Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide
by J. Dennis Thomas
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Book Summary Information
Author: J. Dennis ThomasEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-01-10
ISBN: 0470045272
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: Wiley
Book Reviews of Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide
Book Review: Give Us More!
Summary: 3 Stars
One of the most exciting innovations in photography occurred a couple of years ago without any fanfare. That was Nikon's introduction of the Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system allowed for the remote control of multiple speedlights (without any wires), including a balancing of their light outputs, from the camera. Even expensive studio lights don't provide this kind of control. Yet ever since its development, camera users have been confused by exactly how to use these capabilities. In part that was due to the spare nature of Nikon's instruction manual, including a lack of detailed explanation of the application of the system (although, to be fair, the manufacturer did provide a pamphlet with sample photographs that showed the deployment of the speedlights in each case.)
This book attempts to remove the confusion by including simplified explanations of the method of setting up the speedlights as well as a lengthy section on using CLS speedlights for a variety of different subjects. After a general introduction to the CLS system, the author describes the setup of the two main speedlights in the system, the SB-600 and SB-800. This is followed by a section on the basics of flash photography and then a discussion of CLS wireless flash basics. Thomas then talks about setting up a portrait studio with such things as umbrellas and backdrops, with an emphasis on portability. The applications section gives examples of everything from sports photography to product photography, with an explanation of the author's considerations in making sample shots. He finishes up with a simplified explanation of posing.
Thomas includes reference to the D70, D70S and D200 camera bodies in Commander or master mode. He also mentions the D50 and D2 series, which are compatible with CLS, although requiring a separate master unit. He doesn't deal with the newer D80 which has a commander mode or the D40 which is compatible with CLS.
Unfortunately, although he gives us a broad view of wireless multiple flash basics, there are not enough specifics. I would have liked to have seen more pictures using multiple flashes, with a diagram of the flash layouts, and the settings used on the master flash unit to achieve the effect. I would have liked to have seen examples of uses of multiple speedlights for other than portraiture, e.g., interiors (even Nikon's sample pamphlet does that) and maybe even some far out examples like nature photography (although I haven't encountered anyone whose figured that one out). And for a book dedicated to photography, there are few shots of the setup of the LCD screens on the SB-600 and SB-800, and none of the custom menu screens. And yet it was exactly with the setup that I (and many other users) encountered difficulty when first using the CLS system.
Even when he concentrates on portraits, the author assumes we know a lot. I think just the slightest discussion of the roles of main and fill lights would have been appropriate.
If you need something more than the instruction manual provides to use CLS the chapters on the SB-600 and -800, flash photography basics and wireless flash photography will help. But if you really expect to get creative with CLS, I'd recommend spending time with some better lighting book like "Exposure and Lighting For Digital Photographers Only" by Michael Meadhra and Charlotte K. Lowrie, even though they don't mention CLS. But keep in mind that anything you can do with strobes, other than turn out massive amounts of light, can be done more easily with Nikon CLS speedlights. (By the way, I am not an employee of Nikon, Inc. or in any way affiliated.)
Summary of Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide
Use every amazing option your Nikon CLS offersLight is the essence of photography. The Nikon Creative Lighting System lets you create the same lighting patterns with a portable, detached, wireless system that professionals achieve using cumbersome and expensive studio equipment. This practical guide is like having an expert at your elbow. It's packed with information about the CLS as well as tips, tricks, and recommendations for lighting a dozen different shooting situations. Take it on every shoot and get the most from your CLS.
* Know all about the features and functions of the SB-800 and SB-600
* Get insider tips for creating flawless portrait lighting and staging the best poses
* Set up masters and remotes, flash modes, channels, and groups
* Choose equipment for a wireless studio
* Use the ideal exposure and Speedlight system settings for shooting events, nature, sports, groups, portraits, or products
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks
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) |
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