
Light: Science and Magic
An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
Focal Press
2nd Edition
Published on 26. March 1997
Book
Paperback/Softback
360 pages
978-0-240-80275-6 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
This highly respected text, now in paperback, has been thoroughly updated and revised. It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting --- one that teaches beginning photographers to predict results before setting up lights. This is not primarily a how-to book with only set examples for photographers to follow. Rather, Light: Science and Magic provides the reader with a comprehensive theory of the nature and principles of light to allow individual photographers to use lighting to express their own creativity. Numerous photographs and illustrations provide clear examples of the theories delineated within the text, while sidebars highlight special lighting questions.
Although styles of photographic lighting continue to change, Light: Science and Magic does not go out of fashion because it is not based on style; rather it is based on the behavior of light. These principles will not change until fundamental physics does.
Although styles of photographic lighting continue to change, Light: Science and Magic does not go out of fashion because it is not based on style; rather it is based on the behavior of light. These principles will not change until fundamental physics does.
Reviews / Votes
'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.
More details
Edition
2nd New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Academic photography and lighting courses; trade potential in both still and motion picture/video photography markets; specialty accounts with lighting distributors, Lighting Dimensions.
Edition type
New edition
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-240-80275-6 (9780240802756)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Fil Hunter | Steven Biver | Paul Fuqua
Light: Science and Magic
An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
Book
03/2007
3rd Edition
Focal Press
€30.94
Article exhausted; check for reprint

Book
07/2002
3rd Edition
Focal Press
€34.05
Article not available
Persons
Fil Hunter is a highly respected commercial photographer specializing in still life and special effects photographs for advertising and editorial illustration. 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. He has taught photography at the university level and has served as technical consultant on a number of photographic publications. Mr. Hunter has won the Virginia Professional Photographer's Grand Photographic Award three times. He lives in Alexandria, VA.
Paul Fuqua, Virginia, USA, started his own audiovisual production company in 1970. Dedicated to teaching through visuals, he has written and produced educational and training material in a variety of fields, including law, science, and nature. His photography takes him all over the world, but he makes his home in Arlington, VA.
Paul Fuqua, Virginia, USA, started his own audiovisual production company in 1970. Dedicated to teaching through visuals, he has written and produced educational and training material in a variety of fields, including law, science, and nature. His photography takes him all over the world, but he makes his home in Arlington, VA.
Author
commercial photographer
commercial photographer
professional editorial writer and photographer
Content
Preface; Acknowledgments; How to Learn Lighting: What Are |The Principles|?, Why Are The Principles Important?, How Were The Example Subjects Chosen For This Book?, Do I Need To Do These Exercises?, What Kind Of Camera Do I Need?, What Lighting Equipment Do I Need?, What Else Do I Need To Know To Use This Book?, What Is The |Magic| Part Of This Book?; Light: The Raw Material of Photography: What is Light?, How Photographers Describe Light, Light Versus Lighting, How The Subject Affects The Lighting; The Management of Reflection and the Family of Angles: Types of Reflection, Diffuse Reflection, Direct Reflection, The Family of Angles, Glare Reflection, Applying the Theory; Surface Appearance: The Photographer as Editor, Capitalizing on Diffuse Reflection, Capitalizing on Direct Reflection, Competing Surfaces, Complex Surfaces; Revealing Shape and Contour: Depth Clues, Perspective Distortion, Tonal Variation, The Size of the Light, The Direction of the Light, How Much Tonal Variation Is Ideal?, The Glossy Box, Use Direct Reflection?; Metal: Flat Metal, Metal Boxes, Round Metal, Other Resources, Where Else Do These Techniques Apply?; The Case of the Disappearing Glass: The Principles, The Problems, Some Solutions, Objectives, Two Attractive Opposites, The Best of Both Worlds, Some Finishing Touches, Complications by Nonglass Subjects, Recognizing the Principle Subject; An Arsenal of Lights: The Single Light Set-up, Additional Lights, Mood and Key, Dark Skin, Available Light Portraiture, Setting Rules?; The Extremes: Why are the Extremes Important?, The Characteristic Curve, Using Every Resource, White-on-White, Black-on-Black, New Principles?; Traveling Light: Choosing the Right Strobe, Getting the Exposure Right, Getting More Light, Improving the Quality of Light, Lights of Different Colors, Lights of Different Duration, Is Studio Lighting Possible on Location?; Appendix One: Let There Be Light: Continuous Light, Flash, Making the Light Do What We Want; Appendix Two: The Complete Toolbox: Light Measurement, Positioning Devices, Diffusion Materials, Reflectors, Light Blockers, Spot Devices, Filters, Cases, Risk Management, Index