Synopses & Reviews
In
Master Lighting Guide, Christopher Grey presents a classroom-in-a-book approach to lighting techniques. First, readers will learn about the characteristics of light. Next, Grey introduces photographers to light positions and functions, providing the information needed to make solid decisions about the kind of light they will need to create sculpted, flattering portraits. Moving on to lighting patterns, Grey shows how to create desirable highlights and shadows that sculpt the subjects features and set the stage for stunning results.
With a clear understanding of the essentials of portrait lighting, readers will progress through more specific lighting applications. Grey shows how to light portraits for business, how to create editorial portraits (photos to be used in magazines or simply for clients who favor that look), model/actor portraits, and even intimate portraits. He shows how to use specialized lighting approaches like high- and low-key lighting, flare, and intentional overexposure to create mood in your images.
Two of the biggest strengths of Greys acclaimed instructional approach are (1) the progressive images that show the changes that occur when light positions and intensities are altered and (2) the numerous diagrams presented that show readers how to position their lights and modifiers to mimic Greys results.
Synopsis
Light, vibrant and malleable, is the greatest tool at the disposal of portrait photographers. In this acclaimed bookand#8212;with over 50,000 copies in printand#8212;Christopher Grey walks you through studio portrait lighting from start to finish. Dozens of image sequences and before/after pairings show you precisely how each change of light position and modifier affects the look of the lighting on the subject. From classic portrait lighting patterns to unexpected but powerful looks, Grey teaches you everything you need to know to control light effectively. Armed with these powerful skills, youand#8217;ll be able to create portraits that are more flattering, more marketable, and more creative.
About the Author
Christopher Grey is the author of
Creative Techniques for Nude Photography and
Photographer's Guide to Polaroid Transfer. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The following is from the Author -
For over 30 years, Ive dedicated my professional life to be the best generalist photographer I could be, and over the course of that time Ive had the opportunity to photograph an amazing variety of people, products and services. My work has been, and continues to be, a rich, visual exploration of people and culture, of psychology and motivation, of line and form and love of life. Good fortune and hard work has seen a number of national and international awards come my way, the ownership of which has opened even more doors for me. Among my personal victories, I shot the most interest-generating ad photo in The Home Depots entire history, a logistically challenging image from concept to completion, involving sculptors, bakers, and model painters, in less than a week.
Some time ago I realized that others might benefit from my experience, and I began to write and teach. This ignited a new creative spark within me, which Im happy to say has lit fires under other photographers and enabled many of them to reach their immediate goals more readily.
Im thrilled to be working at the forefront of the digital revolution”, although I believe that term is a misnomer. Its really evolution” because its changing every aspect of my industry, my own business and the way I work. At last, I have complete creative control over my images.
Today is a great day to be a photographer. Tomorrow, even better.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
The Importance of Portraiture
Style
Markets for Portraiture
Before We Begin
sidebar: Note to Readers
PART 1.
PRINCIPALS OF PORTRAIT LIGHTING
1. The Nature of Light
The Physics of Light
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Properties of Light
Direction
Quality
Contrast
2. Professional Lighting Equipment
sidebar: The Arc of Equal Distance
Fill Light
Kicker Lights
Background Lights
Light Types
Strobes
A Word of Caution
Light Modifiers
Dishes
Umbrellas
Softboxes
Other Modifiers
More Jargon
3. Light Ratios
The Key-to-Shadow Ratio
The Highlight-to-Key Ratio
The Highlight-to-Key-to-Shadow Ratio
Correct Metering Techniques
sidebar: Silver versus Digital
4. Basic Lighting
Planning and Progress
sidebar: Noses
Broad Light
Two Lights and Fill
Short Lighting
Building a Portrait with Short Light
5. Classic Lighting Styles
Loop Lighting
Closed-Loop Lighting
Rembrandt Lighting
One-Light Rembrandt Light
One-Light Rembrandt Build
Second Remrandt Build
Side Lighting
Building a Side-Lit Portrait
A Second Side-Lit Build
Butterfly/Dietrich/Paramount Lighting
Building a Butterfly-Light Portrait
sidebar: Flare with Bare Bulb
Part 2.
Portrait Lighting In Practice
6. A Versatile Portrait Lighting Setup
sidebar: Using Modifiers
7. Basic Light for Business Portraiture
8. Finding Boundaries
9. A Hair Light for Every Occasion
10. Closing the Pupil
11. Backgrounds
sidebar: Complementary Colors
12. Headshots
13. Portraits with Minimal Depth of Field
sidebar: Sync Speed
Adding Drama
14. Headshots for Publicity
15. Applying Makeup
16. Editorial Portraiture
17. Working with Falloff
18. High-Key Lighting
sidebar: High-Key Never Dies
19. Low-Key Lighting
20. One-Light Glamour
21. The Bookend Bounce
22. Portraits with Flare
23. Working with the Profile
24. Location Photography
25. White Balance
sidebar: Location Checklist
26. The Beauty of Overexposure
27. Bridal Portrait
28. Fashion Light
sidebar: High ISOs
29. Mixing Color Temperatures and Presets
sidebar: Correction
30. Gentle Light
31. Get in Tight
32. The and#147;Hollywoodand#8221; Portrait
33. The Intimate Portrait
34. Light on Light: The Double Key
35. North Light
35. Simulating Sunlight
36. Working with Candles
37. Underlighting for Glamour
Afterword
Index