Light has always held a sense of fascination and wonder for humanity. From ancient times to modern scientific investigations, light has been a subject of study and exploration. In the realm of science, light is seen as an electromagnetic wave that travels through space at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second. It is a fundamental force in the universe, essential for sight, photography, and communication. Light science encompasses the study of how light behaves, its properties, and the various phenomenon it creates. Scientists have spent years unraveling the mysteries of light and have made significant discoveries along the way.
Thanks to Simon Garrett's post in another thread, I just now learned of the upcoming fifth edition of Light: Science and Magic. It is not yet released but can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com in hardback, paperback and Kindle versions. Even though I regularly refer to my copy of the fourth edition, I'll pre-order the new edition because I consider the book to be my Bible of Light.
It provides invaluable information on how to light the most difficult subjects, such as surfaces, metal, glass, liquids, extremes black-on-black and white-on-white , and portraits. It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting so if you are starting out in photography you will learn how to predict results before setting up lights.
Scientists have spent years unraveling the mysteries of light and have made significant discoveries along the way. They have explored its wave-particle duality, interference and diffraction patterns, polarization, refraction, and reflection. These studies have helped develop practical applications, such as lasers, fiber-optic communication, and medical imaging techniques.
Light Science & Magic, 5th Edition
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However, light also holds a place in the realm of magic and illusions. Magicians have long used the properties of light to create stunning visual effects that confound and astound audiences. Tricks involving disappearing objects, levitation, and colorful illusions are all made possible through the clever manipulation of light. One of the most famous examples of light magic is the concept of Pepper's Ghost. This technique uses angled glass and careful lighting to create the illusion of an object appearing or disappearing before the audience's eyes. It has been used in stage performances, haunted houses, and even in theme park attractions like Disney's Haunted Mansion. Light science and magic intersect in the world of entertainment and performance. Whether it's a dazzling light show at a concert, a fire dancer captivating an audience with their movements, or a mesmerizing laser display, light is utilized to create a magical experience. The ability to control and manipulate light opens up a world of possibilities for creating illusions and capturing the imagination of viewers. In conclusion, light science and magic combine to create a captivating and enchanting realm of study and performance. While science seeks to understand and harness the properties of light, magic utilizes those properties to create awe-inspiring illusions. Both fields demonstrate the power and beauty of light, reminding us of the wonders that can be found in the world around us..
Reviews for "From Fireflies to LED Lights: The Evolution of Bioluminescent Technologies"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Light Science and Magic." The book promised to provide practical techniques for lighting in photography, but I found the explanations to be overly complicated and difficult to follow. The authors seemed more focused on showcasing their technical knowledge than on providing clear, step-by-step instructions. As a beginner, I was lost more often than not and ended up feeling frustrated and discouraged. I wish the book had taken a more straightforward approach and catered to a wider range of skill levels.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Light Science and Magic" was a complete letdown for me. The authors claim to offer insight into the art and science of lighting, but instead, I found it to be a dense and overly academic read. The technical jargon and convoluted explanations made it inaccessible, even for someone with a basic understanding of photography. It felt more like a textbook than a beginner-friendly guide, and I lost interest quickly. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for practical advice or inspiration for their photography.
3. Megan - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Light Science and Magic," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The book seemed outdated and failed to address the advancements in lighting equipment and techniques in recent years. While some of the concepts discussed were interesting, the overall execution felt lackluster. The lack of visual examples and step-by-step tutorials made it hard to grasp the concepts fully. I was left feeling uninspired and wishing I had invested my time and money in a more modern and comprehensive resource.
4. Alex - 2 stars - As an experienced photographer, I found "Light Science and Magic" to be underwhelming. The excessive focus on technical details and theory made it feel more like a scientific manual than a guidebook for photographers. While I understand the importance of understanding the principles behind lighting, most of the content in this book felt redundant and unnecessary. I was hoping for more practical tips and insights that could enhance my photography skills, but I found myself skimming through pages of explanations I already knew. This book might be better suited for those with a strong academic interest in lighting, but for photographers looking to improve their craft, I would suggest looking elsewhere.