Literary recommendation: No flash through José Antonio Fernández

If the flash is your number one enemy, if you think this flash is not for you, if you think that in natural light you have enough and that you have enough left, or that the flash is a useless device that always burns your photos and gives you nothing but trouble, this literary recommendation is for you.

And you say, but didn’t I tell you I hated it, didn’t I tell you I left the flash a long time ago?To which I answer: First look at the book, read some chapters, and you will see how faith restores you. Do you think there weren’t many of us out there, at that point in life where hearing the word flash and grimacing in disgust or sarcasm was an action-reaction?I assure you, at least I do. ? But since giving up is never an option, I decided to buy this book, and it has given me back the faith, it’s that simple, so I invite you to try it and I almost dare promise you that you won’t regret it. .

  • The book is very well structured visually and theoretically.
  • It is divided into 9 large chapters which in turn have several subdivisions in each of them.
  • All explained in a clear way and with a very pleasant language.

Before entering a more technical theme, José Antonio Fernández offers us a brief reflection on why external flash is advised, its versatility against heavy studio equipment or the simplicity of the flash integrated in camera make it a complete complement for any photographer.

In this book nothing is left random or without explanation, so before we start using the flash, it offers us a complete and enlightening theme dedicated to the work of manual camera mode and other basics that every photographer should know. to do this: exposure variables (opening, shutter or ISO), measurement models (matrix, center weight, spot), continuous light, dashed light, focal length, multiplier factor, color temperature, etc.

Here the author offers us to know some notes about the light through five basic questions that must be asked before taking a photograph:

Step by step, we move on to using the flash, starting with knowing what a flash is and how it works, until it syncs with the camera (maximum sync speed, high sync speed, synchronization on the second curtain?), The coverage angle. , the guide number (NG), etc. , not afraid, is it very well explained?

In this chapter you will learn how to work with TTL flash mode and get the most out of it knowing its limitations and benefits, but it will also make you dare to use the flash manually (as advertised: Manual mode, easier than you think), as well as with measuring with and without manual photometer, you will learn how to bounce the backlights, etc.

This chapter encourages us to dare to separate the flash from the camera helmet (to generate volume, three-dimensionality and relief), retaining in many cases automations (TTL cables, manual radio transmitters, transmitters and receivers, photosensitive cells, etc. ) as information on the best flash supports (feet, kneecaps, pliers, etc. ).

In this case, we will see the light modifiers, as well as the quality of the light, the cover or the color.

If you do not know where to start bouncing the lights, where to place the flash, etc. , in this chapter the author offers you all the secrets to do it easily and with amazing results (butterfly light, hallway light, American night, sketching, zenith, etc. ) You can also learn all the secrets of flash in macro photography, strobe mode, photograph metal or glass, or high-speed photography, among others.

At this point you are ready to plan a successful photo shoot, for example, the author allows us to accompany you by no less than 24 real photo shoots where you will explain your tricks, the lighting scheme chosen for each of them as well. such as the quality of the light chosen, its coverage, its direction or Color.

Number of pages: 256

Soft coverage

Dimensions: 17x24cm

Seller: J From J Editors (PhotoRuta Collection)

Edition: 8th edition (January 2017)

Price: $23. 65

Anyone who wants to overcome their fear of flash (as the title of this fantastic book anticipates) and who has some notions and practice in manual mode, or at least pretends to have them in the near future?Because while there’s a good introduction to everything you need to start reading, it’s easier to follow it with these well-learned notions, so you can absorb the rest of the information.

José Antonio Fernandez is a great connoisseur of lighting in photography, and has a lot of experience as a teacher since he co-directs La Maquina Estudio and the specialized school of photography La Maquina where he regularly teaches classes.

He is also known for the quality of his images, which have won more than 80 international awards in several competitions, including 9 Lux awards in professional photography.

I’ve already advanced this throughout the article. It’s a fantastic book wherever you look at it, but what I like most is that because of the way it’s designed and explained, you can follow it in a straight line (chapter after chapter) or you can use it as a reference book for topics. In both options, the book is perfectly consistent and receives complete and meaningful information.

That your fear of flash prevents you from giving this masterpiece a try?

If you want to build your library little by little with good and useful copies, this is an essential book, whether you are a beginner or already have a little more control over the light. It is a very complete and entertaining book, with many examples to make it understandable to anyone, regardless of their level and photographic knowledge. Obviously, some will move faster than others because of that, because some concepts will be obvious to some and new to others. But whatever you are, dare I say you’ll find a fantastic reference guide in this book?Without fear of flash?

Oh, and if my opinion isn’t enough, Amazon has over 200 reviews that give you no more or less than a 4. 6 out of 5. Pretty good, isn’t it?

I hope that this literary recommendation has helped you, if so do not hesitate to share it on your favorite social network so that someone else can enjoy it Thank you and soon?

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