Matters of Light & Depth

by Ross Lowell, Various (Illustrator)

Creating memorable images for video, film, & stills through lighting. In addition to his own techniques, photos, and light philosophy, Ross Lowell interweaves the insights and images of distinguished lighting directors, photographers, filmmakers, and classic painters. Some of the subjects explored include: Color Temperature Matters Hearing the Light Lighting Planes Lighting People Meter Matters Finessing the Light Motivating the Light Two-Light Techniques The One-Light Approach Setting Up a Small Studio Superior Exterior Lighting The Art & Craft of Lighting Craft & Art Best Ways to Achieve the Worst Lighting

Genres: Photography, Film

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Simms Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even reading it three decades after being published, this book still holds up as a fair treatise on lighting, both for stills and motion work. My biggest complaint is that it is very scattered. We are jumping around from subject to subject with very little segues. Fortunately, every new thought has a subheading preceding it so it's not total whiplash, but each subheading has typically 3-5 sentences on the subject then moves on. I will say it was far more enjoyable coming back to it years later looking at my highlights versus my initial cover-to-cover reading of it.

Don't make this the only book you read on the topic, but I think there is enough wisdom in this book and enough topics that aren't covered elsewhere to make it a worthwhile read.

It does a good job covering such a wide range of topics and challenges in this world, that I think the target audience is broad. Product photography, VIPs & inexperienced interviewees, copy work (a term I first learned here: accurately capturing fine art), building a kit, lighting terms, etc.

FYI, this man invented gaff tape.

[Kyle Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on the basic techniques, terms, and equipment used in film, video, and still photography lighting. Lowell is full of applicable information and also makes the book a good read by keeping a sense of humor. For those just getting a start in film, video, and photography, as well as those who would like to better hone their craft, this is a great read.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on the technicalities and techniques of lighting. Similar to "Light, Science and Magic" in that it covers a lot of the same ground, but "Matters of Light and Depth" applies its techniques to motion picture lighting as well as still photography.

It's quite heavy in equipment discussion, especially for motion picture lighting, but it's all useful stuff to know.

[Ramana]

if you are intersted in photography / videography this is a good book to read. Even your home videos of your kids and family will be imporoved a lot with the knowledge you gain from skimming this book.

[Israel ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think one of a must book to get really envolved in light for motion and still photography