Shaping Light for Video in the Age of LEDs: A Practical Guide to the Art and Craft of Lighting

Review

'Alan Steinheimer's book is simply the best book available about lighting; it can be read cover-to-cover or as a handbook, carried from job to job. It is a wonderful exploration of both the practical and the esthetic issues in lighting. In today's world, grip equipment is an essential component of lighting itself, and Alan explores the equipment and techniques of grip gear extensively including my personal favorite: tying knots. This is an essential book; it can be useful for cinematographers, lighting techs, and grips.'Stephen Lighthill, ASC, President, American Society Of Cinematographers, Discipline Head: Cinematography/AFI Conservatory 'You might find yourself stumbling your way towards a career in film, and even though you fancied yourself the next Spielberg or Tarantino, the bills kept coming so you were happy to take whatever people were willing to pay you to do. Whether it’s working your way up the G&E ladder or doing your time in the camera department, eventually you’ll want to call a few more shots than when you’re asked to take the group photo at the family reunion because "you know this stuff." Taking off as an owner/operator, whether a camera person or a fledgling gaffer with some gear, you need to hear from a seasoned mentor who will talk candidly about the ins and outs, the highs and lows, the red flags and the sweet spots of production. I’ve known Alan for the majority of my 30 plus years in this business and I can’t think of a better person for you to hang out with to learn the large picture fundamentals and the more nerdy, fine tuned aspects of what we do as lighting professionals. He’s not only smart, and thoughtful, but very willing to share all his tips and tricks... with you! Don’t pass this up. Enjoy.' Luke Seerveld Host of Meet The Gaffer on YouTubePraise for the Previous Edition: "Motion picture lighting is an art. This book will teach you how to play the instruments in a immensely informative and thorough way. In the 30 years since we first worked together, Alan has become a master of light. He has always been the first to embrace new lighting tools and techniques. His wide range of experience through Hollywood features, TV movies, commercials, music and corporate videos of many styles lends depth to his keen observations. This book, like his work, is meticulous, extensive, precise, a luscious read and should be in any cinema student, scholar and technician’s library."David Claessen, Director of Photography'Alan Steinheimer's book is simply the best book available about lighting; it can be read cover-to-cover or as a handbook, carried from job to job. It is a wonderful exploration of both the practical and the esthetic issues in lighting. In today's world, grip equipment is an essential component of lighting itself, and Alan explores the equipment and techniques of grip gear extensively including my personal favorite: tying knots. This is an essential book; it can be useful for cinematographers, lighting techs, and grips.'Stephen Lighthill, ASC, President, American Society Of Cinematographers, Discipline Head: Cinematography/AFI Conservatory 'You might find yourself stumbling your way towards a career in film, and even though you fancied yourself the next Spielberg or Tarantino, the bills kept coming so you were happy to take whatever people were willing to pay you to do. Whether it’s working your way up the G&E ladder or doing your time in the camera department, eventually you’ll want to call a few more shots than when you’re asked to take the group photo at the family reunion because "you know this stuff." Taking off as an owner/operator, whether a camera person or a fledgling gaffer with some gear, you need to hear from a seasoned mentor who will talk candidly about the ins and outs, the highs and lows, the red flags and the sweet spots of production. I’ve known Alan for the majority of my 30 plus years in this business and I can’t think of a better person for you to hang out with to learn the large picture fundamentals and the more nerdy, fine tuned aspects of what we do as lighting professionals. He’s not only smart, and thoughtful, but very willing to share all his tips and tricks... with you! Don’t pass this up. Enjoy.' Luke Seerveld Host of Meet The Gaffer on YouTubePraise for the Previous Edition: "Motion picture lighting is an art. This book will teach you how to play the instruments in an immensely informative and thorough way. In the 30 years since we first worked together, Alan has become a master of light. He has always been the first to embrace new lighting tools and techniques. His wide range of experience through Hollywood features, TV movies, commercials, music and corporate videos of many styles lends depth to his keen observations. This book, like his work, is meticulous, extensive, precise, a luscious read and should be in any cinema student, scholar and technician’s library."David Claessen, Director of Photography

Stephen Lighthill, ASC,

'Alan Steinheimer's book is simply the best book available about lighting; it can be read cover-to-cover or as a handbook, carried from job to job. It is a wonderful exploration of both the practical and the esthetic issues in lighting. In today's world, grip equipment is an essential component of lighting itself, and Alan explores the equipment and techniques of grip gear extensively including my personal favorite: tying knots. This is an essential book; it can be useful for cinematographers, lighting techs, and grips.'