Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Checkout for Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques

Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques

Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques Reviews

If you Find Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques cheapest price .This is reviews and overviews for Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques
.

Product Description

How to make digital photography lighting more creative—and less challenging!

How do you master the art of lighting your photographs? Go beyond the basics, go beyond the "rules," and get creative with the help of renowned photographer Harold Davis. In this book, Harold shows you how to break the boundaries of conventional wisdom and create unique, lively, and beautifully lit photographs. Packed with tips and tricks as well as stunning examples of the author’s creativity, this book will both inform and inspire you to create your own lighting style.

Teaches you when and how to control the light in your photographs
Reviews the basic “rules” of digital photography lighting and shows you how to break the rules to create your own uniquely lit images
Helps you start building a lighting style of your own
Includes stunning examples of the author’s photography and lighting techniques

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned digital photographer, you'll find ideas and techniques to spark your creativity.

Amazon.com Exlusive: Introduction Letter from the Author

Dear Amazon Readers,

Light is crucial to photography, and without lighting you cannot have a photo. But books about light and lighting come in a number of varieties. So if you are considering my book, I wanted to let you know why I wrote Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques, where I am coming from in this book, and what you’ll find in it.

If there is one skill a photographer needs, it is the ability to see and understand light. Learning about the directionality, intensity, quality, and color of light is partly intuitive--but can largely be taught. Creative use of lighting makes or breaks a photo, whether the photo is shot outdoors or in the studio. Furthermore, you can’t even begin to understand how to create effective lighting until you learn to “read” light itself. Becoming familiar with light and lighting in all its infinite varieties is the first step along the way to mastering the craft of photography.

Creative Lighting covers both natural light and studio lighting. However, it is not a cookbook covering studio lighting setups; nor is it a book that emphasizes the pixels over the overall visual impact that a photograph can make. Each of the photos in this book can be used as idea generation for your own work--how you can use existing light, alter light, or create lighting to make spectacular photos of your own. I’ve included the story behind each photo in the book, as well as full technical data about the captures. The emphasis of my book is the creative use of lighting. Like other books in my Creative series, Creative Lighting is intended to be useful as an idea book.

Creative Lighting is conceptually divided into five parts. As you’ll see, there is a great deal of material, and it covers a lot of ground. The parts of Creative Lighting are:

Part I: Seeing the Light--Covers understanding and observing light and its characteristics (and applies to both studio and natural light); learning the material in this section is a first step towards becoming a master of light.

Part II: Exposure & Lighting--Details the responses to lighting in terms of camera settings because light and lighting is only one part of the exposure equation, the other side of the equation is how you set your camera to respond to the way the subject is lit.

Part III: Working with Ambient Light--Explains how to work with existing light, meaning sunlight and also mixed lighting environments, and also provides some tips for improving the quality of ambient and existing light.

Part IV: Lighting in the Studio--Shows you how to make creative use of continuous lights in still life compositions, and how to create stunning portraits using strobes in the studio.

Part V: Lighting in the Digital Darkroom—With digital photography, taking the photo is just the first part of the workflow. In this section, you’ll learn to use RAW processing and Photoshop to improve the creative impact of lighting in post-processing, and even change the entire lighting effect in a photo.

I hope you enjoy Creative Lighting. May the light be with you, and best wishes in photography!

Harold Davis

From the Author: Lighting Case Studies

Case Study: Light Through Clouds

Case Study: Bud in Vase

Case Study: Blossom

and then update cheapest prices immediately. Limited time Only!

Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

Great information with excellent examples, March 21, 2011

Hartford - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques (Paperback)

Creative Lighting, Digital Photography Tips & Techniques,
By Harold Davis

Regardless of your photographic genre, this book contains valuable ideas to help use and utilze light creatively. The author breaks down many different lighting situations a photographer may encounter. Each section stands on its own, so one does not have to read the entire book to benefit from it. That also makes it very easy to use this book for later reference and review. A quick view of the table of contents demonstrates the full depth of the book. Major sections include "Seeing the light", Exposure and Lighting", "Working with Ambient Light", "Lighting in the Studio", and "Lighting in the Digital Darkroom". Each section is further subdivided into many topics, all providing a well-written, easy-to-read discussion of each topic.

Have you ever looked at an image and wondered how did the photographer capture it? If so, then you'll enjoy this book and keep it close in your... Read more

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Creative, Practical and Smart, March 21, 2011

D. Watson "Don" (Gloucester, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques (Paperback)

Harold Davis has written a great "Creative..." series of books (Black & White; Night; Close-Ups; Artistry; Composition; Landscapes). I started reading "Creative Lighting" after a perfect segue in completing his "Creative Portraits: Digital Tips & Techniques." This library of books are a must have from beginning photographers looking to stretch their skills to experienced photographers looking to enhance their expertise.

"Creative Lighting" is not just about flash, softboxes and the like. It is about understanding light in all its permeations, the complete spectrum from natural available light to sophisticated illumination set-ups. For a photographer, it is critical that you understand the quality of light. Photography's prime ingredient is light. Quality of light is influence by brightness, temperature, distance, angle, time, duration, reflection, reflective surface behavior and size of the light source. This is a smart, practical text presented in a very... Read more

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

A strong entry in Davis' Creative Series, April 16, 2011

Jvstin "Paul Weimer" (Circle Pines, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques (Paperback)

Harold Davis is a well-known, award winning photographer based out of California, but with a suite and portfolio of pictures from around the world. He has a written a number of books on photography, most notably the "Creative" series.

Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques is the latest of the latter series of books. Creative Lighting's mission and goals are to allow photographers to take better pictures by taking advantage of, and in some cases, manipulating the light available for photographs. While a small section at the end explores how to use Photoshop to work with High Dynamic Range photography and other effects, Davis keeps the bulk of the book grounded for dealing with and creating situations in the field and in the studio.

Within each of the major sections of the book, Davis has a wide assortment of topics, usually only a couple of pages long, with one or more photographs to illustrate the technique or subtopic. The photographs are a... Read more

› See all 25 customer reviews...

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Overview Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers High Quality

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers Reviews

If you Find Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers cheapest price .This is reviews and overviews for Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers
.

Product Description

Learn to achieve the best possible images with minimal lighting equipment

Author Bob Davis is a photographer whose high-profile clients include Oprah Winfrey and Eva Longoria, and whose work has appeared in Time, OMagazine, and People. Along with his invaluable professional advice, this beautiful full-color book includes a DVD featuring portions of his workshop curriculum. He covers the elements of lighting and shares his two-strobe technique that will enable you to create studio-quality lighting anywhere with only minimal equipment.

High-profile photographer Bob Davis is especially known for his lighting techniques; this book shares his advice on lighting for professional photographers and serious amateurs
Covers all the key elements of photographic lighting, with informative illustrations and lighting grids
Details the author's pioneering two-strobe technique that reduces the amount of equipment a photographer must carry to a shoot and dramatically lowers equipment costs
Features professional tips and stunning full-color images
60-Minute DVD includes video from the author's three-day lighting and photography workshop

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographersoffers your professional advice worth many times the cost of the book.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Amazon.com Review

Learn to achieve the best possible images with minimal lighting equipment

Author Bob Davis is a photographer whose high-profile clients include Oprah Winfrey and Eva Longoria, and whose work has appeared in Time, O Magazine, and People. Along with his invaluable professional advice, this beautiful full-color book includes a DVD featuring portions of his workshop curriculum. He covers the elements of lighting and shares his two-strobe technique that will enable you to create studio-quality lighting anywhere with only minimal equipment.

High-profile photographer Bob Davis is especially known for his lighting techniques; this book shares his advice on lighting for professional photographers and serious amateurs
Covers all the key elements of photographic lighting, with informative illustrations and lighting grids
Details the author's pioneering two-strobe technique that reduces the amount of equipment a photographer must carry to a shoot and dramatically lowers equipment costs
Features professional tips and stunning full-color images
60-Minute DVD includes video from the author's three-day lighting and photography workshop

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographersoffers your professional advice worth many times the cost of the book.

Top 10 Lighting Tips
Amazon-exlcusive content from author Bob Davis

1. Become a seeker of light. My lighting improved leaps and bounds once I began to notice and study light and how it creates mood, shapes, and defines textures. It’s all about light. I take mental notes when light catches my eye. I love the way the sunlight reflects off my stone counter tops and creates beautiful patterns on the kitchen cabinets. I then think of how can I emulate that.

2. Take visual notes using your cell phone camera. I love using my iPhone for this. Most people have a camera on their cell phone; it’s great for capturing those wonderful moments when the light catches your eye. Later, practice recreating that light with any type of light source, flashlight, shop light, strobe or video light.

3. Practice, practice, practice… I use a teddy bear and a flashlight to see how the light and shadows change as I move the light around the teddy bear. Then, I try to create that same look using an off-camera flash.

4. If you find using an off-camera flash a challenge because you can’t see the light, try using a flashlight as a modeling light. Point the flashlight in the same direction as your flash head. For a long time, I used a Mag light rubber banded to my Speedlight until I became comfortable using my flash.

5. Use a diffuser over your flash and, if at all possible, bounce your flash. Even the pop-up flash on a point-and-shoot can be diffused using facial tissue. If your flash has an adjustable head, try bouncing it off the ceiling by pointing the flash head upwards, or even to the side if there is a wall near by. Review your results, and make a mental note.

6. Whenever possible, get your flash off-camera. You can create depth and dimension by getting one flash with a bounce diffuser about 45 degrees to the left or right of your camera. This creates a nice modeling light to shape your subjects, and looks more natural than direct on-camera flash.

7. Read you camera and flash manual. I know they read like bad stereo instructions written for engineers, but if you read one page, and then practice what you’ve just read with your camera and flash, soon you will master all of the functions of your flash.

8. Use fresh batteries; even better, use rechargeable high capacity batteries. This alone will greatly improve your overall flash consistency.

9. Use flash outside on a bright sunny day to fill in the shadows under the eyes, hence the term “fill flash”. Photograph people in open shade to avoid them having to squint, and remember to turn on your flash to fill in their face with light. Almost all point-and-shoot cameras allow you to use your flash outside. Give it a try, and see how it puts that sparkle in their eyes.

10. You don’t always need a flash, I love lighting people using a reflector. There are many types of collapsible reflectors. You can use anything as a reflector. I once created a reflector in a pinch by using a paper plate and covered it with aluminum foil. It works! Remember it’s all about the light. Have fun, there is no wrong way to light; there are no rules written in stone. Create the light you want!

Tips for Using Strobe Lights

Strobes give you an incredible sense of flexibility in your approach to light, largely due to the many different ways you can manipulate and adjust their output.

Your flexibility increases significantly if you are able to move the flash away from the camera's hotshoe, because you can position it exactly where you would like it. Add more flashes to the mix, and you’re straying into more creative territory… This is your cue to take control of your lighting! Create the light you want anywhere.

I envisioned a romantic taxi cab ride, but I wanted to capture that feeling of motion, twilight and love. I like to think outside the box, literally! For this picture of the newly engaged couple, I mounted a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, in aperture priority mode, with a 16 – 35mm wide angle zoom lens at 18mm, 1/8th sec with f/4.0 at ISO 160. Here’s where it gets fun, so hold on and lets go for a ride. I mounted the camera on the outside trunk deck of the taxi using a Delkin Fat Gecko suction cup mount, and triggered the camera using a Pocket Wizard remote control. I used a Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter and Radiopopper transmitter and receiver to fire the remote Canon 580EX II Speedlite, in ETTL II mode, inside the cab. The Speedlite was diffused using a Lightsphere light modifier, creating the light I wanted. I choose aperture priority because of the changing available light as we drove through the streets of Chicago. I knew the camera would choose a slow shutter speed because of the low ISO, giving that sense of motion I had in my mind’s eye.

I’m always trying to tell a story through my pictures. I did the formal, “safe” pictures of the bride and groom first, and then I asked if they were up for something a little more creative. I got the green light, so I quickly changed from soft light-modifiers, such umbrellas or Lightsphere, to hard light. Using creative hard light, you can create a dramatic mood. I was feeling a little Casablanca; you know the old, classic black-and-white film with Humphrey Bogart? I had only a few minutes to create the look. I placed the groom in the background, and put spot light on him with one Canon 580EX II in ETTL II mode in group A. I modified the light using a HonlPhoto Snoot to vignette the light: focusing it on him, not the background. Next, I gave the bride the yellow flower, and asked her to give me a little attitude. I had her look into the second Canon 580EX II in ETTL II mode in group B, modified with a small beauty dish. The beauty dish creates a softer light than a snoot. I used a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in manual mode, with a 70 – 200mm IS II lens at 70mm, 1/250th sec with f/2.8 at ISO 200. The Speedlites were triggered using a Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter and Radiopopper transmitter and receivers. I choose the long lens to compress the space, and an aperture of f/2.8 focusing on the bride’s face for a shallow depth-of-field blurring the groom. I loved the image and so did the bride and groom.

and then update cheapest prices immediately. Limited time Only!

Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Bob Truly is a Master of Light, June 15, 2010

J. Sellon (MA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers (Paperback)

I'm a professional wedding photographer and have been for 5+ years. One area that I continue to try to improve in my craft is lighting. For the longest time I considered myself a available light shooter - and I still do, when I can. But what I learned from Bob is that you can achieve the look of available light with a flash, if only you know how to do it!

This book is very easy to read. He provides great explanations on how to get the results he got in the sample images he puts in the book. He doesn't use a ton of geeky lingo, with complex mathematical equations to get his point across. He tells you what you can do, shows you sample images, and diagrams as to where the camera, subject and lights were when he took the shot. Though there is TONS to learn in this book (for those looking for a different look at lighting), he doesn't bore you like a textbook.

I really enjoyed reading and learning from Bob in this book and would strongly recommend it to anyone who is... Read more

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Too Light, July 1, 2010

Conrad J. Obregon (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers (Paperback)

When reviewing a technical book, one always has to keep the skill levels of the reader in mind. This was particularly important in reviewing "Lights; Camera; Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers" because this book is aimed at the novice photographer with little or no knowledge of the use of flash in photography.

After an introductory chapter telling the reader that to be a good photographer, one must be particularly attentive to light, the author explains the quality of light and the basics of exposure. He next discusses basic lighting equipment including flashes and light modifiers. Next Davis explains the basic camera modes like aperture priority and shutter priority and flash modes like through-the-lens and manual flash. After these foundation explanations he discusses how to control the light and finally how to apply it. Each of the illustrative images is supported by a lighting diagram.

All of these explanations are of the most... Read more

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

Okay, but I expected more, July 17, 2010

Jeffery Suddeth (Wheaton, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lights, Camera, Capture: Creative Lighting Techniques for Digital Photographers (Paperback)

I like Bob Davis' work so I was looking forward to this book for some creative insight to lighting. The one positive thing I can say about this book as that I liked many of the images. I saw that some other reviewer did not like his images but I disagree. For me, a photography book should contain a variety of beautiful images that will inspire me, as well as educate. This book at least had some nice images, though there were some I did not like. I guess that is my prerogative. I did like the lighting diagrams that accompany each photo.

The biggest negative thing I have to say was the mistakes. This book was clearly written for a beginner and these mistakes would confuse the heck out of any beginner, and are therefore inexcusable. In one case he talks about moving to a larger F-stop when he should have said smaller. And I know Bob knows the difference so that was just an editorial mistake. There were also a couple cases of lighting diagrams attached to the wrong images and... Read more

› See all 24 customer reviews...

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Cheap Price Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide

Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide

Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide Reviews

If you Find Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide cheapest price .This is reviews and overviews for Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide
.

Product Description

A full-color, go-anywhere guide to Nikon's entire array of creative lighting possibilities

Nikon's Creative Lighting System is like having a low-cost, wireless, studio lighting system that's portable enough to fit into a camera bag. Although the possibilities are endless and exciting, setting up, synchronizing the equipment, and determining lighting ratios can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, this Digital Field Guide has been completely updated to shed some light on the situation!

Beginning with the basic functions of the Nikon SB-900, the SB-800, and the SB-600, the author then goes on to demystify the complexities of using multiple speedlights, adjusting flash outputs, and setting up a wireless studio.

Clearly explains how to get the best results when using multiple speedlights
Includes examples and unique advice on how to light specific subjects, such as weddings, wildlife, portraits, product shots, and corporate locations
Covers other Creative Lighting System components, such as Nikon's wireless commander and macro speedlights

With this handy, on-the-go guide, you'll no longer be in the dark on Nikon's Creative Lighting System.

Amazon.com Review

Nikon Creative Lighting System Photography Techniques
Amazon-exclusive content from author J. Dennis Thomas

One-Speedlight Portraits
One of the things I like the best of the Nikon CLS is how fast and easy it is to get great portraits with just one Speedlight. For this portrait of Kristin I used an SB-900 off camera and triggered it with an SU-800. I used a shoot-through umbrella for diffusion and the light was placed at a 45º angle to the model. The stand was fully extended and the light was angled down for a Paramount or Loop lighting pattern. Setting up the CLS was simple. I switch the SB-900 to Remote mode and set it for Group A, the SU-800 was set to TTL. After a few test shots I decided to dial down the FEC to –1 EV. The image was shot with a D700 and a 50mm f/1.4G. I chose Manual exposure 1/60 at f/4 ISO 400.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Soft-Light Close-Ups
This is another example of a very simple yet effective lighting technique. For small things such as these raspberries using an overhead light that is very close up give you a nice soft light (the larger the light source in relation to the subject the softer the light is). Setting the light off to the side a bit helps to bring up the contrast which gives a more detailed three-dimensional look. Tis was done with one SB-800 and a shoot-through umbrella placed about 12 inches from the subject. For this shot I used the built-in flash of a D300s to trigger the off-camera SB-800. I set the SB-800 to Group A and the ¬¬¬¬mode to TTL. When shooting with a white background the metering system usually tries to underexpose the image (meters generally try for 18% grey). After a couple of test shots I ended up with a FEC of +2 EV. The image was shot with a D300s and a 105mm f/2.8G VR. Manual exposure 1/60 at f/8 ISO 200.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Top 5 Accessories for the Nikon Creative Lighting System

1. Photoflex LiteDome XS Softbox Kit for Shoe Mount Flashes - 12x16x9" – This small and portable softbox kit is a great accessory for shooting portraits, headshots and small products. It comes with a speedring and the hardware that allows you to connect it to your SB-600, SB-800 or SB-900.

2. Photoflex 30” White Satin Umbrella – If you’re on a budget this inexpensive umbrella can do the trick for portraits and small products. The translucent reflective material allows you to shoot through the umbrella like a softbox or you can bounce from it for a softer indirect light.

3. Manfrotto 1051BAC Aluminum Mini Air Cushioned Compact Stand 6.75' – This is a heavy-duty light stand for holding your Speedlight and lighting modifiers. The air cushion saves your equipment from crashing down if you forget to fully tighten the extension sections.

4. Impact Light Stand 6' – This is a lightweight stand that is inexpensive and perfect for use with one Speedlight and an umbrella. They are compact and great for traveling.

5. Photoflex Shoe Mount Multi-Clamp – This is a necessity if you want to attach your umbrella or softbox to a light stand. It has a clamp to hold the umbrella and it also allows you to tilt your Speedlight for precise control of the light.

and then update cheapest prices immediately. Limited time Only!

Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide Reviews

128 of 134 people found the following review helpful

Give Us More!, January 10, 2007

Conrad J. Obregon (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon^® Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide (Paperback)

One of the most exciting innovations in photography occurred a couple of years ago without any fanfare. That was Nikon's introduction of the Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system allowed for the remote control of multiple speedlights (without any wires), including a balancing of their light outputs, from the camera. Even expensive studio lights don't provide this kind of control. Yet ever since its development, camera users have been confused by exactly how to use these capabilities. In part that was due to the spare nature of Nikon's instruction manual, including a lack of detailed explanation of the application of the system (although, to be fair, the manufacturer did provide a pamphlet with sample photographs that showed the deployment of the speedlights in each case.)

This book attempts to remove the confusion by including simplified explanations of the method of setting up the speedlights as well as a lengthy section on using CLS speedlights for a variety of... Read more

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful

Full of Information, May 17, 2007

Richlain A. Robinson "Richlain Robinson" (Hattiesburg, MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon^® Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide (Paperback)

I felt the book gave plenty of information on CLS. Sure you have to know a bit to grasp what you are being told here, but one can assume that anyone owning a couple of SB800 already has some knowledge of lighting.

For me it filled in serious gaps in the information Nikon gave in it's manual and we are now able to coordinate four 800 units. The Lumedynes are now in the box for backup and nothing more.

As I often say the great thing in my 40 year in the art and business of photography is that as I have gotten older, the equipment has gotten lighter and faster not to mention controlable.

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful

Best Nikon CLS book on the market, July 5, 2007

Matthew Keefe "mkeefe" (Natick, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon^® Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide (Paperback)

After just finishing this book I wanted to let other photographers know how great it is. The book begins with explaining the actual flash and what all of those dials and switches do. That section also covers the settings for each mode. Then once you have an understanding of how the hardware works you move into the basics of photography which consists of studio lighting and strobes. This section was particularly valuable to me because the Nikon system meshes with this kind of setup so well.

Only halfway through the book at this point and already learning a ton of very good information. The next chapter is wireless lighting which might be a little beyond the normal photographer, but something you should look in to. A basic basement or guest room can be made in to a great photo studio. You will of course quickly learn this flash isn't only for indoor because it can also be used for some pretty interesting outdoor shots. One of which is extreme sports and events... Read more

› See all 33 customer reviews...

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)