Film, Lighting, Business

<p>Hi, I am wondering a couple of things.<br>

First:<br>

What is a good book on lighting, I've seen some around at B&N but most seem to be from poor photographers with poor examples, so I'd like to know the DEFINITIVE guide to lighting, hopefully with an emphasis on film (though i guess that does not matter). No hot light work, I shoot with speedlights right now, hopefully strobe soon. **AND with a focus on Fashion Photography, as that is my main goal.</p>

<p>Second:<br>

What would be some great photo business books? I mean, something to get me started shooting for money. I can't seem to figure my way into the market, maybe I'm scared or maybe i need a push or pull in there.</p>

<p>Third:<br>

How should I go about getting an apprenticeship or assistants position ( i understand this will be unpaid). I would like to attend photo school too (i'm wrapping up my BA in Marketing at the moment), but I may want to settle on a certificate program or something due to money issues.</p>

<p>So yea, I'm based in Los Angeles, California~~ Any advice would be phenomenal !</p>

<p>For #1 the bible is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Light-Science-Introduction-Photographic-Lighting/dp/0240808193/">Light: Science & Magic</a> by Hunter, Biver, and Fuqua (also <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6043-REG/Focal_Press_9780240808192_Book_Light_Science.html">available at B&H</a>).</p>

<p>Mark's citing of Light Science and Magic is right on -- it is one of the two best basic primers I've read on lighting. The other one is <A HREF = http://www.amazon.com/Matters-Light-Depth-Ross-Lowell/dp/0966250400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1303948069&sr=1-1> Matters of Light and Depth</a> by Academy Award winning cinematographer and lighting instrument inventor Ross Lowell.</p>

<p>In truth these books are only as good as how you practice the lesson's inside them. There are the fundamentals and then there are how you apply them to make unique compelling photos that reflect who you are and how you see. If after a year or two your work still look like anyone else's you need to eiither work harder and make more mistakes or go do something different. <br>

Business Books: <A HREF = http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Survival-Manual-Artists-Photography/dp/1600594204/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303948193&sr=1-1>The Photographer's Survival Manual: A Legal Guide for Artists in the Digital Age</a> by Edward Greenberg and Jack Resnicki.</p>

<p>Also: <A HREF = http://www.amazon.com/ASMP-Professional-Business-Practices-Photography/dp/1581154976/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303948395&sr=1-> ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography</a><br>

and <A HREF = http://www.amazon.com/Best-Business-Practices-Photographers-Harrington/dp/1435454294/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c>Best Business Practices for Photographers</a> by John Herrington </p>

<p>Getting started: Knock on doors. Prove you are willing to listen, to learn and to work hard. </p>

<h1 ><br /></h1>

<p>FWIW, I really didn't like Matters of Light and Depth. It's largely about the style in which it is written, I think. Just didn't click with me.</p>