Light: Science and Magic, Third Edition:

Coming to a store near you.

Light: Science and Magic, Third Edition: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Paperback)
by Fil Hunter (Author), Steven Biver (Author), Paul Fuqua (Author)

List Price: $39.95
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Product Details

* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (April 4, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0240808193
* ISBN-13: 978-0240808192

It is an excellent book but I would like to say that it's not the best book for the novice. I know. I was a novice and got the book.
I think that people would benefit more from Scott Smith's 'Studio Lighting Made Simple'.

I'm not telling people not to buy Light, Science and Magic but I do caution a novice or beginner. Depending on where you are in the process of learning about light and lighting this book could make it more confusing and not really clear much up. Again, I just don't think it's the right book for the lighting novice.

cntry wrote in post #2782362
Coming to a store near you.

Light: Science and Magic, Third Edition: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (Paperback)
by Fil Hunter (Author), Steven Biver (Author), Paul Fuqua (Author)

List Price: $39.95
Price: $39.95 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Pre-Order Price Guarantee! Order now and if the Amazon.com price decreases between your order time and release date, you'll receive the lowest price. See Details

Availability: This title has not yet been released. You may order it now and we will ship it to you when it arrives. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Product Details

* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (April 4, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0240808193
* ISBN-13: 978-0240808192

Mine's on it's way and I'll have it by week's end.

Where did you get it??

TMR Design wrote in post #2783534
It is an excellent book but I would like to say that it's not the best book for the novice. I know. I was a novice and got the book.
I think that people would benefit more from Scott Smith's 'Studio Lighting Made Simple'.

I'm not telling people not to buy Light, Science and Magic but I do caution a novice or beginner. Depending on where you are in the process of learning about light and lighting this book could make it more confusing and not really clear much up. Again, I just don't think it's the right book for the lighting novice.

Thanks Robert! I just called Scott and placed an order for the "Studio Lighting Made Simple" book. I've just heard so much about it and it seems to be a great book for a novice like myself. Thanks!!

It really is a great book. You won't be sorry. Don't get me wrong.. there is a ton of very valuable and useful information in Light, Science & Magic but it does not make it easy for the novice to extract and process it all.

cntry wrote in post #2785696
Where did you get it??

I shot a book cover for the publisher.

Screamer
Just wondering if you have taken a look and can give a recommend for the new version??

TMR Design wrote in post #2783534
It is an excellent book but I would like to say that it's not the best book for the novice. I know. I was a novice and got the book.
I think that people would benefit more from Scott Smith's 'Studio Lighting Made Simple'.

I'm not telling people not to buy Light, Science and Magic but I do caution a novice or beginner. Depending on where you are in the process of learning about light and lighting this book could make it more confusing and not really clear much up. Again, I just don't think it's the right book for the lighting novice.

I have been wanting to get this book, but I havent bought any lights yet. Is there anything in the book that can benefit me without me having studio lights?

Franko515 wrote in post #2933643
I have been wanting to get this book, but I havent bought any lights yet. Is there anything in the book that can benefit me without me having studio lights?

I would say absolutely....I've been through the book twice now and still havent bought any studio lights yet, but the book helps you understand lighting better and there are many very useful tips about using natural light outdoors to get great lighting. Also, by reading this book you will know exactly what you need to buy when you develop your studio.

I think there'a a lot in Scott's book that you can learn without actually owning lights. There is no question that having at least one light and a light meter will make it easier and probably make more sense but I also believe you can get quite a bit from the book without owning any gear.

What, in particular, do you want to learn?

TMR Design wrote in post #2933677
I think there'a a lot in Scott's book that you can learn without actually owning lights. There is no question that having at least one light and a light meter will make it easier and probably make more sense but I also believe you can get quite a bit from the book without owning any gear.

What, in particular, do you want to learn?

About lighting in general. Studio Lighting, outside light, indoor light, flash etc. I would like to be able to capture what my eye sees. I was thinking about going to a lighting school, but with the wealth of info on the net and in books I'm not sure. I have been following the threads about lighting that you started, but its a bit confusing .

Light is what make photography possible so I am eager to learn about it.

Thanks for your quick reply

Hi Franko515,

Perhaps if you ask specific questions we can make sense out of what is confusing to you. I'm sure there are many here that can help clear things up.

I borrowed the second edition from the local library back in November. I kept it as long as I could. It is an excellent book.
I have been waiting for three months for the third edition to be released. I ordered it today.

I dont want to hijack this thread so I will start by first writing down all the questions I have on paper, then start a thread with a couple questions (of course after I search)

If you dont mind I'd like to PM you when the thread is started.

Thanks for your replies