File Size: 39818 KB
Print Length: 315 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1933952997
Publisher: Rocky Nook; 2 edition (March 6, 2012)
Publication Date: April 20, 2012
Sold by: Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00VB46C1K
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Not Enabled
Word Wise: Not Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled
Enhanced Typesetting: Not Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #550,535 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store) #50 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography & Video > Equipment, Techniques & Reference > Flash Photography #61 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Arts & Photography > Photography > Lighting #208 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography & Video > Equipment, Techniques & Reference > Lighting
Maybe I've become less critical; or maybe Mike Hagen has become a better writer; or maybe I've had time to compare this book to a flock of others dealing with the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). In any event, while I gave the first edition of this book a so-so review, I find this edition to be the best of the books dealing with the technical aspects of CLS. (CLS is the Nikon system that allows for the controlling of multiple flashes from a single point.)The book deals with each of the Nikon speedlights and cameras capable of being used with the system, including discontinued models. After a brief background review and quick start guide, the author delves into the nature of flash, and then offers separate chapters on the SB-600, 700, 800, 900 and 910 speedlights. There is also a chapter on the SU-800 commander and Nikon's ring-light kit. Each of these chapters explains each and every button, switch, and menu on these units in sufficient detail to use them properly, including Hagen's recommendations on settings. The images of the equipment and screens are ample to show what must be done (although the type used in the text is a little small). The author recognizes the complexity of the equipment and offers a linear plan for using the equipment to accomplish the lighting task. He also explains the cameras that fit into the system and how to set them. Examples are provided, with the general details of how CLS was used, and finally there are recommendations for ancillary equipment like umbrellas and stands.One of the best things about the book is that it concentrates on the automated processes of the speedlights (although it does cover manual set-up as well.
There's probably more confusion about using flash properly that any other function in photography. I know when I started, I had to feel very daring before I would ever switch that lever off "P" for program mode whenever flash was needed. With five separate flash modes in addition to the 4 main shooting modes (not to even mention Scene modes) that's an awful lot to consider. Hagen explains on p31 why he normally only uses two and which two you probably want to become familiar with.Getting into the accessories that come with the flash units, he points out that the reflector card that slips out of the flash head is really too small and suggests using your hand instead (see p 62.) Your hand is actually much larger (for a softer light) and the color reflects a warm tone to your subject.In the Buttons and Controls chapter, Hagen makes sense out of when to increase/decrease exposure versus increasing/decreasing flash output. Also, in a subsequent chapter, you'll learn all about Commander Mode which holds the real power of the Nikon CLS system. He also points out scenarios where you'll want to be concerned with which channel you are shooting on.The book is full of charts that show which flash work with which Nikon camera models. There are also hints about battery management, including simple hints to tell your new batteries from your depleted ones (p 250.)One of my favorite tips was something I've had problems with before. Many people tend to blink when the Nikon preflash goes off, causing them to have their eyes closed when the main flash fires. I had one subject in Boston that never had a single good photo in 20 shots until I started using the manual flash settings without preflash.
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