The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes
Book Review: Best photo book I've read in a long time
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read a lot of photo books. Well, in truth I read the pertinent parts, and skimmed over as much of most of them as I possibly could while still getting to the meat of the matter...but this one is an exception. I read it cover to cover, and found it not only readable, but very amusing and thought-provoking, and I learned a lot of things, and probably most important, I gained new insights and perspectives, and am rethinking my approach to all things related to lighting - not many books will do that for me. No mere rehash in this book.
The one thing that people might want to be aware of is that the author is very Nikon-oriented, primarily the D2X and D3 camera bodies and the SB-800 and SB-900 speedlights, and many of his comments are concerning proprietary goods, so don't just start reading it and then complain that he's Nikon-fixated, because I'm warning you in advance, and besides pro photographers are almost always Nikon devotees. But don't let it stop you from getting this book, because it's full of information, thought processes, ideas that did - and didn't - work, and some very entertaining schematics that illustrate via hand drawn cartoons just how he set up some of his shots. And, if you're like me, and shoot primarily with Canon equipment (most of his details translate fairly readily to other brands of DSLRs) then you might, like me, begin to consider swapping out for Nikon goods.
The cherry on top, though, is that this book is so entertaining and funny. He's a very talented and experienced photographer, sharing info gleaned from years in the field, and he's humble enough to laugh at himself. I'd buy it just for his attitude and for sheer entertainment value, but that's just how I am. Good book!
Book Review: Better than your flash manual (if you're a Nikon shooter)
Summary: 4 Stars
For years, I have been one of those, "I shoot natural light," guys, in part because the world of flash baffled (read: scared) me. Things have improved in the last couple of years taking up the Nikon digital system, but Joe McNally's "Hot Shoe Diaries" is the key to the kingdom. Loaded with tips and directions, the book is an entertaining and detailed description of how to harness the power of little lights. Whether you have one SB unit in your bag or a whole arsenal to deploy, this book has a lot of information that will repeatedly make you want to put it down and go experiment -- warning: if your gear is more on the one-SB side, this book will crank up your equipment avarice.Book Review: Book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic and insightful book! If you are curious to know about flashes, this is the book!!!Book Review: Bring it on! :)
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm only a couple of chapters into this book and I can't put it down. McNally approaches each chapter in a friendly, approachable style, almost as if you're sitting down with him, sharing a beer and sharing stories.
It is very Nikon-centric [which is fair enough as that's what he uses]. However it would have been the icing on the cake to sneak in a little Canon-centred info too. ;)
But don't let that put you off. Buy this book, soak it all up and break out the flash units. You know you want to. And you won't regret it!
Book Review: Bring your flash out of the bag
Summary: 5 Stars
This book definitly has made me bring my flash out of the bag.
The help I needed to demistify the use of flash.