Studio Lighting Unplugged

This lighting manual shows that successful studio photography does not require a warehouse-sized space brimming with expensive lights, Hollywood-style facades, and a half-dozen assistants making the client lattes. Rather, this guide shows photographers how to create studio lighting effects that range from clean and classic to highly complex and use a garage, spare bedroom, or even a backyard as their “studio.” The simple setups show that one to three small, inexpensive electronic flash units—along with budget-friendly stands, communication systems, and some do-it-yourself light modifiers—can be combined to create brilliant studio-quality images without the studio. Numerous sample shoots and plans provide clear instructions for taking control of any environment to create spectacular images.

Rod Deutschmann is a photographer and a photography instructor in the San Diego public school system. He is an award-winning marine-combat correspondent and the managing editor for the "Camp Pendelton Scout," the award-winning Marine Corps newspaper. Robin Deutschmann is a professional photographer. They are the cofounders of the San Diego in Focus Learning Center, a photography training center. They live in San Diego, California.