Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide - Softcover

Thomas, J. Dennis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470454059 ISBN 13: 9780470454053

Publisher: Wiley, 2009

Synopsis

A full-color, go-anywhere guide to Nikon's entire array of creative lighting possibilities

Nikon's Creative Lighting System is like having a low-cost, wireless, studio lighting system that's portable enough to fit into a camera bag. Although the possibilities are endless and exciting, setting up, synchronizing the equipment, and determining lighting ratios can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, this Digital Field Guide has been completely updated to shed some light on the situation!

Beginning with the basic functions of the Nikon SB-900, the SB-800, and the SB-600, the author then goes on to demystify the complexities of using multiple speedlights, adjusting flash outputs, and setting up a wireless studio.

• Clearly explains how to get the best results when using multiple speedlights
• Includes examples and unique advice on how to light specific subjects, such as weddings, wildlife, portraits, product shots, and corporate locations
• Covers other Creative Lighting System components, such as Nikon's wireless commander and macro speedlights

With this handy, on-the-go guide, you'll no longer be in the dark on Nikon's Creative Lighting System.

About this title

Review

Nikon Creative Lighting System Photography Techniques
Amazon-exclusive content from author J. Dennis Thomas

One-Speedlight Portraits One of the things I like the best of the Nikon CLS is how fast and easy it is to get great portraits with just one Speedlight. For this portrait of Kristin I used an SB-900 off camera and triggered it with an SU-800. I used a shoot-through umbrella for diffusion and the light was placed at a 45º angle to the model. The stand was fully extended and the light was angled down for a Paramount or Loop lighting pattern. Setting up the CLS was simple. I switch the SB-900 to Remote mode and set it for Group A, the SU-800 was set to TTL. After a few test shots I decided to dial down the FEC to –1 EV. The image was shot with a D700 and a 50mm f/1.4G. I chose Manual exposure 1/60 at f/4 ISO 400. (Click on image to enlarge)

Soft-Light Close-Ups This is another example of a very simple yet effective lighting technique. For small things such as these raspberries using an overhead light that is very close up give you a nice soft light (the larger the light source in relation to the subject the softer the light is). Setting the light off to the side a bit helps to bring up the contrast which gives a more detailed three-dimensional look. Tis was done with one SB-800 and a shoot-through umbrella placed about 12 inches from the subject. For this shot I used the built-in flash of a D300s to trigger the off-camera SB-800. I set the SB-800 to Group A and the ¬¬¬¬mode to TTL. When shooting with a white background the metering system usually tries to underexpose the image (meters generally try for 18% grey). After a couple of test shots I ended up with a FEC of +2 EV. The image was shot with a D300s and a 105mm f/2.8G VR. Manual exposure 1/60 at f/8 ISO 200. (Click on image to enlarge)

Top 5 Accessories for the Nikon Creative Lighting System

1. Photoflex LiteDome XS Softbox Kit for Shoe Mount Flashes - 12x16x9" – This small and portable softbox kit is a great accessory for shooting portraits, headshots and small products. It comes with a speedring and the hardware that allows you to connect it to your SB-600, SB-800 or SB-900.

2. Photoflex 30” White Satin Umbrella – If you’re on a budget this inexpensive umbrella can do the trick for portraits and small products. The translucent reflective material allows you to shoot through the umbrella like a softbox or you can bounce from it for a softer indirect light.

3. Manfrotto 1051BAC Aluminum Mini Air Cushioned Compact Stand 6.75' – This is a heavy-duty light stand for holding your Speedlight and lighting modifiers. The air cushion saves your equipment from crashing down if you forget to fully tighten the extension sections.

4. Impact Light Stand 6' – This is a lightweight stand that is inexpensive and perfect for use with one Speedlight and an umbrella. They are compact and great for traveling.

5. Photoflex Shoe Mount Multi-Clamp – This is a necessity if you want to attach your umbrella or softbox to a light stand. It has a clamp to hold the umbrella and it also allows you to tilt your Speedlight for precise control of the light.

From the Back Cover

Nikon® Creative Lighting System

Digital Field Guide

Second Edition

J. Dennis Thomas

Discover all you can achieve with standalone flashes

The Nikon Creative Lighting System is like a low-cost, wireless studio lighting system that fits in your camera bag. This portable, full-color guide, updated for the newest Nikon Speedlights, teaches you all about using Speedlights effectively. It's full of advice on flash photography, creative lighting techniques, and specific guidance on lighting specialized situations: sports and action, architectural or product shots, portraits, night and special effects photography, weddings, concerts, and more.

• Get acquainted with the SB-900, SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights and their accessories

• Explore flash photography basics, including exposure compensation, directional lighting, and flash sync modes

• See how to set up a wireless portable studio

• Discover ways to get great portraits (indoors or out), macro shots, still lifes, and event photos

• Learn to use one or multiple Speedlights for various effects

Inside – your free gray and color checker card to help you achieve accurate white balance and color

Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0470454059
• ISBN 13: 9780470454053
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 256