The real "goosebump" reader...Light the way I never knew it. It's a natural.

Don't get this book if you are looking for a detailed, "how to" manual. You will learn more if you have mastered the basics of lighting and working with models already. Think of it more as a master class than an instruction manual. I suspect, however, that you will find at least one image or technique that helps you find your own creative "voice."

This is NOT a PhotoShop book, it's NOT for people looking for info on POST-PROCESSING. It is however a great book if you want to learn about lighting; what to do and look for BEFORE you take the shot. Contrary to the title, you can learn about more than just "Lighting for Nude Photography"; the nude is just one type of portrait.

The book is basically in three parts:
First, there's an explanation of light as it applies to photography, and an explanation of the various tools; lights, flash versus continuous, incident versus reflected light meters, umbrellas and soft boxes.

Then the pictures: First, the pictures are exceptional, elegant, tasteful, and also from SEVERAL photographers, so you get to see various styles, then decide which one caters to your taste. Some books look like they use old recycled photos; these look like they were shot just yesterday. The book seperates the subjects based on type of light (sunlight, ambient, flash) and number of light sources, so you can quickly turn to a secton specific to your need(s).

Last, there's a detailed explanation of the setup for each shot complete with diagrams. Going thru the book, you can't help but notice the "hidden lesson" on aperture: that's an f/4, definitely f/11...hmmm, stops right at the subject...

Rod Ashford has done a great job putting together the pictures and information. I find this to be an excellent book, very inspirational and informative. Is it for the digital camera? This is a phototgraphy book on lighting. If your camera uses light, you'll find something here.

This book, although well written and illustrated did not offer all that I had hoped for. I was more interested in lighting techniques for digital photography. I did gain some ideas from it. I also wish that there had more more about corrective lighting for the less than perfect figure with illustrations using models with less than perfect figures.

This book shows the way the lighting is set up on a 3d format, and also shows the end result. I was happy with this book and plan to use the lighting for more than just nudes.