Detailing the many uses of the most important component of any photograph—light—this handbook shows readers how to infuse a still frame with emotion, action, and other storytelling qualities that define great photography. Professional photographer Barry Staver explores techniques for designing effective lighting setups with flash by beginning with an overview of fundamental techniques, then teaching readers how to go beyond the basics and refine their images to perfection through the careful addition of flash. Applications of each of the three major categories of flash equipment are covered, first with electronic flash techniques for location shoots, then mid-range strobes for studio work and location shots, and finally heavy-duty strobes that provide the ultimate in power and control for studio photography. Additional aspects of light instruction include balancing flash with ambient lighting and choosing and using light modifiers, as well as a bevy of before-and-after images to help photographers cover all of their lighting options and know how they can be implemented to their greatest effect.
Author(s): Barry Staver
Publisher: Amherst Media
Year: 2012
Language: English
Pages: 159
Copyright
Contents
Preface
1. The Importance of Light
Light: The Main Ingredient in the Mix
Our Eyes Vs. Our Cameras
Learning to See Photographically
2. Lighting Basics
Characteristics of Light
Hardness or Softness
Color
Assignment 1: Color Temperature
Metering the Light
Mastering the Histogram
Assignment 2: Histograms
3. Lighting Approaches
Highlight and Shadow
Shadows
Assignment 3: Study Photographs
Catchlights
Blinkies
Assignment 4: Study Catchlights
Law of Reflection
4. The Three Bears
Baby Bear Flash (Speedlights)
Dedicated Speedlights and Ttl
Using Speedlights off-Camera
High-Speed Flash Sync
Rear-Curtain Sync
Stroboscopic Mode
Assignment 5: Baby Bear Techniques
Mama Bear Flash
Advantages
Light Modifiers
Filling a Gap
Assignment 6: Slave Strobes
Papa Bear Flash (Studio Strobes)
Power-Pack Strobes
Monolights
Modeling Lamps
Beyond the Studio
5. The Right Tool for the Job
Some Practical Examples
Big Flash
Medium Flash
Two Weddings, Two Choices
Location Lighting Choices
Baby Bears
Mama Bears
Papa Bears
Location Lighting in Practice
Size Matters in the Studio, Too
6. Shooting Techniques
Mixing Flash and Ambient
Using Flash Modifiers
Built-in Speedlight Modifiers
Types of Modifiers
Attaching Modifiers
Octabanks
Softboxes
Assignment 7: Large Modifier
Assignment 8: Small Modifier
Great Lighting in a Hurry
Photojournalism
7 Working with Backgrounds
Seen, Not Heard
Make or Break
Magazine Covers
On Location
Assignment 9: Magazine Covers
In the Studio
Hanging Backdrops
No Wrinkles
8. Supporting Your Flash(Es)
Your Hand
A Short Pole
Tape
Light Stands
Boom Arms
People
9. Exploring All Your Lighting Options
When Flash is Prohibited
Somber Events
Museums
When Ambient Light is Better
Adding Continuous Light
Assignment 10: Try It Both Ways
Adding Reflected Light
A Bit of Both (Flash and Ambient)
10. Work It, Baby!
Finding Photo Subjects
Maintain Contacts
Do Some Networking
Ask for a Referral
Working with Photo Subjects
Performers and Public Figures
Regular People
People Skills
11. Gear and Suppliers
Office/Operations
Computer Hardware
Sound System and Music
Postproduction
Web Site
Printing
Camera Room Gear
Location Sessions
Packing Light
Packing Checklists
Pack for the Assignment
Lighting Gear
Cases and Bags
Index
