Focal Press Book: Light - Science and Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting, Third Edition by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver and Paul Fuqua
This highly respected text, now in paperback, has been thoroughly updated and revised. It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting --- one that teaches beginning photographers to predict results before setting up lights.
This is not primarily a how-to book with only set examples for photographers to follow. Rather, Light - Science and Magic, third Edition provides the reader with a comprehensive theory of the nature and principles of light to allow individual photographers to use lighting to express their own creativity. Numerous photographs and illustrations provide clear examples of the theories delineated within the text, while sidebars highlight special lighting questions.
Although styles of photographic lighting continue to change, Light - Science and Magic does not go out of fashion because it is not based on style; rather it is based on the behavior of light. These principles will not change until fundamental physics does.
Readership: Academic photography and lighting courses; trade potential in both still and motion picture/video photography markets; specialty accounts with lighting distributors, Lighting Dimensions. Now in paperback. Highly respected text on lighting theory covering the principles, applications, and equipment for informed lighting decisions. Sidebars highlight special lighting questions.
About the Author: Fil Hunter, Commercial photographer specializing in still life and special effects photographs for advertising and editorial illustration.
Paul Fuqua, Professional writer and photographer
| Subject | Lighting |
| Author | Fil Hunter, Steven Biver and Paul Fuqua |
| Edition | Third |
| Hard/Soft Cover | Paperback |
| Pages | 360 |
| Dimensions | 10 x 7" (254 x 178mm) |
| Illustrations | Yes |
| ISBN Number | 0240802756 |
| Publisher | Focal Press |
| Date Published | March 2007 |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Informative (4)
- Deserves multiple readings (3)
- Well written (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reference (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Everyday reader (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Comments about Focal Press Book: Light - Science & Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:
I really like this book. I read it about 10 years ago and decided to buy it and give it another read.
It is a pretty easy read if you are interested in the subject matter. I would recommend every photographer read this.
Pros
- Deserves Multiple Readings
- Easy To Understand
- Informative
- Well Written
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Expanding Knowledge
- Growth
- Reference
Comments about Focal Press Book: Light - Science & Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:
This book came highly recommended and I agree. If your new to photography get this book. If you think you know something about photography, get this book.
Even if you know what you're doing, this book will explain why. Just get it.
Pros
- Deserves Multiple Readings
- Informative
- Relevant
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Focal Press Book: Light - Science & Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:
Terrifically informative, reads like a textbook. No gimmicks, although that may be off-putting for some. I find it invaluable.
Pros
- Deserves Multiple Readings
- Easy To Understand
- Encouraging
- Informative
- Mentally stimulating
- New Ideas
- Relevant
- Well Written
Cons
- None whatsoever
Best Uses
- Gift
- Reference
- Special Needs
Comments about Focal Press Book: Light - Science & Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:
Being at the level of experience that I'm at, it is very difficult to find good informational books that are not about the basics of photography or have an over-abundance of equipment information. Although there is some basic information on the physics of light, this book teaches a great deal about studio photography by teaching us how light reacts in certain situations, with certain materials, and gives the reader the knowledge and understanding of how to anticipate those reactions. The authors also encourage us to create those situations on our own to gain first hand experience.
For this reason, this is by far one of the best learning tools that I am proud to have in my arsenal of tools!
I have listed three other great references below in the "similar products" category.
Comments about Focal Press Book: Light - Science & Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:
this is a powerful lessons book of lighting very useful for product shothing
Pros
- Easy To Follow
- Informative
- Quality Photos
- Well Written
Cons
Best Uses
- Educational
- Reference
- Staying Informed
Comments about Focal Press Book: Light - Science & Magic - An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:
This book does a GREAT job explaining how light reacts to objects and why allowing you to fully use lighting to it's best advantage in photography. While it does have a fair science oriented content you don't need to be a science major to understand the principles being taught in the book.
Lots of photographs illustrate every principle in the book including the shots that just don't work, explains why, how to solve the problem including lighting diagrams, and a final photo to show the end results. Does not require special equipment to learn what they teach only a basic understanding of photography and your own equipment.
THE best photography lighting book to own. You WON'T be sorry you purchased this but you WILL be sorry you waited so long to get it, I was.
Displaying reviews 1-6
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