Light Science and Magic is a book written by Fil Hunter, Paul Fuqua, and Steven Biver. The book explores the art and science of lighting in photography. It provides comprehensive knowledge and techniques on how to manipulate light to create stunning and captivating images. One of the fundamental principles discussed in the book is how light behaves and interacts with objects. Understanding these principles allows photographers to manipulate and control light in order to achieve desired effects. The authors explain concepts such as reflection, refraction, diffusion, and absorption, and how these factors shape the way light interacts with various surfaces.
I received my copy of the book today and spent just a few minutes briefly glancing at it. The primary reason the book is bigger is because the font of the primary text is larger and because there is more space between each line. That's excellent for those of us whose eyes are gradually deteriorating, which perhaps suggests the age of people they believe to be their target market.
During a career spanning over three decades, he has worked for such clients as America Online, US News, Time-Life Books, Life Magazine 27 covers , the National Science Foundation, and National Geographic. Added Material Use of a Tilt-Shift Lens A section in Chapter 6 explains that when photographing a highly reflective, flat surface straight on to avoid perspective distortion, a reflection of the camera will appear in the photo.
The authors explain concepts such as reflection, refraction, diffusion, and absorption, and how these factors shape the way light interacts with various surfaces. The book also dives into the different types of lighting equipment available to photographers, such as strobes, reflectors, and continuous light sources. It explains the different characteristics and effects that each type of lighting can produce, allowing photographers to choose the most suitable equipment for their desired outcome.
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Strobist Reader Favorite: Light, Science and Magic
I especially love escaping the August heat and disappearing into an air-conditioned room somewhere with a good photo book.
And since I suspect that you guys do, too, I am always curious to know what you are reading.
A few weeks ago, I asked you for your best bets. And boy, did you respond. I got nearly 100 "Strobist Book Review" e-mails, listing everything from how-to books to monoliths by great photographers.
(I even got a couple of "gag" book review e-mails, but we won't go into that. )
One of the most popular suggestions was Light, Science and Magic, An Introduction to Photographic Lighting, by Fil Hunter and Paul Fuqua.
This is no lightweight, either. Weighing in at 360 pages, I would expect I might find a new trick or two in here. I would note that people were sending me e-mails suggesting this book for the site before I even solicited your ideas. So, it's on my next Amazon order list, too.
I am happy to introduce you guys to my faves, and just as pleased to get fresh ideas from you for my own reading list.
Anyway, the book is apparently a very good volume on lighting theory.
Says Strobist reader Jeff:
You can safely file most books on photography in the trash can. This one you will reread.
It covers the "basic principles of lighting" in a straightforward and well-written manner, including the family of angles, diffusion, revealing shape and contour. There are also good chapters for lighting people, glass, and metal.
And there is a bad, outdated chapter on equipment, which seems obligatory in these books.
And this, from Joe:
Unlike many books which show you specific lighting setups and diagrams, Light - Science and Magic starts with the fundamental principles underlying the behavior of light. While some may be put off by the seemingly scientific focus of the book, the writing style is actually quite friendly and unintimidating.
The potential applications of learning these principles for portrait and editorial photography are immense. If you are actively working on improving your lighting technique, understanding the basic theory behind what you're doing will be tremendously useful.
Others noted that this book is not a cookbook, per se, but a book to give you a much better understanding of how light creates various effects.
The info on Strobist is pretty heavy on the "how-to" stuff. But you need your basic theory, too. Otherwise, you are just a photographer with a bag of specific tricks. Which can be about as exciting as driving a train. Knowing your theory is more akin to having the ability to go off-roading. Or being able to improvise a jazz solo, rather than just read music.
The establishment says:
"This is the first book I have seen on photographic lighting that is worth using as a text. Light-Science and Magic is about principles, not cheap tricks or the authors' portfolio. Thanks." -- Pete Christman, Savannah College of Art and Design.
"An excellent guide to high-quality studio-style lighting, even on location." -- John Alderson, Booklist.
And the reader reviews at Amazon are pretty impressive, too.
(At this point I will confess to being somewhat addicted to Amazon's reader reviews. They run the gamut from being right out of the New York Times book review section to looking like an extended family fight on the Jerry Springer show. )
Read it? Loved it? Hated it?
Comment on it below.
Either way, I am very much looking forward to reading it. Many thanks to all who recommended it.
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Thanks to Simon Garrett's post in another thread, I just now learned of the upcoming fifth edition of Light: Science and Magic. It is not yet released but can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com in hardback, paperback and Kindle versions. Even though I regularly refer to my copy of the fourth edition, I'll pre-order the new edition because I consider the book to be my Bible of Light.
In addition to technical knowledge, Light Science and Magic also delves into the artistic aspect of lighting. It explores how light can be used to create mood, emphasize texture, and shape the subject in a photograph. The authors provide numerous examples and case studies to illustrate the creative potential of lighting. Photographers of all levels can benefit from this book. Beginners can learn the basic principles of lighting and gain a solid foundation in photographic lighting. Intermediate photographers can expand their knowledge and refine their techniques to achieve more professional results. Even experienced photographers can find inspiration and new ideas to further enhance their craft. Overall, Light Science and Magic is a comprehensive and informative guide to lighting in photography. It combines scientific explanations with practical examples to provide a well-rounded understanding of the subject. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their photography skills and create visually stunning images..
Reviews for "The Art of Light Sculpting: Creating Three-Dimensional Art with Projected Light"
1. John - ★★☆☆☆
I found "Light Science and Magic" to be overly technical and difficult to understand. The authors assume a certain level of prior knowledge and don't provide enough explanations for beginners. The book is filled with jargon and complex formulas that might be useful for advanced photographers, but not for someone just starting out. I was hoping for a more accessible guide to lighting techniques, but this book didn't meet my expectations.
2. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Light Science and Magic." The book is outdated and doesn't offer any new insights or innovative approaches to lighting. The authors seem to be stuck in traditional methods and don't explore modern advancements in photography lighting. Additionally, the examples and images provided in the book were uninspiring and didn't offer much practical guidance. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for up-to-date information on lighting techniques.
3. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
While "Light Science and Magic" may be informative, it lacks a captivating writing style that would keep readers engaged. The content is dry and reads more like a technical manual than an enjoyable read. I struggled to get through each chapter as it felt like a chore. The authors missed an opportunity to make the subject matter more accessible and exciting. I would only recommend this book to those who are willing to power through dense text in order to gain a deeper understanding of lighting in photography.
4. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I found "Light Science and Magic" to be overly complicated and difficult to follow. The authors dive straight into complex theories and equations without adequately explaining the basics. It left me feeling frustrated and confused. The book would benefit from breaking down the concepts into simpler terms and providing more practical examples. Overall, I found it to be a daunting and overwhelming read, and it didn't help me improve my photography skills as much as I had hoped.