50 Lighting Setups for Portrait Photographers: Easy-to-Follow Lighting Designs and Diagrams
by Steven H. Begleiter
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Book Summary Information
Author: Steven H. BegleiterEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-12-01
ISBN: 1584282428
Number of pages: 128
Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.
Book Reviews of 50 Lighting Setups for Portrait Photographers: Easy-to-Follow Lighting Designs and Diagrams
Book Review: Putting light on the subject
Summary: 5 Stars
When you read a book for the first time, you often get a sense of the personality of the author. I mention that immediately, because the author of 50 Lighting Setups, Steven Begleiter, comes across as natural and likeable--the kind of man you might want to come over for Sunday dinner and a long conversation around a warm fire on a winter night.
I say all that because for me the tone of a book on photography is critical. Some authors are stuffy, some are full of themselves, others are out to impress with their indecipherable technical jargon. Begleiter is not that way. His writing clear and to the point, written in simple language. For example, when the author talks about Rembrandt lighting, he writes: "Rembrandt lighting is characterized by a triangular highlight on the cheek. To achieve this, the main light is placed to the side of the subject and angled down from about two feet above the subject's head." What could be simpler? I selected this quote for another reason. You will note that Begleiter explains that the main light is angled down from "about two feet above the subject's head." I don't know how many photography books I have read that explain that the light should be left or right, but never make mention of how high the light should be. Begleiter does not have that lacking.
After introducing the reader to basic equipment and setups--again, all explained in simple English--the author launches into the heart of the book: 50 lighting case studies. With each case study there is a beautiful full-page image--large enough to see the detail and come to understand how the play of shadow and light was created. If that were not easy enough, Begleiter spells it out even more by providing an uncomplicated diagram of the setup.
Within every case study, the author describes five elements of the photo shoot: the assignment, his visual objective, the posing technique, the story behind the photograph, and tips. These are, of course, all elements that a photographer has to consider when composing his or her photograph. Personally, I enjoyed the "tips" the most. For example, in one high key photo taken inside and in front of full-length window, Begleiter offers this simple but invaluable piece of advice:
"I try to use natural light whenever I can, then supplement it as need with flash. Here, I knew there was a bout a four-stop difference between the inside of the cabin and the outside. I set my camera on shutter-priority, slowing my shutter down to 1/30 second to "blow out" the background. This added to the dreamy quality of the image."
As a professional photographer, I am always looking for new and easy ways of solving photographic problems and creative dramatic results. 50 Lighting Setups is a valued addition to my library--a book that I am sure I will refer to again and again. Unlike Begleiter, I may not have the opportunity or prestige to photograph celebrities, but I see no reason why I can't provide the same sumptuous lighting for my models. With Begleiter's book at my side, I believe that I can make that happen.
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Summary of 50 Lighting Setups for Portrait Photographers: Easy-to-Follow Lighting Designs and Diagrams
This cookbook-style guide to portrait lighting contains all the ingredients necessary for a successful photo shoot. With 60 two-page spreads highlighting the techniques used to create stunning portraits alongside the portraits themselves, aspiring photographers will have a clear sense of both the "how" and the "why" of good lighting. Difficult questions such as How can I downplay a double chin and dark shadows under the eyes? and How can I produce a soft, romantic feel in a woman's portrait? Are addressed and resolved in this no-nonsense guide to good lighting.
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