While light is required to make a photograph, light alone is not enough. More often, it is the way the light has been modified and shaped that brings an image to life. In this book, Glenn Rand and Tim Meyer offer a comprehensive approach to the tools and techniques photographers can use to shape the light—creating the style, energy, emotion, and feeling that make a photograph exceptional. Clear text is paired with ample before-and-after images and diagrams to make learning easy. Beginning with the physics of light, the authors show you how to predict light’s interaction with the surface of the subject/object you are photographing. Based on this, you can begin to make informed decisions about what kinds of modifiers will help you achieve the look you want. Using softboxes, umbrellas, masks, gels, reflectors, and more, you’ll learn to precisely control the light’s diffused edge and ratio for precise, flawless results.

Shaping Light: Understanding Light ModifiersTable of Contents01 Introduction02 Simplified Light ConceptsLightIntensity and the law of the inverse squareSurfacesSpecular surfacesDiffuse surfacesShadowsComplexity of Light and ShadowPerception and Light03 Specular LightHighlights and ShadowsShaping04 Diffused LightHighlights and ShadowsShaping04-a Defining Modifiers05 Beam ControllersReflectors ShapeSurfaceSource Placement and DirectionControlling Beam SpreadLens Beam Control06 Specular ModifiersBare bulbFloodlightsSpotlights07 Diffuse ModifiersDiffuser panelsSoftboxesBanksReflector boards, flats and kites08 Umbrellas Surfaces and shapeGiant Reflectors09 Intensity ModifiersShapers and MasksPattern ProjectionsBarndoorsGelsScrims, Dots and FingersCones and SnootsMirrorsOther Added Intensities10. FillFill LightReducing Fill Light