Studio Lighting Books

[Sunshine601]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good reference book on studio lighting. Most of the books I have found on that subject have been pretty general. Many people have been asking me to do portrait shots. I need to know what type of lighting equiptment I would need to get started. I have a flash unit, but that's not enough. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[blinking8s]

Photographing People: Portraits - Fashion - Glamour
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/2880466520/qid=1118824913/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-2647662-4536824

I wouldnt call it super detailed, but it gives lighting layouts, tips from the pros who shot that setup, and outcome examples. Its a interesting read too...and for $15 it shouldnt be passed up

[tim]

Blinking8s, is that glamour/fashion or nudes? I bought another glamour book and it was 80% nudes... not at all what I was after. Would this one be better for just learning to shoot models in a variety of sitations, in a variety of clothing?

[tim]

btw here's a similar thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=76428) I started recently. None of the books I got help that much.

[tim]

Actually "master lighting guide for portrait photographers" looks pretty good, but my quick skim doesn't find an area that tells you how to use a flash meter, which is one thing i'd like to know.

[blinking8s]

there are a few nudes in the book, the back is a small glamour section. Most is various studio and lighting examples. As far as a book that tells you how to read a flash meter, the instruction manual and trial and error are going to be just as good. It's not really that hard as it is, you learn to get a feel for it like anything else

here is a rough sneak peak though:
http://www.blinking8s.com/stuff/photo/studio_book.jpg

[scottbergerphoto]

www.lightingmagic.com

[dannym]

www.lightingmagic.com (http://www.lightingmagic.com)

Scott, that's one of the most useful sites I've ever seen. Have any more good ones? Check it out Sunshine!
Thanks my friend,

[jimtfoto]

How about .... Basic Studio Lighting: Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Techniques, by Tony L. Corbell
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0817435506/qid=1119054636/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8599333-0239161?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

cheers,
jim

[tim]

www.lightingmagic.com

That looks like a *great* book, and he's a nice guy, but the books $40 and shipping to New Zealand is $29 :(

[Merle]

Sunshine601,

There our a lot of helpful books out there, some of which you can check out at the public library at no charge.

I suggest you do not spend a lot of money on equipment until you have had the opportunity to attend a Portrait lighting seminar taught by a Master photographer, check with your local professional association and find out when is the next time, Dean Collins will be in your area two other good names are Charles Lewis and Monte Zucker. There are many good speakers out there but I found these names to be exceptional teachers as well as speakers they will motivate you.
;) :) :D
Good shooting to ya !!
Merle