to effectively shape mid- and light-colored objects; creating definition in black objects; and using Photoshop to fine-tune subjects. Instruction is also provided on creating simulated sunlight, painting with light, using softening filters, and lighting subjects in motion. Compelling photographs and numerous lighting diagrams are included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781584280934
Publisher:	Amherst Media, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/01/2003
Edition description:	Subsequent
Pages:	124
Product dimensions:	8.42(w) x 10.98(h) x 0.38(d)

Table of Contents

	Introduction	5
Section 1	Fundamental Concepts	7
	Contrast	7
	Areas of Illumination	8
	Confusion and Chaos	11
	Diffused Value	14
Section 2	Forming with Shadow	17
	Shadow	17
	Glamour Lighting with a Dramatic Edge	19
	A Panel Discussion	25
	Shadow Edge Transfer	26
	Size of Light Source	27
	Distance of Light Source	29
	Obstruction Distance	34
	Try it Out	36
	Motion of Source	39
	Controlling Shadow Formation	42
	Shadow Contrast	44
	Distance of the Main Light to the Subject	46
	Main Light Distance (to Subject) to Ambient Ratio	50
	It's the Law: The Law of Perspective	53
	Efficiency of Ambient Source	53
	Distance of the Ambient Source to Subject	57
	Simulated Sunlight	60
	A Scary Thought	66
Section 3	Lighting with Specular Energy	67
	Specular	67
	Shooting Beer/Painting with Light	69
	Light Painting 101	75
	Specular Edge Transfer	78
	Surface Efficiency	78
	Depth of Field	80
	Floating Sonys	80
	Camera F-Stop	82
	Incident Distance	83
	Reflective Distance	84
	Reproduction Size and Wrinkles	84
	Motion of Source	86
	Distance of Origin to Diffusion Source	88
	Specular Contrast	93
	Size of Light Source	93
	Pre-Touching: Motion of Source to Soften Specular Edge Transfer	98
	Big Red	99
	Distance of Light Source to Subject	100
	Surface Efficiency	103
	Tonal Efficiency	110
	Cutting Edge	111
	Specular Gobo	116
	Interrelationships	117
	About the Author	120
	Index	122