E-Book Overview
With tips for creating natural, hassle-free lighting, this reference shows photographers how to abandon complex lighting scenarios in favor of more straightforward, uncomplicated ones. Photographers will learn the advantages of simpler lighting—such as saving money by avoiding excessive equipment purchases and maintenance and making location shoots less cumbersome and more convenient. Emphasizing that photographers should imitate the sun’s natural light—not only to create a realistic setting but also to allow for genuine facial expressions from more relaxed portrait subjects—this guidebook illustrates how to create one- and two-light setups, making simple refinements with lightweight, inexpensive, and portable reflectors. Covering the basics of lighting and applying them to portraits as well as discussing the equipment available today, this resource ensures more enjoyable photography sessions for both photographers and their subjects.
E-Book Content
SIMPLE LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS
BILL HURTER Amherst Media
®
PUBLISHER OF PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS
About the Author Bill Hurter started out in photography in 1972 in Washington, DC, where he was a news photographer. He even covered the political scene—including the Watergate hearings. After graduating with a BA in literature from American University in 1972, he completed training at the Brooks Institute of Photography in 1975. Going on to work at Petersen’s PhotoGraphic magazine, he held practically every job except art director. He has been the owner of his own creative agency, shot stock, and worked assignments (including a year or so with the L.A. Dodgers). He has been directly involved in photography for the last thirty years and has seen the revolution in technology. In 1988, Bill was awarded an honorary Masters of Science degree from the Brooks Institute. He has written more than a dozen instructional books for professional photographers and is currently the editor of Rangefinder magazine.
Copyright © 2008 by Bill Hurter. All photographs by the author unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Front cover photograph by Claude Jodoin. Back cover photograph by Tim Schooler. Published by: Amherst Media, Inc. P.O. Box 586 Buffalo, N.Y. 14226 Fax: 716-874-4508 www.AmherstMedia.com Publisher: Craig Alesse Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins Assistant Editor: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt Editorial Assistance: Carey Maines, John S. Loder ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-223-4 Library of Congress Control Number: 2007942657 Printed in Korea. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher. Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the author’s experience and opinions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Simplicity is Natural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 See the Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Why Are Things Different Now? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Changing Mores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM SCHOOLER.
1. How Light Behaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 What is Light? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .