Aimed at serious photographers, this lavishly illustrated guide takes a close look at every detail of lowlight photography. Michael Freeman (The Complete Guide to Digital Photography, Mastering Digital Black & White Photography) offers in-depth analysis of the many techniques photographers must master for night and lowlight shooting. Point by point, he discusses how to keep the camera steady, what lenses and camera settings to use, and how to best apply flash, bracketing, image-stabilizing, vibration reduction, and noise reduction. He also outlines common lowlight situations, from stormy weather and deep shade to twilight, moonlight, city lights, and nightclubs. Finally, Freeman examines software programs and processes that will increase the quality of lowlight photographs.

The techniques illustrated in this handbook inspire photographers to take photographs when they would otherwise put their camera away—in low-light and nighttime situations. A comprehensive discussion of color and tone teaches photographers how to change their overall perceptions in low-light environments and adjust their exposure settings and filters to suit a variety of light levels. The most adverse lighting situations are covered, such as floodlit cityscapes, lightning, sunsets, stage shows, and fireworks. Tips on taking advantage of the digital environment's ability to manipulate and enhance low-light images both during and after the photo shoot are offered and technical information on both cameras and the latest software is discussed.

The essential concept for which there is no Auto mode, quality composition is what distinguishes a snapshot from a phenomenal photograph. Learn how to develop your photographic eye not to only seek out engaging subjects, but also to approach them from the best angle, in optimal light, for maximum effect. Going beyond the basics, Michael Freeman reveals why certain photographs succeed, demystifying the abstract aesthetics to give practical rules and real-world advice that will enhance your images and inspire your creativity. Presented in a straightforward, down-to-earth method, these compositional principles will become second nature, giving you the creative freedom to seek out new, stunning shots of your own. What's more, you will develop reliable skills to approach a wide variety of subjects - from portraits to landscapes and everything in between - and to consistently present them in a strong, compelling composition.

Learn to "read" light in this complete course on the building blocks of photography. Michael Freeman teaches not only how to see the subtle nuances of light and shade, but also how your camera views and records them, to make sure you approach each scene with the optimal settings and appropriate technical know-how. Explore the different ways to approach and capture existing light - from sunlit outdoor portraits to the moody urban landscapes of artificial light - through a comprehensive overview of the many forms of lighting encountered by photographers of all genres. Then tackle the art of adding your own photographic lighting with straightforward, easy-to-grasp tips and techniques for operating your own flash and studio equipment. All the essential lighting accessories are covered, with an emphasis on getting the most out of each piece of gear. You will learn to coax stunning photos out of even the most challenging lighting conditions, and enhance your images by developing your own personal lighting style.

From timeless, elegant portraits to gritty, graphic street shots, the possibilities of black and white are endless, enticing, and exciting. Recognising this potential within every shot, and knowing the digital-editing tools and techniques to maximize its effect are essential steps to building up your photographic repertoire. Having first established the fundamental aesthetic choices that go into every B&W conversion, Michael Freeman goes on to review the noble tradition of black and white, detailing its numerous styles and fashions, with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve each effect, regardless of your particular software. Presented in a straightforward and easy-to-understand format, you will soon be able to both visualise exactly how you want your final image to appear, and achieve that signature look with efficient workflows and powerful conversion techniques. These skills open up new worlds of photographic opportunity everywhere you look, and encourage artistic growth just as much as they inspire you to try new styles and exciting treatments.

The Complete Guide to Landscape Astrophotography is the ultimate manual for anyone looking to create spectacular landscape astrophotography images. By explaining the science of landscape astrophotography in clear and straightforward language, it provides insights into phenomena such as the appearance or absence of the Milky Way, the moon, and constellations. This unique approach, which combines the underlying scientific principles of astronomy with those of photography, will help deepen your understanding and give you the tools you need to fulfil your artistic vision. Key features include: • Distinguished Guest Gallery of images from renowned nightscape photographers such as Babak Tafreshi, Bryan Peterson, Alan Dyer, Brenda Tharp, Royce Bair, Wally Pacholka, and David Kingham • The twenty-five best landscape astrophotography subjects and how to photograph them • Astronomy 101 - build your knowledge of night sky objects and their motion: the Milky Way, moon, Aurora Borealis/Australis, constellations, meteors and comets • Information on state-of-the-art planning software and apps designed to enable you to capture and enhance your landscape astrophotography • Field guide for creating a detailed plan for your night shoot • Description of the best moon phases for specific types of nightscape images, and the best months and times of night to see the Milky Way • How-to guide for creating stunning time-lapse videos of the night sky, including Holy Grail transitions from pre-sunset to complete darkness • Four detailed case studies on creating landscape astrophotography images of the Milky Way, full moon, star trails, and constellations

Taking into account contemporary cameras' latest features, such as high resolution sensors, image stabilization, and dust reduction, Freeman thoroughly answers the most frequently asked questions about digital capture, storage, printers, and scanners. Photographers will learn the different file formats and how to save images for print and publishing on the web. They'll explore valuable software tools and basic image processing programs that fix common problems, and see how to improve pictures using an assortment of cropping and filtering techniques.

Photography shows us how to look at things from different perspectives, to reflect, to communicate and to express ourselves in a way that goes beyond words. The creative and introspective qualities of this accessible arts medium make it an ideal tool for use in therapeutic contexts. In this book, Claire Craig explores how professionals working with groups can use photography to promote self-exploration and positive change. She explains how the technique works, who it can help, and how to set up and run a group. Each chapter revolves around a key self-development theme, such as communication, reflection, relationship-building and self-esteem, and contains activities which are suitable for all ages and abilities. For each activity, requirements are clearly specified, and both a warm-up and extension activity offered. Along the way, examples of photographs taken by participants in response to particular themes, and the explanations which accompany them, are provided as inspiration. This practical guide can be used in group work across a broad range of contexts, including in schools, colleges, youth groups, community settings, residential care, in-patient and day hospitals. It will be of interest to occupational therapists, arts therapists, social workers, teachers and any other practitioners interested in ways of promoting personal development through creative means.

It s the latest and hottest technique, made possible only through digital. High Dynamic Range photography is the process of taking several pictures of a scene at various exposures, then merging them into one file. So the entire photo can look crisp and detailed, from highlights to midtones to shadowsand photographers needn t sacrifice any part of their image. And the best way to master this exciting technology is with this thorough, easy-to-follow, and visually spectacular guide. No other title does justice to these cutting-edge techniques, which actually take the viewer into worlds far beyond normal photographysometimes even beyond normal human perception. Ferrell McCollough, a widely respected photographer, pushes the boundaries and inspires others to pursue their artistic vision, too. The amazing results simply can t be achieved any other way. "