Learning to design light through flash ends up being a necessary step for most photographers who have decided to give wings to their hobby and immerse themselves in it without limits, either out of sheer curiosity or because they have been trapped there and dream of doing so. their way of life.
Either way, there is a time in the lives of all of us when flashing is part of our lives (from time to time). We are no longer content to master natural light and enjoy it, but we want to modify it, improve it, change it completely and obtain images that would be impossible to achieve without the use of artificial lighting.
- There are many reflections in this book that I loved.
- But one of which.
- In my opinion.
- Best defines this book is not light.
- Not even flash.
- These are the possibilities.
- It is not about creating those images that already exist.
- But what we can create when we experiment with light.
- This book is about this and much more.
- If you are interested.
- Read on ;-).
The book is divided into several chapters with their respective sub-chapters, in total I counted 44, almost all structured around the realization of one or more images of the author, with a detailed explanation of the context, the justification of the lighting scheme used, the material chosen by the photographer, (model and type or type flash, diffuser, umbrella?) personal anecdotes, etc.
Go ahead, in order to get the most out of all its content, I think you have to read it from start to finish, because in every topic, in each explanation, there are essential tips based on your long experience, learnings, morality and tricks. that are not well defined in the title and that are more than the recommended reading.
Full Title: Light Design (Preparing Lighting in Flash Photography)
Soft coverage
Seller: Anaya Multimedia Editions (Photo Club)
Price: $40. 85
? Photographers with a solid technical foundation and a mastery of the flash who want to know in detail and rigor the different lighting patterns and the reason of their choice in each of the images. Through sketches and explanations full of personal experiences (including anecdotes), you can know in detail the reason for the realization of each image, how it was made and what we wanted to do with it, all seasoned with the personal experience and humor of a photographer with a life dedicated to photography.
Joe McNally is a prestigious photographer with more than 35 years of experience, has worked in more than 70 countries for prestigious publications such as National Geographic, Life and Sports Illustrated, he has received numerous awards during his career as a photographer: the Alfred Eisenstaedt Journalistic Impact Award for LIFE for his report, “The Panorama of War”. Winner of the Arts of Communication, PDN, Graphis, American Photo, POY and the World Press Photo Foundation. He is also considered one of the 5 most influential photographers on the networks by Eye-Fi and one of the “20 most influential photographers”. of www. featuredphotog. com, and also won the 2015 PMDA Photographer of the Year award.
You can view your work by visiting the portfolio on your website
It is a book full not only of photographic knowledge, but also of photographic experiences and personal experiences, a book designed to be read from start to finish. Joe McNally is a passionate expert on the subject and this is evident in the fluidity of his knowledge, in his reflections, in the way he treats each image and solves it.
The images are large and of good quality, entertaining and with clear explanations, with all the details and tricks necessary to understand the image and / or take a similar shot or just inspire you in McNally’s.
In addition, his reflections and personal experiences about the world of photography are, in addition to being fun, phrases to emphasize and repeat as mantras in many moments of our photographic journey.
Maybe be more used to analyzing photography books of the type?Inquiry? Or manual, the organization scheme of the same seemed somewhat messy. The distribution of the sections, with few subtitles and little visual, forces to deepen each chapter and read it in its entirety It is not easy to use it to clear specific doubts.
You also can’t get an idea (or just) of the content of each of the themes presented by the author just by the title, so it’s not a book where you can easily find specific aspects you’re looking for.
Another aspect that may be an inconvenience for some of you is that it always talks about flash models for Nikon, as it is the brand that you know best and have always worked with.
It is a fantastic book if you are the right person to read it, that is, if you already have some control of the lighting or plan to have it, this is a book that you will love. The explanations, the quality of the photographs it shows us, or the tips, are a rewarding material for any photographer interested in lighting.
If you’ve always wanted to work with Joe McNally, this is a realistic way (?) To approach his thought, his experience and his genius. Book a few hours of your time to read this fantastic book with all its meaning. eat and savor every word.
Oh, and if you’re one of those who can’t help but point to a book from time to time when it gets interesting (with a pencil, of course), keep the pencil handy because I assure you that you will get tired. to highlight phrases and thoughts.
I end this sentence, one of the many I have extracted from this fantastic book :-).
“The main driver of a photographer’s life is passion, isn’t it reason?
If you liked this literary recommendation and think someone else would be interested or interested in reading it, share it on your favorite social network. Thank you and see you soon :-).