For the serious photographer, the myriad of possibilities offered by even a medium priced high street D-SLR, creates a whole new technical vocabulary to master. The fine tuning, programmed via custom options, is so extensive it can be truly intimidating. To maintain full control of the image under all conditions requires a detailed knowledge of the kit – and manufacturers’ instruction booklets seldom measure up.
Enter ILEX, a specialist publisher whose authors are at the top of their game. Michael Freeman is a well known photographer with an international reputation and expertise in special effects. As an author he is acclaimed for his coverage of travel and architecture. It is a good combination of skills – more than equal to the task of presenting this outstanding guide to all aspects of light management for the digital camera. Although this guide can be of use to the amateur, it is of such a high calibre that there is no hesitation in recommending Light & Lighting in Digital Photography to the seasoned pro. Freeman discusses how the camera deals with light and the finer points of calibration, colour balance and measurement; the many variables of natural, artificial and studio light sources; and gives an excellent assessment of digital light control and image manipulation at the computer stage. Freeman completes the text with a demonstration of his virtuosity in the ‘craft of lighting’, supported profusely, as is the whole book, with full colour illustrations and diagrams. This is an essential addition to the reference library of any serious photographer using the latest digital SLR equipment.
