Shaping Light Use Light Modifiers to Create Amazing Studio and Location Photographs

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.

Glenn Rand has also produced, taught and written about imaging. His photographs are in thirty public museums collections in the United States, Europe and Japan and he has exhibit widely. Since 2001 he has taught in the graduate program at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California. He received his Bachelor and Master of Arts from Purdue University with a Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati centering on the Psychology of educational spaces with post-doctoral research as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Michigan. He has lectured extensively about photography and digital imaging ranging from commercial aesthetics to the technical fine points lighting.

Photographer, educator and author, Tim Meyer is passionate about the field of photography. Drawing from 30 years as a professional photographer, he brings experience and sustained energy to his work. Mixing our rich artistic heritage with today’s modern styles, his images enlighten and inspire.

Tim possesses the Professional Photographers of America’s coveted Masters and Craftsman Degrees, and earned an academic Master of Arts Degree and a Master of Fine Arts Degree, both in Fine Art Photography. In addition to numerous one-man exhibitions of his fine art work, his photography has been internationally recognized for its innovative style and technique.

He currently teaches full-time and serves as the Lead Portrait Instructor at Brooks Institute. His nationally acclaimed portrait and wedding studio, Meyer Photography, is managed by his partner in business and life, Dea Meyer.

Tim is honored to be sponsored by H&H Color Lab, Big Folio and Triple Scoop Music. He also speaks and teaches internationally for the MAC Group Pro Educational Team, representing, among others, Sekonic, Pocket Wizard, Profoto and Creative Light product lines.

Tim’s writings on photography and art have been published internationally and his book, The Portrait - Understanding Portrait Photography, co-written with Glenn Rand and published by Rocky Nook, Inc., is available worldwide.

Tim's Credentials

• Master of Fine Arts, Fine Art Photography, Brooks Institute
• Master of Arts, Creative Photography, California State University, Fullerton
• Bachelor of Arts, Communication, California State University, Fullerton
• Master of Photography, Professional Photographers of America
• Craftsman Degree, Professional Photographers of America
• Certified Professional Photographer, Professional Photographers of America

Shaping Light: Understanding Light Modifiers


Table of Contents

01 Introduction

02 Simplified Light Concepts

Light

Intensity and the law of the inverse square


Surfaces

Specular surfaces

Diffuse surfaces

Shadows


Complexity of Light and Shadow

Perception and Light


03 Specular Light

Highlights and Shadows

Shaping


04 Diffused Light

Highlights and Shadows

Shaping


04-a Defining Modifiers


05 Beam Controllers

Reflectors

Shape

Surface


Source Placement and Direction

Controlling Beam Spread

Lens Beam Control

06 Specular Modifiers

Bare bulb

Floodlights

Spotlights


07 Diffuse Modifiers

Diffuser panels

Softboxes

Banks

Reflector boards, flats and kites


08 Umbrellas

Surfaces and shape

Giant Reflectors


09 Intensity Modifiers

Shapers and Masks

Pattern Projections

Barndoors

Gels

Scrims, Dots and Fingers

Cones and Snoots

Mirrors

Other Added Intensities


10. Fill

Fill Light

Reducing Fill Light