PDF The Definitive Broadway Collection Songbook (Definitive Collections) by Hal Leonard Corporation in Arts-Photography

Review

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. My best and most used book on lighting so far.By Patrick PerduI have been reading a lot of photography books of late; on average two a month for over a year; and they usually address different concerns. This one deals exclusively with lighting and takes the problem at the root.This is the only one I read so far that starts with the fundamentals of what is light and how it behaves; and leads the reader down the thought process required for proper illumination of any subject starting from first principles.Many other books deal with the pure portrait lighting (Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers comes to mind); only flash photography (Joe MacNallys excellent Sketching Light) or lighting gear (Syl Arenas Speedliters Handbook)."Light; Science and magic" is explicitly positioned as a textbook on lighting and only lighting. The reader is supposed to know his or her camera and how to get a proper exposure.There are a few useful hints geared towards digital photographers for instance on how underexposing makes sense for digital where overexposing did for film; the histogram and the effects of over manipulation; the curves etc. The only remark I would question in the whole book is on page 278; where the authors suggest that Ansel Adams zones would be 0 on the left side and X on the right side of the histogram - that would be true if the sensor covered the whole dynamic range of the possible pictures; from pitch black to clean; sun-lit snow.The book starts with a recap of what is light. Full disclosure; I was trained a physicist and considering this book is subtitled "An introduction to photographic lighting" I was expecting heavy-handed approximations. Not so. The subject matter is exposed in a very simple yet not simplistic way. This is the first of all the photography books I read that properly explains polarizing versus non-polarizing reflections and the proper usage of polarizing filters with a very striking example (figures 4.11 and 4.13).It then addresses all the classic problems: diffuse versus direct reflection (how to shoot shiny surfaces; flat versus round objects; from small objects to buildings etc.) and proposes a number of solutions to the usual and more unusual issues such as with white on white or black on black pictures.(I am surprised that the words "dynamic range" do not seem appear in the book.)It ends with portrait and how to manage the real world lighting indoors or outdoors; strobes and speedlights but without dwelling on such techniques as bouncing flash as much as many other books I have seen.All in all an excellent reference book on lighting; one I found myself thumbing through over and over even before I was done reading it the first time.If you are looking for an overview of digital photography including composition; exposure; color management etc.; this book is probably too specialized (try one of my favorites in that category; one I open regularly: Digital Photography Lighting For Dummies).If what you want is a collection of hints and tips on how to get a nice picture in such or such situation; check out Scott Kelbys The Digital Photography Book; Part 2 and Part 4 (not part 3). If you are interested in composition; pausing etc.; have a look at Picture Perfect Practice.However if what you want is a solid foundation for how light behaves and what are the classic thought processes when addressing lighting issues; this is the book for you.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Theres some information about setting up a studio but its too little to be very useful.By J. SaltielA must have book for learning photographic lighting.Finally; I found a book that actually teaches lighting concepts instead of the common "cookbook" type guides; through a recommendation! After searching ; Light Science Magic didnt even show up! After practicing the techniques; you will be able to creatively light anything.While Light Science Magic covers lighting concepts well; you should look elsewhere for equipment usage. Theres some information about setting up a studio but its too little to be very useful.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Superb intro to photo lightingBy JohnBooks that are hard to put down once picked up are rare these days. Be you a budding photographer in need of education or a seasoned pro looking for a new trick or two; this book is a solid treatise on the topic of light generally and photographic lighting specifically. Topics range from light science to light placement to light polarization; etc. Lots of real examples help nail down concepts and invite the curious to try the techniques themselves.My library is mostly electronic these days. Shelf space for real books is reserved for only the most special; seasoned or useful writings. A new print book almost always never makes the grade. For photographers this book easily makes the cut.The book delves reasonably deep into topics; but is arranged so you can assimilate new methods and tips with sporadic readings. Yes... this means this is a good bathroom reader.This is certainly the best $21 Ive spent in a great while.