As you’ve probably already figured out, light is THE essential ingredient in the world of photography. Regardless if you practice the art of photography using conventional film cameras, digital cameras, or both, your photographs represent recorded light. Having an understanding about lighting techniques or how to use lighting techniques effectively are the keys to successful photography. Listed below are 9 great books on photography lighting techniques which can dramatically increase your knowledge on the topic of lighting and overall, improve your photography.

Like many photographers, I started out in the world of photography with composition and content as my two main areas of concern and the use of lighting was an afterthought…it was something I dealt with rather than seeking to control it. As time went by, I quickly realized that taking command of light or using proper lighting techniques was not just nice to know, it was imperative.

Professional photographers are successful due to their ability to combine vision, composition, and effectively manage light. Whether you strictly work outside (sports, landscape or street photography, etc) , exclusively inside (products shots or portraiture), or all of the above, increasing your knowledge of lighting techniques will go a long way to improving your photography.

Lighting for Photography; Techniques for Studio and Location Shoots
“Lighting problems are among the few flaws that can’t easily be corrected in postproduction. Therefore, lighting skills remain just as critical as ever when capturing great digital images.

In this fundamental book, Dr. Glenn Rand gives you a complete understanding of photographic lighting – tools you can apply to any subject or situation.

For both studio and location lighting, Rand covers every variable to help you avoid problems and achive the beautiful lighting effects you desire.”

Light Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
Light – Science & Magic is a discussion, not a lecture. You bring to this discussion your own opinions about art, beauty, and aesthetics. We do not intend to change these opinions and may not even influence them very much….

What we do have to offer you is a set of tools. This book is about technology. Science. Brass tacks. Information for you to use when you please, if you please, and how you please.

The basic tools of lighting are principles, not hardware…Lighting is the language of photography.

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers. Light, vibrant and malleable, is the greatest tool at the disposal of portrait photographers. In this book, Christopher Grey walks you through portrait lighting from start to finish, teaching you how to control light effectively

With these skills, you’ll be able to create portraits that are more flattering, more marketable, and more creative.

Topics include:
Techniques for digital and film photographers; Selecting professional lighting equipment for studio portraits; Understanding light ratios and how to use them effectively; The class lighting styles and how to create them; Versatile portrait-lighting setups for any subject; and much more.

Sculpting with Light: Techniques for Portrait Photographers. “While many other factors contribute to a great image – lens choice, pose, props, etc. – every portrait subject requires well-executed lighting to enhance their appearance. This careful use of lighting to sculpt the subject in a flattering way is what distinguishes true artist from mere picture takers.

In this book, acclaimed photographer and educator Allison Earnest shows you how to use flash, strobe, and ambient light to create professional-quality results. With these techniques, you’ll be able to accentuate the most appealing features of each subject and elevate the aesthetic appeal of your portraits.”

Topics include:
Understanding the qualities of light, methods for controlling light, and how to measure the light for accurate results; Tools for lighting design, including flash, strobe, continuous light sources, and light modifiers; Portrait lighting basics, including placement for the main, fill, kicker, hair, and background lights; Understanding common face shapes and how they should be lit for best effect, and much more.

500 Lighting Hints, Tips, and Techniques. “This handy guide offers advice on choosing and using equipment, plus explanations of the characteristics of light, such as contrast, direction, diffusion, and reflection. The book covers both natural and artificial light, with tips on working outdoors, in low-light conditions, and in the studio.

Easy-to-follow projects take the reader through a selection of lighting set-ups and explain simple techniques for perfecting lighting effects using computer software. This easy, all-in-one guide answers all your lighting questions.”

Studio Lighting – Techniques for Photography. “Christopher Grey takes the intimidation out of studio lighting with powerful techniques that can be emulated and refined to suit your style. From equipment selection to camera settings, Grey covers what you need to know to design successful lighting setups – and successful images. With these strategies (and some practice implementing them), you’ll face studio sessions with confidence!

Topics include:
The role of color spaces and file formats in lighting decisions; Understanding the quality of light – and how to control them; Mastering the use of softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, grids, barn doors, beauty bowls and more; Refining your white balance for consistent, accurate colors; Metering techniques for flawless exposures; Using bounced light for precise control; and much more.”

The Hot Shoe Diaries – Big Light from Small Flashes. “When it comes to photography, it’s all about the light. After spending more than thirty years behind the lens – working for National Geographic, Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated – Joe McNally knows about light. He knows how to talk about it, shape it, color it, control it, and direct it. Most importantly, he knows how to create it…using small hot shoe flashes.

In The Hot Shoe Diaries, Joe brings you behind the scenes to candidly share his lighting solutions for a ton of great images. Using Nikon Speedlights, Joe lets you in on his uncensored thought process – often funny, sometimes serious, always fascinating – to demonstrate how he makes his pictures with these small flashes.”

Existing Light Techniques for Wedding and Portrait Photography. “In recent years, wedding and portrait photography styles have become increasingly natural and relaxed. As a result, the whole world has become a studio – with images being shot everywhere from abandoned buildings, to beaches, to lamp-lit city streets. The varying light in these locations presents great creative opportunities for photographers, but also significant challenges.

In this book, you’ll learn how to take control of each situation and walk away with great images.

Topics include
Understanding the nature of light and its role in portrait photography; Diffusing and redirecting sunlight and window light to create elegantly lit portraits; Adding flash or reflected fill to supplement existing light; Using existing light as fill with flash or studio strobes.”

Lighting Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios: Strategies for Digital Photographers. “Billy Pegram provides the knowledge yo meed to showcase a model’s best attributes, conceal any problem areas, reveal her personality, and appeal to her target market. Also included are start-to-finish analyses of real-life sessions, each with a different model and a different objective.

Packed with eye-catching images, this book takes you through the process of creating masterfully lit images that will get your model (and you!) noticed.

Topics include
Understanding the challenges of model photography – and why it requires a different approach than other types of photography; Previsualizing your results and determining what equipment you’ll need to achieve them; Evaluating models and using light to help accentuate their best and most marketable features; Designing creative lighting effects in the studio and on location; and much more.”

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