Studio Anywhere 2: Hard Light: A Photographer's Guide to Shaping Hard Light

by Nick Fancher

In Studio Anywhere 2: Hard Light , photographer and author Nick Fancher builds on the success of his previous book ( Studio A Photographer’s Guide to Shooting in Unconventional Locations ) as he continues to offer candid, practical, and valuable lessons on how to create successful and fresh photographs armed with only minimal gear, a resourceful mind, and a creative spirit. The heart and soul of Studio Anywhere 2: Hard Light resemble its predecessor, but this time Nick focuses his approach on hard light, demonstrating how to use it in innovative and flattering ways, working with subjects ranging from products to people. You’ll Included in the book are behind-the-scenes photos, lighting diagrams, and Lightroom settings for many scenarios, so the reader can follow along from idea through the shoot and on to the final edit. There is also a feature throughout the book called “Making a Scene” where, upon being presented with an “empty” scene, you’re challenged to figure out where you might place your subject and your light(s) in order to achieve a specific effect or result. At the back of the book, Nick shows you how he chose to tackle each scenario. The goal is to train yourself to look at the everyday, commonplace locations and scenarios you encounter and begin to see them full of photographic potential.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2017

About the author

Nick Fancher is a photographer, author, and educator who specializes in dramatic lighting, often employing the use of bold colors and experimental camera techniques. He is particularly known for his efficient method of working, which is with the use of minimal gear, often in unconventional locations.

Nick graduated from Ohio State with a BFA in photography in 2005. He has authored several books on his techniques including Studio Anywhere 1 & 2 and Chroma. His lighting workshops have taken him across the U.S. and around the world.

Reviews

[Sean Edgar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fancher offers a nice catalogue of approaches and styles for photogs who don't have the resources or constraints of a studio. My main complaint is that these lessons would work better as a video series than a print book; witnessing his editing techniques and light placement in real-time would dispel any ambiguity. Conversely, inspiring the learning photographer to experiment instead of directly copy Fancher's techniques has its own values.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looked forward to reading this book after I read and thoroughly enjoyed Nick Fancher's first "Studio Anywhere" book and it does not disappoint. Some of the things which I found of interest in "2" were the descriptions on shaping hard, or unmodified, light by using speed lights, including the use of various devices, either purchased or diy; and the section on color theory, setting the stage for endless creative use of color filters.

A lot of what Fancher teaches derives from his personal experiences while establishing himself as a working professional over the last dozen years. It seems like his ideas are endless. He mentions how he keeps inspired by thinking up new techniques to experiment with, but many of the things he shows in the book also result in solutions to problems he devised while doing paid work for clients.

His drive to keep going and finding new inspiration, coupled with his clear way of communicating, certainly benefit his readers. In that regard, he has a fourth book coming out this year, which seems to include a lot more depth in the use of multiple flashes with filters, in continuance of techniques which were shown in "Studio Anywhere 2". While I was perusing the ad for that book on Amazon, I noticed that Fancher's first book, "Run and Gun Lighting Resource" is available for eight bucks on Kindle, and I couldn't pass on that opportunity. In addition to working as a busy commercial photographer, Fancher also grows his brand with numerous videos on YouTube, and by leading photographic workshops several times a year.

What all of this activity on the part of the author means is that Nick Fancher's examples and instructions are all current and cutting edge. Besides really enjoying his writing, I can truly say that I have learned more from him regarding the creative use of flash than from any other source.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a very good book. I have come across his first book, and I think I have a sample somewhere! However, I will read that as well.

In this follow up to his first book, Nick Fancher talks about how to use hard light effectively. He uses speedlights, and I like that he does this because they are light and portable. I own a few but have never used them effectively.

Nick does give lots of ideas, and he does describe many ways and situations where they can be used effectively, and without huge gear.

He is creative, and it shows.

I like this book, and definitely, think it is worth buying and reading.

[Some Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit haphazard, but Fancher warns you of that in the introduction. Cool ideas, good explanations, and the Lightroom settings are a great bonus. Don’t buy this to learn how to use hard light for flattering portraiture—it’s not about that. It is about creative setups that make the most of limited equipment and challenging spaces.
Definitely recommended to anyone who wants to up their lighting game.