Cheap Tricks - (Paperback)

About the Book

"Shoot high-end portraits without the top-dollar production costs! Lights, modifiers, stands, backdrops, props--the amount of equipment used in a typical photo session can be overwhelming and incredibly expensive. In this book, Christopher Grey demonstrates simple tricks to maximize the versatility of the gear you already own, solve common problems without buying anything new, and achieve impressive looks that don't break the bank."--Page [4] of cover.

Book Synopsis

What do a dog leash, shower curtains, and mylar gift wrap have in common? They--along with countless other surprising everyday objects--can all be used to construct implements that will help you build your arsenal of photographic tools and accessories without breaking your budget.

In this book, seasoned author, lecturer, and commercial and portrait photographer Christopher Grey shows you how to construct a host of light modifiers, from diffusers to gobos to reflectors, to snoots, to cookies; repurpose multiple elements as high-style backdrops and even build some fabulous accessories--from a lens stabilizer for low-light shots (this is where that dog leash will come in handy) to light tents for small product shots.

The "hacks" in this book will inspire you to get to work, and they will amp up your creativity, but there's more. Grey shares his secrets for using your existing lighting equipment to create exquisite effects.

Review Quotes

Praise for previous books by Christopher Grey: "Explores each subject in great detail." --Nikonians.org "Fully comprehensible examples, diagrams, and descriptions." --Blogonbooks.com "The diagrams--and there are many--illustrate where proper lighting equipment should be placed to achieve the intended effect." --Sacramentobookreview.com

About the Author

Christopher Grey is a recognized world-class photographer who has written numerous physical and electronic books on lighting, posing, professional technique, and camera systems. Internationally awarded and a lifetime photographer, he's committed to teaching others everything he's learned. He's the author of the best-selling Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers and others all from Amherst Media. He lives in Minneapolis, MN.