Introduction

PHOTOGRAPHY IS ABOUT light, simple as that. Learning to control light is a critical step in becoming a better shooter.

You are holding in your hands a book of inspiration: The work of two dozen photographers who know how to use light. Flip each page over and see how they created these dynamic photos, so you can make images like this, too.

The very first thing in your tool kit should be a willingness to experiment. Photo Trade Secrets is designed to help you do just that.

— David Hobby Photographer & Editor, Strobist.com

THERE’S A SECRET in photography: Learning how to light isn’t hard. It doesn’t take thousands of dollars worth of gear. Not even hundreds. You don’t need to memorize complex theorems or massive texts.

All you need to light your photos like an expert is a few concepts, a few tools—many you already have, and a few minutes to think about the image you want to take before you take it.

The best thing about the techniques in this collection is they easily scale up or down. Whatever situation you’re in, you can use this knowledge to make your photographs better. Tear out an image or technique that inspires you. Bring it to your next shoot. And give it your best shot!

— Zeke Kamm Editor, NicePhotoMag.com