After dark, there's light

TITLE: LIGHTING
AUTHOR: DAVID PRÄKEL
PUBLISHER: AVA PUBLISHING
ISBN: 2-940373-03-5 

As you already know, photography is the foundation of the science of cinematography. Because some extent I was collecting photography books. This book is one of my favorite books, for a full explanation in language and easily understood, even by a beginner though. 

Light is one element of photography that is very important. Without light, there will be no exposed images.
At the beginning of the book, the author explains the basic theory of color and exposure. He also gave a fairly detailed explanation of how to measure light using light meter, and how to adjust exposure by using filters on the camera lens.

In addition to an explanation of the types of light (available light and artificial light), the author also gives a satisfactory explanation about the studio equipment, namely the types of studio lights, backgrounds, and even the studio space's design.

For this book, the author has asked his colleagues to contribute their works for display in this book other than shots of the author's own photographs. Includes work by: Rod Edwards, Ernst Haas, Eric Kellerman, Marion Luitjen, Gijon Mili, Justin Quinnell, Scott Ritenour, Michael Trevillion, Frank Wartenberg, and Ilona Wellman are among many others.

In each image picture, the author always include technical data which he used when taking the picture. When the image is a photograph in the studio using studio lights or devices, the author also includes a layout plan of the lamp, which is essential for beginners to learn about studio lighting.

Have you ever heard about Rembrandt lighting? Rembrandt lighting is a technique adapted from the portrait paintings of that famous painter from the Netherlands. The characteristics are the lighting from one single source and the distinctive patch of light under one of the eye. Rembrandt lighting is one of the few lighting techniques discussed by the author.


Finally, this book will tell how to control, use, and experiment with light. There are many possibilities to control the light to achieve the desired results. And I'm telling you, this book will give you much information and good explanation about lighting and photography itself.



If you're the beginner in photography, I suggest you read (and own, perhaps?) this book. Even if you're already professional, this book is very good to refresh your knowledge.