Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

This is a practical text for photographers (student or working pro) who need to solve a lighting problem. The exercises use minimal equipment and are based on studio still lifes; once understood, the principles can be used anywhere. By controlling the size of the light source, the type of reflection, and the family of angles of the reflections, the photographer can get the results he wants. Step-by-step examples include lighting glass, metal, shiny, black on black, and white on white subjects. Film range vis-a-vis shadows and highlights and the problems of mixed fluorescent and tungsten lighting are discussed, as are different types of studio lights. Illustrations are well placed and helpful. Recommended.-- Rona Mosler, Hackettstown P.L., N.J. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

No matter what specific camera equipment is brought to the endeavor, every photograph ultimately depends on the quality, placement, and control of light. Hunter and Fuqua avoid glitzy commercial case studies to home in on the building blocks of lighting through lots of small but greatly effective illustrations that show how particular techniques work for classic lighting problems like revealing (or hiding) surface detail and texture, photographing glass and metal, and rendering shape and contour in products or portraiture. They solve practical problems as they guide users to an understanding of how to determine the size and placement of lights, when and how to use light-control devices such as "gobos" or polarizing filters, and how to design and implement simple or complex setups for control of shape, tonality, reflectivity, etc. Appendixes list and explain the types of lights and accessories available. An excellent guide to high-quality studio-style lighting, even on location. To be indexed. --John Alderson