Books on Lighting

[Travis Nunn]

I need a good book on lighting. I have never used anything other than available light so I'm looking for a book that starts with the basics. Any recommendations?

 

[wildbill]

Masters of Light. it's cinematography based.

 

[big_ben_blue]

Hunter and Fuqua - Light science & magic somewhat dry, allmost analytical to a degree, a favorite of college teachers;

Tim Mantoami/Dean Collins Production - Photographic Global Notes, vol 1&2 - real world photographs taken apart incl. diagrams, setups, tips, tons of material crammed into a compact paperback, but well worth it;

Dave Montizambert - Creative Lighting Techniques - the book itself seems to be on a diet (kinda like all Amherst Media books) with only 124 pages, but the info are solid and well thought out (again, using real world examples)

Hope, that helps.

Chris

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'll second _Masters of Light_, and more aimed at still photographers (not that it matters that much) look at Hunter and Fuqua, _Light: Science and Magic_.

 

[wildbill]

americancinematographer.com should have a list as well

 

[Travis Nunn]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Its always nice to get recommendations from people who know what they're talking about rather than Amazon's reader reviews which you can't always trust.

 

[removed account4]

you might want to also check out
Ross Lowell's "Matter of Light & Depth"
he founded lowel light.

 

[gandolfi]

why not look in here?
there is an article about Painting with light, mad of one I know... it's quite good, I hear..



(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Christopher Nisperos]

You didn't mention what kind of subject matter you'll be lighting, but as good general resource I'll second the suggestion for Ross Lowell's "Matter of Light & Depth". I'm sure the other books mentioned are good too, given their popularity, but I haven't yet read them.

 

[firecracker]

the book...

I've never read any books for lighting for still photography, but for filmmaking, yes (because I had worked as an electric and a grip on some film productions in the past).

The book is called, "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" by Harry C. Box. This book of course covers the basics, and it's essencially the same as far as I'm concerned as those written for still photography. But this one for sure deals the subject in a much bigger scale (with a lot more specific terms for film productions, which you probably don't need, though).

But still, it's good if you want to get into studio lighting using a lot of different kinds of lights (HMIs, Fresnels, etc) because it teachs you how to run an electronical distribution system (and not to get electrocuted!). My point is, if you incorporate the ideas and practices from film productions, you will have more options to think and plan out when it comes down to doing your settings.

So, I don't think this to be your first book on lighting, but since it's very helpful and knowledgable (and quite technical), you might want to read it in the near future. Don't buy it right away, but just look for the copy in the library somewhere because it was around 70 USD for a new copy when I bought it ten years ago. Ask your friends who go (or have gone) to film schools.

Good luck.

 

[nsurit]

If you are looking for a basic lighting book with projects to help you learn the concepts, Ralph Hattersley's "Photographic Lighting" might meet your needs. Published in 1979, it can be had for $7 or $8 including postage. Bill Barber