Capturing Light: The Heart of Photography from the Focal Press and written by Michael Freeman illustrates how, in almost all photography, it's the quality of light that makes or breaks the shot. For professional photographers, chasing the light, waiting for it, sometimes helping it, and finally capturing it is a constant preoccupation - and for some an obsession.

There are just three sections titled Waiting, Chasing, and Helping: Waiting explains the kinds of lighting that photographers can anticipate and plan for, while Chasing explores the transient, serendipitous light that photographers have to work quickly to exploit. Helping, the final and most technical section, focuses on the skills and techniques for enhancing, reducing, or otherwise controlling light, covering everything from in-the-field shooting choices to technical transformations to post-production.

Drawing on four decades of experience, Michael Freeman takes a simple but practical approach to reacting to, and capturing photography's most important commodity.

Author: Michael Freeman

Michael Freeman, professional photographer and author, with more than 100 book titles to his credit, was born in England in 1945, took a Masters in geography at Brasenose College, Oxford University, and then worked in advertising in London for six years. He made the break from there in 1971 to travel up the Amazon with two secondhand cameras, and when Time-Life used many of the pictures extensively in the Amazon volume of their World's Wild Places series, including the cover, they encouraged him to begin a full-time photographic career.

1. Waiting

2. Chasing

3. Helping

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can the software be downloaded to a MacBook without CD-ROM drive??

A: Yes, the software can be downloaded. You would just type in the registration key after download and you would be all set.

Q: 2. Can you use it with canon 1.4x and 2x teleconverters ?

A: Yes, you are able to calibrate with FoCal while mounted with teleconverters.

Q: 3. RGB model have more LED's than Bi-Color mode and both have 60W max power, but is there any way to know which one have max power in Bi-Color mode?

A: Typically a bi color can be brighter than a RGB, but they difference is usually small. In most cases you can make up for it with camera settings. The versatility of RGB is nice and if you need raw power there are other more powerful units than this.

Q: 4. How much weight can this hold? I have a Canon 5D Mark II. Let's say I have a 28-135mm lens and an external flash on it. Will the strap support the weight?

A: The Capturing Couture strap bases are constructed with premium grade Nylon webbing that is the highest quality on the market and tensile strength rated at 4,000lbs +. A Canon 5D Mark II and 28-135mm lens with flash will most certainly be supported by this strap.

Q: 5. how can i put on this computer my lightroomm from another computer?

A: E-books can be uploaded to the iCloud in which the e-book can accessed on any device in which you are signed into the same iCloud account.

Q: 6. For zoom lenses, do you need to only calibrate the lens at one focal length or should you calibrate the lens at transitional points (24, 35, 50, and 70mm for a 24-70mm zoom)? If so, is the in camera's CPU smart enough to blend the "different" calibrations as the lens is zoomed.

A: It is best to calibrate the lens at most focal ranges to get maximum calibration. Some lenses don't marry up the same with all cameras, so it is best to calibrate at most ranges.

Q: 7. Is there any possibility you can use a monopod? I don't use or have a tripod.

A: Hi Carol, Thank you for your interest in Reikan FoCal. A tripod is a required part of calibration and testing in order to achieve consistent and accurate results. Using a monopod won't work as it would not keep the camera stable enough for a series of test images to be taken. Best Regards, Dave

Q: 8. What amp USB charger is recommended for this light?

A: The Acellories 10,000mAh Power Badge Power Bank (Black) is a great option, BH #ACPB500B. https://bhpho.to/3j9Ig3f

Q: 9. Will this Work for Nikon 80-400G lense

A: Yes, it works with the 80-400mm.You'll need a sturdy tripod (I used a gitzo series 3) and good light. Other than that, follow the distance guide from the focal website, which is about 26ft from a 150mm target. It is harder to get the target setup initially at 400mm, but works fine.

Q: 10. Does this come with stereoscopic (red and blue) paper glasses or do I need to buy some separately?

A: The book does not list that it comes with any glasses.