Crafting the Natural Light Look

Crafting the Natural Light Look PDF Author: Sandra Coan
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681985519
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 300

Get Book

Book Description

Learn to use a one-light approach for recreating the look of beautiful, natural window light for portraiture!

At its best, natural light is magical for portraiture. The quality of natural light streaming through a window can be extraordinary—gorgeous, wrapping light that flatters your subject and can be used to create multiple looks. For years, photographer Sandra Coan exclusively used natural light in her portraiture work. And while the results could be magnificent, she also learned that she could not rely on it to build a business and create consistently great photographs. That’s because natural light is frustratingly unpredictable: sometimes it rains, sometimes the light is too harsh when your clients are available, and sometimes—depending on the time of year—it’s just too dark.

In order to grow her business with dependably great results and a high level of professionalism, Sandra finally decided to tackle artificial light. She spent years honing her ability to use artificial light to recreate the look of beautiful, natural light. And now, with a simple one-light approach, she produces “natural” light whenever and wherever she likes, creating great portraits in any situation, at any time of day or night. It’s an approach that has led to a successful career spanning two decades and a signature look to her work. Here, in Crafting the Natural Light Look, Sandra shares her knowledge and techniques so that you, too, can learn to quickly and dependably create the look of natural light in your own portraiture. Unlike other books that address artificial light, Sandra’s tone is conversational and easygoing, and she does not cover everything there is to know about artificial light. In fact, there are no two- or three-light setups here. Instead, Sandra’s method is straightforward and easily actionable. She covers:

    • The key characteristics of light (intensity, distance, direction)
    • Equipment: strobes, flashes, light meters, triggers, receivers, modifiers, reflectors, and light stands—including what she uses, and what she recommends if starting out on a budget
    • Shutter speed and its relationship with artificial light
    • Where to position the light and the subject for consistent, flattering results
    • Creating four lighting patterns and looks with one setup—flat light, loop light, side light, and backlight
    • Using a light meter to determine the perfect flash power (whether you shoot film or digital)
    • Working with individuals, families, and groups
    • The role of shadows in its contribution to the drama and mood of a portrait
    • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
    • What she does in post-production (very little!)

Finally, in a series of case studies, she brings it all together and shares her thought process as she works through a number of real-world portrait shoots from start to finish. If you’re a “natural light photographer” who’s been either struggling with flash or reluctant to learn it at all, Crafting the Natural Light Look is exactly the book you need to improve the quality and consistency of your portraiture.


Crafting the Natural Light Look

Crafting the Natural Light Look PDF Author: Sandra Coan
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681985519
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 300

Get Book

Book Description

Learn to use a one-light approach for recreating the look of beautiful, natural window light for portraiture!

At its best, natural light is magical for portraiture. The quality of natural light streaming through a window can be extraordinary—gorgeous, wrapping light that flatters your subject and can be used to create multiple looks. For years, photographer Sandra Coan exclusively used natural light in her portraiture work. And while the results could be magnificent, she also learned that she could not rely on it to build a business and create consistently great photographs. That’s because natural light is frustratingly unpredictable: sometimes it rains, sometimes the light is too harsh when your clients are available, and sometimes—depending on the time of year—it’s just too dark.

In order to grow her business with dependably great results and a high level of professionalism, Sandra finally decided to tackle artificial light. She spent years honing her ability to use artificial light to recreate the look of beautiful, natural light. And now, with a simple one-light approach, she produces “natural” light whenever and wherever she likes, creating great portraits in any situation, at any time of day or night. It’s an approach that has led to a successful career spanning two decades and a signature look to her work. Here, in Crafting the Natural Light Look, Sandra shares her knowledge and techniques so that you, too, can learn to quickly and dependably create the look of natural light in your own portraiture. Unlike other books that address artificial light, Sandra’s tone is conversational and easygoing, and she does not cover everything there is to know about artificial light. In fact, there are no two- or three-light setups here. Instead, Sandra’s method is straightforward and easily actionable. She covers:

    • The key characteristics of light (intensity, distance, direction)
    • Equipment: strobes, flashes, light meters, triggers, receivers, modifiers, reflectors, and light stands—including what she uses, and what she recommends if starting out on a budget
    • Shutter speed and its relationship with artificial light
    • Where to position the light and the subject for consistent, flattering results
    • Creating four lighting patterns and looks with one setup—flat light, loop light, side light, and backlight
    • Using a light meter to determine the perfect flash power (whether you shoot film or digital)
    • Working with individuals, families, and groups
    • The role of shadows in its contribution to the drama and mood of a portrait
    • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
    • What she does in post-production (very little!)

Finally, in a series of case studies, she brings it all together and shares her thought process as she works through a number of real-world portrait shoots from start to finish. If you’re a “natural light photographer” who’s been either struggling with flash or reluctant to learn it at all, Crafting the Natural Light Look is exactly the book you need to improve the quality and consistency of your portraiture.



Minus 2/3 – The Invisible Flash

Minus 2/3 – The Invisible Flash PDF Author: Gerd Ludwig
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681980703
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 216

Get Book

Book Description


Chroma

Chroma PDF Author: Nick Fancher
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681983125
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 240

Get Book

Book Description
Learning to work with light is an important milestone in every photographer’s career, and the ability to craft light to fit your vision for an image is a skill that cannot be overrated. Most often, that crafting of light is spoken of in terms of the quality and quantity of light. But there is an important, third component of light that heavily influences the final look of the image: the color of light. In Chroma: A Photographer’s Guide to Lighting with Color, photographer Nick Fancher helps you elevate your game when it comes to introducing the bold, creative, and intentional use of color into your work.

Whether you’re using a high-powered strobe or a small hotshoe flash, Chroma is for you. Nick begins with a discussion of color theory, gels, and white balance, then examines how to determine which colors complement your subject matter (whether that’s people or products). He moves on to cover topics such as:

  • Balancing, mixing, and overpowering ambient light with artificial light
  • Layering colors for unique color combinations
  • Mixing hard and soft light to achieve extremely rich color
  • Lighting detail and texture
  • Modifier options, such as ring flash, snoots, barn doors, softboxes, and filters
  • Gobos to control the light
  • Post-processing for vibrant, powerful colors
  • How (and why) to light with color, even when the end goal is a black and white image

Illustrated throughout with innovative and expressive imagery, Chroma also includes behind-the-scenes photos, lighting diagrams, and Lightroom settings so you can follow along from the initial concept through to the final edit.

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana; min-height: 13.0px}

The Natural Light Portrait Book

The Natural Light Portrait Book PDF Author: Scott Kelby
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681984261
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 328

Get Book

Book Description

What would your life be like if you could shoot absolutely amazing portraits? If you could be in any natural lighting situation, indoors or out, and know that you’d be able to create an amazing image every time? If you’ve ever dreamed of making such incredible portraits that your friends and family say, “Wait a minute, this is your photo!? You took this?” then you’re in luck.

Award-winning photography book author Scott Kelby teaches you exactly how to shoot and edit gorgeous natural light portraits. Scott shares all his secrets and time-tested techniques, as he discusses everything from his essential go-to portrait gear to camera settings to the portrait photography techniques you need to create absolutely stunning images. From window light to taming harsh outdoor light, from the tools and accessories you need to capture beautiful portraits in any lighting condition, Scott has got you covered.

Among many other topics, you’ll learn:

    • The secrets to getting super-sharp portraits every time without breaking a sweat.
    • Exactly which camera settings work best for natural light portraits (and which ones you should avoid).
    • How to create separation with a silky smooth, out-of-focus background no matter which lens you have.
    • How to tame even the harshest light and turn it to your advantage to create soft, beautiful, wrapping light.
    • Which lenses will get you the best results and why.
    • What gear you need, which accessories work best, and a ton of killer tips that will help you create better images and make the entire experience that much more fun.

It’s all here, including an entire chapter on post-processing and retouching, and another with detailed portrait recipes, and best of all, it’s just one topic per page, so you’ll get straight to the info you need fast. There’s never been a natural light portrait photography book like it!



The Dramatic Portrait

The Dramatic Portrait PDF Author: Chris Knight
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681982161
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 240

Get Book

Book Description
Without light, there is no photograph. As almost every photographer knows, the word “photograph” has its roots in two Greek words that, together, mean “drawing with light.” But what is less commonly acknowledged and understood is the role that shadow plays in creating striking, expressive imagery, especially in portraiture. It is through deft, nuanced use of both light and shadow that you can move beyond shooting simply ordinary, competent headshots into the realm of creating dramatic portraiture that can so powerfully convey a subject’s inner essence, communicate a personal narrative, and express your photographic vision.

In The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow, Chris Knight addresses portraiture with a unique approach to both light and shadow that allows you to improve and elevate your own portraiture. He begins with the history of portraiture, from the early work of Egyptians and Greeks to the sublime treatment of light and subject by artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Chris then dives into a deep, hands-on exploration of light, shadow, and portraiture, offering numerous lessons and takeaways. He covers:

    • The qualities of light: hard, soft, and the spectrum in between
    • The relationships between light, subject, and background, and how to control them
    • Lighting patterns such as Paramount, Rembrandt, loop, and split
    • Lighting ratios and how they affect contrast in your image
    • Equipment: from big and small modifiers to grids, snoots, barn doors, flags, and gels
    • Multiple setups for portrait shoots, including those that utilize one, two, and three lights
    • How color contributes to drama and mood, eliciting an emotional response from the viewer
    • How to approach styling your portrait, from wardrobe to background
    • The post-processing workflow, including developing the RAW file, maximizing contrast, color grading, retouching, and dodging and burning for heightened drama and effect
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana; min-height: 13.0px}
    • How all of these elements culminate to help you define your personal style and create your own narrative


Natural Newborn Posing Deck

Natural Newborn Posing Deck PDF Author: Sandra Coan
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN:
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 227

Get Book

Book Description
Create beautiful photographs of newborns with this handy deck of cards! Newborn photography has changed a lot over the years, including trends that feature elaborate (and sometimes unsafe) posing, composite images, complicated wrapping styles, and the use of props. Rather than following these trends, award-winning photographer Sandra Coan has for years been creating timeless, gorgeous photographs that stand out from the crowd—and which are based on straightforward posing techniques that are both natural and comfortable for the baby. Natural Newborn Posing is a deck of cards featuring beautiful photos and posing examples that will guide and inspire you to create the perfect newborn photography session! In this deck, which is presented as a set of 4x6 cards in an attractive case, Sandra provides 50 unique looks that you can recreate or use as inspiration to create your own family photos. The deck walks you through the exact posing “flow” Sandra uses in her photoshoots. You can follow it pose by pose, or you can pull out your favorite poses and use them one by one for inspiration and guidance. Each card features an image and accompanying description of the pose. With clear instruction and helpful tips, these cards are creative, educational, and inspirational. Whether you’re a professional photographer, hobbyist, or parent who wants to create beautiful images of your children, you can confidently use this deck. It’s safe, easy, efficient, and gets great results!

Direction & Quality of Light

Direction & Quality of Light PDF Author: Neil van Niekerk
Publisher: Amherst Media
ISBN: 1608955710
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 157

Get Book

Book Description
Providing readers with a study of learning how to turn poorly lit images into finely crafted, masterfully lit photographs, this guidebook instills photographers with the self-confidence to think on their feet and photograph any portrait subject anywhere. Acclaimed photographer Neil van Niekirk presents seven distinctly different lighting scenarios—available light, exposure metering, a touch of flash, bounced on-camera flash, off-camera flash, video light, and hard sunlight—to show readers how to manipulate the direction and quality of light, the subject’s and photographer’s position, and numerous other variables so as to turn a bad image into a stunning, professional-level portrait. Packed with dozens of instructional, full-color photos, this work also features 10 sample photo sessions, allowing readers the opportunity to see the seven lighting scenarios put to practice.

Young House Love

Young House Love PDF Author: Sherry Petersik
Publisher: Artisan
ISBN: 1579656765
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 337

Get Book

Book Description
This New York Times bestselling book is filled with hundreds of fun, deceptively simple, budget-friendly ideas for sprucing up your home. With two home renovations under their (tool) belts and millions of hits per month on their blog YoungHouseLove.com, Sherry and John Petersik are home-improvement enthusiasts primed to pass on a slew of projects, tricks, and techniques to do-it-yourselfers of all levels. Packed with 243 tips and ideas—both classic and unexpected—and more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this is a book that readers will return to again and again for the creative projects and easy-to-follow instructions in the relatable voice the Petersiks are known for. Learn to trick out a thrift-store mirror, spice up plain old roller shades, "hack" your Ikea table to create three distinct looks, and so much more.

Dogtography

Dogtography PDF Author: Kaylee Greer
Publisher: Rocky Nook, Inc.
ISBN: 1681986493
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 946

Get Book

Book Description
If you want to learn to create out-of-this-world photos that capture the heart and soul of a dog, you've come to the right place. Whether you're a professional looking to up your dog photography game, or an amateur striving to take better pictures of your four-legged best friend, Dogtography is your guide to crafting jaw-dropping photographs that are exploding with personality. And there is no better teacher than Kaylee Greer, one of the world's most in-demand dog photographers. Kaylee travels the globe photographing dogs for some of the biggest pet brands on Earth, teaches industry-renowned workshops, and stars in Nat Geo Wild's original television mini-series Pupparazzi, chronicling her colorful adventures photographing dogs across America.

Dogtography is jam-packed with tips and tricks and—just like Kaylee and her award-winning photographs—an infectious personality. In this book, you’ll learn Kaylee’s best-kept secrets, including camera settings, lens choices, and post-processing techniques. You’ll explore tried and true methods for working with dogs of all shapes and sizes, unlock the power of positive reinforcement, and discover the gift of giving back to dogs in need through the magic of photography.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Speak Dog
Chapter 2: Camera Settings
Chapter 3: Lenses
Chapter 4: Dirty Little Secrets
Chapter 5: Sunshine Wrangling
Chapter 6: Catchlights
Chapter 7: Location
Chapter 8: Expression
Chapter 9: Shooting Action
Chapter 10: Group Photo Techniques
Chapter 11: The Canine Variety Power Hour
Chapter 12: Illumination Nation
Chapter 13: Post-Processing
Chapter 14: Giving Back


Speedliter's Handbook

Speedliter's Handbook PDF Author: Syl Arena
Publisher: Pearson Education
ISBN: 0321717937
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 1221

Get Book

Book Description
Getting your Canon Speedlite to produce the light you need can be a real challenge. For those new to flash photography—or for anyone who has previously given up out of frustration—Speedliter’s Handbook is a revelation. Photographer Syl Arena takes you on a journey that begins with an exploration of light and color, moves through a comprehensive discussion of the Canon Speedlite family and all of the accessories and equipment available to the Speedliter, then settles down to crafting great light in one photo shoot after another. Whether you want to create a classical portrait, shoot an event, or simply add a little fill light to a product shot, Speedliter’s Handbook shows you how. A fantastic in-depth resource illustrated with over 500 images, Speedliter’s Handbook covers: how to see the various characteristics and properties of light itself, as well as the differences between how your camera sees versus how you see all the buttons and dials of the entire Canon Speedlite family the basics of on-camera flash…and the necessity of getting your flash off the camera how to beautifully balance flash with the existing ambient light all the equipment necessary for great Speedlite shots how to get amazing shots with just one Speedlite how and when to use E-TTL versus manual flash the use of color gels to balance color, as well as create dramatic effects how to tame the sun—or any really bright light—with hi-speed sync and much, much more Whether you’re shooting portraits, events, or sports, Speedliter’s Handbook is an essential resource that teaches you how to craft the light you need for any type of shot you want.