The follow review is provided by one of our readers, Nick Van Zanten.
Take it away Nick...
"
Off-Camera Flash"
by Neil van Niekerk could not have come to me at a better time. Lately, I have
been fiddling with my single flash and a reflector, and if not for that
experience, I might not have appreciated this book as much as I do.
If you would enjoy lighting wherever and whenever your subject needs it, you
should read get
Off-Camera Flash.
Overall, the information in Off-Camera Flash flows logically. The book
avoids lengthy discussions of gear, offering a basic overview, and then presents
concise yet comprehensive explanations of flash concepts. Successive chapters
answer common questions about such topics as balancing flash with ambient light,
positioning the flash; and most intriguing to me, over powering the sun with
your flash. The author provides a clear description of the differences between
manual flash and TTL along with the reasons for using one or the other. Neil
also explains why soft boxes are so helpful, as well as describing how to
use/place them.
The greatest strength of Off-Camera Flash is the final
chapter where sample sessions demonstrate specific lighting techniques. The
information is accurate and easy to follow, making the book a helpful companion
to photographers who want to learn and perfect their off-camera flash
techniques.
Although Neil claims to address skill levels from beginner
to advanced practitioner, it is extremely helpful to have a basic understanding
of shutter speed and apertures, especially when the discussion is about whole
stops and fractional stops. I enthusiastically encourage folks to pick up your
camera and follow along, practicing as you go. As Joe McNally says, “
No pixels
have to die!”
My only serious criticism of Off-Camera Flash is that several photo captions
did not match the text, I suspect that later editions will correct these
annoying misprints.
Off-Camera Flash
inspired me to attempt to reach a higher bar for my photography than I would
have previously imagined. Many of my questions about this topic were answered,
and the book affirmed that my trials learning off-camera flash are typical.
BIO:
Nick Van Zanten started in photography a long time back while in the
US Navy. After a long hiatus, he is once again a serious amateur photographer. A
spouse with a closet full of Nikon lenses and the accessibility of digital
equipment re-ignited in him a little flame of desire to make art. So, little by
little, Nick ventures out to realize that end.
Much thanks to Nick for taking the time to read the book and share his
thoughts with us.
And thanks to you for being a reader.
