Shop Stitch
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-15% $33.80
FREE delivery Saturday, June 7 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: Element Books Store
$33.80 with 15 percent savings
List Price: $39.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, June 7 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Thursday, June 5. Order within 1 hr 28 mins.
Arrives 10 days before Father's Day
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$33.80 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$33.80
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.65
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Nice clean copy with no highlighting or writing. We take pride in our accurate descriptions. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Nice clean copy with no highlighting or writing. We take pride in our accurate descriptions. Satisfaction Guaranteed. See less
FREE delivery Sunday, June 8 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 5 hrs 58 mins
Arrives 7 days before Father's Day
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$33.80 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$33.80
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Neil van Niekerk
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography Paperback – August 1, 2009

by Neil van Niekerk (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 265 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$33.80","priceAmount":33.80,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"33","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"80","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"lWrSTwyInGUWm8uRccbqqx3OUUnJx9EtokjpI%2FZrHBFBaUQ0O8tJzC7stUpyIg879BCYC44kGxW8rc2%2BCRZh27K%2B2be5%2FNXn%2Fy5oZTX5PUUoi38H1%2Bp3dRiOMF8Ap3xZffn%2F37lJ0QCSc0%2FnokiR0%2FuzFkcK%2BWF46X3bGHtiBQFVYyI3Z1ICbs4W8Rz5vO2G","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.65","priceAmount":9.65,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"65","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"lWrSTwyInGUWm8uRccbqqx3OUUnJx9EtCEFBIrHloCOPAAuT8OeA1NujhYS%2Fao4bkgRBXqBy2ioPQjdtnmMgGi6NCgcwlzVKoWiKLhWsdkfC934s%2F7Z%2FxD99JJ5plC1pk8uiIP%2FSDc1C%2B3PinjxFuA2u4uUrc9X7DJ0in18MEfYl4xuxjtnG9XVQ%2BMfIUN14","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

With this guidebook, photographers learn how to create stunning, professional images while avoiding the common pitfalls of using an on-camera flash. Techniques for using simple accessories such as bounce cards and diffusers, as well as how to improve a lighting scenario by enhancing it rather than overwhelming it, show photographers how to master this challenging aspect of portraiture.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    126 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Amherst Media
  4. Publication date
    August 1, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    8.4 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1584282584
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1584282587
Next slide of product details

There is a newer edition of this item:

On-Camera Flash: Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography
On-Camera Flash: Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography
$44.95
(136)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

"On-camera flash or strobe lighting is demystified in Neil van Niekerk's latest book."  —sacramentobookreview.com



"Explains everything you need to know about properly using a flash to capture the best possible image each and every time."  —Shutterbug



"This is my #1 pick so far for Photography Book of the Year . . .  Thank

you Neil van Niekerk for sharing your pearls of wisdom in a way that is easy to understand, without using 47 speedlights or $1000+ in light modifiers!  —www.ronmart.blogspot.com



"The best book I have read on the subject of shooting with your Speedlight on your hot shoe.  —Weeklyphototips.blogspot.com

"Owning this book will give you a college-level course worth of instruction on the hows, whys and wherefores of on-camera flash."  —digitalweddingforum.com/blog

About the Author

Neil van Niekerk is a wedding and portrait photographer. He lives in Wayne, New Jersey.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amherst Media
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 126 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1584282584
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1584282587
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.4 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 265 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Neil van Niekerk

Neil van Niekerk

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I'm a wedding and portrait photographer based in northern New Jersey, and I also maintain a website for photographers which contains numerous articles on flash photography and various aspects of digital photography.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/

My interest in this wonderful medium started when I was still in high school. That would be in the late 70's, if you're trying to gauge the longevity of my interest in photography.

I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, but I emigrated to the USA in 2000. I am now a resident of New Jersey, USA, where I live with my wife and daughter.

I love photography for a variety of reasons. The stimulation and excitement of responding to new situations satisfies both my analytical and creative sides, and I also truly love working with people. I get real pleasure from sharing the happiness with the people that I photograph, and knowing that I'm creating images that will evoke wonderful memories for a lifetime.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
265 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this photography book highly informative and easy to understand, with clear explanations that help them understand their equipment. The book receives praise for its stunning photos in various situations, and customers particularly appreciate its coverage of bounce flash techniques. They value its practical approach to flash photography, with one customer noting how it helps take better photos with softer directional light.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Value for moneyInformation qualityEase of understandingFlash photographyPhotography qualityFlash useEffectiveness
55 customers mention "Value for money"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be worth the money, with several describing it as excellent and highly recommended.

"...book I will keep this brief with my personal reasons why this book is so useful...." Read more

"This is a short, easy-to-read book with good, practical advice on using on-camera flash...." Read more

"This is a useful book for those who say I hate the sweaty forehead look of the flash shots, therefore, I do not use flash crowd...." Read more

"...From what I can tell this is an excellent and informative book." Read more

53 customers mention "Information quality"53 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, with detailed explanations of equipment and thought processes, and they appreciate the valuable tips and tricks provided. One customer notes that the chapters build knowledge in a natural way, while another mentions that it provides information without overwhelming the reader.

"...It is thin and to the point - I think it immediately gives you USABLE, applicable instructions to take good looking photos, augmented by..." Read more

"The concept of the author is great and his pictures prove that his approach works...." Read more

"...I liked how this book shows some good examples of how a single on-camera flash combined with cheap gels and light shapers, can produce very good..." Read more

"...I found the book to be concise and easy to read with lots of good information...." Read more

46 customers mention "Ease of understanding"43 positive3 negative

Customers find the book incredibly easy to understand, with clear explanations and simple instructions.

"...It's really quite simple." And it is. This book simplifies, and improves photography like no other...." Read more

"This is a short, easy-to-read book with good, practical advice on using on-camera flash...." Read more

"...I find that format easier to read than the way this book has been laid out...." Read more

"...trashed it for wordiness and repetitiveness, I found the book to be concise and easy to read with lots of good information...." Read more

42 customers mention "Flash photography"39 positive3 negative

Customers praise the book's flash photography techniques, with one customer noting how it expands practical approaches and another mentioning the inclusion of many examples with setting information.

"...I think it immediately gives you USABLE, applicable instructions to take good looking photos, augmented by flash -..." Read more

"...with its high ISO capabilities and TTL is so much superior to film in location photography. No outdated nonsense about flash exposure and high ISO...." Read more

"...In one hour, I suddenly realized that I could use a flash to take gorgeous pictures, and also realized that I was now virtually unlimited in where..." Read more

"...There are some good examples given throughout the book showing ambient light, the setting, and the shot with and without flash, to really give you a..." Read more

24 customers mention "Photography quality"24 positive0 negative

Customers praise the photography quality of the book, noting stunning results in various situations, with one customer highlighting its effectiveness for all types of portraiture.

"...of ambient light at hand-holdable shutter speeds and produces natural looking pictures (and saves flash batteries)...." Read more

"...to create directional light for texture, contrast, mood and more interesting photographs...." Read more

"...While some inspire with amazing images (see The Moment it Clicks by Joe McNally) it is always those books which take you through the details of each..." Read more

"...criticisms aside, I found the lessons informative and appropriate for amateur photographers...." Read more

21 customers mention "Flash use"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's coverage of on-camera flash techniques, with multiple customers noting its effectiveness in teaching the power of bounce flash. One customer mentions it provides a great foundation in using on-camera flash, while another notes it's particularly helpful for those new to flash photography.

"...you USABLE, applicable instructions to take good looking photos, augmented by flash -..." Read more

"...No outdated nonsense about flash exposure and high ISO. One of my most insightful books about modern photography I have read." Read more

"This is a short, easy-to-read book with good, practical advice on using on-camera flash...." Read more

"...my cameras and wide aperture capabilities of my lens and bouncing capabilities of my flash to get properly exposed, razor sharp pictures with just..." Read more

4 customers mention "Effectiveness"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the effectiveness of the book, with one mentioning it delivers very good results when used properly, while another notes it provides the best techniques for achieving quality outcomes.

"...combined with cheap gels and light shapers, can produce very good results if used properly...." Read more

"...technical aspects of flash photography, and applying the best techniques to achieve quality results...." Read more

"...So, yeah, this book delivers exactly what it promises, and gives you a lot of detail without overwhelming you...." Read more

"...His homemade equipment is cheap to make and works well and is not camera brand specific...." Read more

Minimum work and expense, great pictures!
5 out of 5 stars
Minimum work and expense, great pictures!
I also have over 30 hand-picked, very selective, books on photography, but I feel that this is the one that made the most difference in my pictures. Flash photos can be dreadful or delightful enhancers to bring out your subjects appearance without overpowering them. Just using a plain old speedlite Mr. Niekerk shows you a few tips and camera settings that make a tremendous difference in your photos. He is also a good teacher, he explains simply but thoroughly, and he understands why his pictures come out well and exactly explains the technique, and he is very willing to share. For $20 and some reading you can change your indoor photos from a hit and miss, unsure experience with often mediocre results to consistently flattering, exciting images. Considering how many of us take indoor pictures, this can radically enhance your investment in a DSLR, and add considerably to your satisfaction with your efforts. So I think you should really do yourself and everyone you take pictures of a favor and quickly buy it and read it, and make everyone happy!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Rick V
    5.0 out of 5 stars My new favorite in my extensive photography book library
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Background (you can skip)
    Since so many reviews have already been written about this book I will keep this brief with my personal reasons why this book is so useful. I have bought TONS of photography books (at least 35), always looking for useful tips to get that pro look to my photos and extort Oooh's and Aaaah's from people looking at my collection. Lighting has always been my downfall, since I cannot seem to get the contrast, shadows, directions etc right. I bought expensive soft boxes and strobes and yet never learned to properly use them, even with all the books at hand. So I have been steadily looking for books that could give me good useful instruction on how to create positive results that would fuel inspiration (success is great fuel)!! I tried some of the books my pro friends recommended. like Light, science & Magic and found that those were too advanced and required too much skill / experience with some of the equipment (like strobes) to be the best start. And then I found this little 20 dollar lesson.

    About this book
    There are a few things that many photography books do that do not work for me:
    - The are THICK, I mean endless pages going through basics about cameras that I do not need, forcing me to spend too much time reading, which I do not have
    - They often assume deep wallets, ie. access to expensive equipment
    - They often assume everyone wants to be a pro-sumer / semi-pro, whereas what I wanted was just darn good looking pictures without excessive knowledge I will rarely use
    - Most of all, they assume you have tons of space and great lighting equipment.

    My reality is: I am a father of many kids, I have a busy busy life. I rarely have time to go shoot outdoors. Mostly I take pictures indoors and often in the evenings, but rarely in studio conditions. In fact, my house is cramped so I cannot set up backgrounds and strobes very easily nor do I enjoy it.
    Reading is something I enjoy with novels, not with photography or instruction books.

    Here are the reasons why I think this book excels:
    - It is thin and to the point
    - I think it immediately gives you USABLE, applicable instructions to take good looking photos, augmented by flash
    - It understands that not all of us have strobes, studio space and enormous soft boxes.
    - It focuses on flash photography albeit indoors or outdoors, augmenting natural light or being the main source.
    - It teaches quickly and efficiently

    The negative(s):
    - The first 10 pages are generic detailed scientific explanations of reflection and lighting. Tough material, but after that it gets applied!!
    - The actual size of the book: it should have been in a little smaller format as this is one you'd want to carry with you.

    Overall worth EVERY penny you pay for it.
    10 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • ad
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent instruction for flash use
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    The concept of the author is great and his pictures prove that his approach works.
    The basic idea is to use your flash on camera, but almost never direct - as long as there is any other possibility. The author shows how to use flash bounced of various surfaces to get similar results as from off-camera flash. He also explains the concept of improving ambient light with a touch of flash instead of overpowering it. He shows how to shoot at large apertures and fairly high ISO if necessary, which allows him to capture a high amount of ambient light at hand-holdable shutter speeds and produces natural looking pictures (and saves flash batteries). This book shows why digital technology with its high ISO capabilities and TTL is so much superior to film in location photography. No outdated nonsense about flash exposure and high ISO. One of my most insightful books about modern photography I have read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Erik S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on photography
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I've been an advanced amateur since minoring in photography in college. I've never made a penny off of a photography I've taken.

    I came to this book through Niel's website. And, I'm happy I did.

    I read the book through, and within hours, my flash photography had become wonderful. I hated using a flash for the last 20 years previously. In one hour, I suddenly realized that I could use a flash to take gorgeous pictures, and also realized that I was now virtually unlimited in where and what conditions I now had available to shoot in. Bringing artificial light with you in a small flash unit, and being able to take the same great pictures you take in bright daylight suddenly makes photography exciting and new to me again. This book has rejuvenated my hobby and improved my photographs better than any book I've ever read or studied on the topic

    Better yet, I decided to pick up the book a second time and started skimming through it again. I discovered yet MORE great tips that go beyond flash photography which I'd overlooked during my first read. I'm ecstatic with my new-found SLR abilities and the results that this book has brought me. I have gone through lots of photography books, but none of them have been so full of great info as this one. It's not just for portraits, and it's not just for flash - it's a great photography manual.

    It's as if a professional photographer sat me down and said, "Look. All those classes and workshops make SLR photography seem really complex and tough. Let me tell you a few secrets. It's really quite simple."

    And it is.

    This book simplifies, and improves photography like no other. I never would've expected that from a book about using a speed light. I shunned flash units for years. Now, I love 'em as much as my lenses.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • johannes eichstätter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eines der wenigen Fotobücher, die mich wirklich weitergebracht haben!
    Reviewed in Germany on November 28, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    Das Buch beschränkt sich auf einen sehr kleinen Bereich der Fotografie: das Fotografieren mit einem aufgesteckten Blitz. Es geht nicht um ausgefuchste Studiobeleuchtung sondern wirklich um die Blitzgeräte, die jeder ambitionierte Hobbyfotograf sich leisten kann. Die einzige Voraussetzung ist, dass sich der Blitzkopf frei in alle Richtungen schwenken lässt.
    Der Autor versucht nicht, das Buch künstlich aufzublähen, sondern schreibt in einem nüchternen technischen Stil, wie die Belichtungsmessung funktioniert, welche Einstellungen an Kamera und Blitz welche Vor- und Nachteile haben und empfiehlt ein schlüssiges Vorgehen, dass man übernehmen kann, ohne Fotografie studiert zu haben. Der Großteil des Buches beschäftigt sich mit den Ansprüchen verschiedener Belichtungssituationen und bietet nützlich Beispielbilder - oft mit verschiedenen Einstellungen, damit man lernt, wie sich das Bild verändert, wenn man an den verschiedenen Einstellmöglichkeiten etwas ändert.
    Ich hätte es nie für möglich gehalten, was für gute Ergebnisse man mit dieser einfachen Technik und ein bisschen Erfahrung bekommt.
    Report
  • Centauri27
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone looking to improve their flash photos
    Reviewed in Canada on July 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Prior to "discovering" Neil van Niekerk, I viewed my external speedlite with much ignorance and loathing--not unlike many people. I bought into the myth that flash pictures were "unnatural" and to be avoided. Available light rules! The few time I ventured into bouncing my flash, the results were unimpressive.

    I came across Neil's online course on Craftsy and immediately enrolled. It was a true epiphany! My eyes were suddenly open to the correct way to use my flash. I then decided to buy this book. I took a gamble that it wouldn't simply be a repeat of his course, and it wasn't. Sure material was repeated, but the book contains so many more examples and supplementary information. There is very little jargon and no technical stuff--just valuable insights and techniques from a pro.

    I really enjoy how Neil shows alternate shots--how the photo looks with the flash turned off, and the "pull-back" shots that give some perspective. I only wish he would show more of these! Also, it would be useful if he showed more "available light" equivalents, meaning how the shot would look like if the photographer tried to avoid flash and instead shoot available light instead. The few examples he showed of these were extremely instructive, IMO.

    In summary, if you have a bounce-capable speedlite and you want to improve your photos without having to buy a bunch of pricey gadgets, I highly recommend this book.
    Report
  • Miroslav K
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on photography that I've read so far
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I rarely bother to write reviews (rather selfish, I must admit, as I do read carefully other people's reviews ;)), mostly because of the lack of time or because I was not overly impressed by a particular product. However I felt almost obliged to write at least a bit on this book as I liked it a lot and I learnt quite a few useful things from it. I do not find it perfect, mind you (is there such a thing though?!), as I wish I had found some more stuff in there (like approaches and technical considerations when reframing before taking the shot, i.e. the need for flash expose locking, etc, or the use of automatic exposure + ETTL flash exposure when conditions make it unavoidable). But the book is well structured, the author uses appropriate language (not too simplistic, nor too technical) and is a good teacher indeed, who does not try to sell the book by being very original or funny. Not everybody will find everything interesting and useful, but I think the chances are that almost everybody will find at least a few interesting and useful things in there.
    So overall, I would probably give it four and a half stars and would definitely highly recommend it.
    Report
  • Arturo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Altamente raccomandato
    Reviewed in Italy on September 21, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Ho letteralmente divorato questo libro, da semplice fotoamatore posso dire che è un testo utilissimo.
    Esistono molti testi che insegnano ad usare le tecniche di illuminazione da studio e i flash off-camera (compreso un ottimo libro dello stesso autore), tecniche che tuttavia richiedono attrezzature, risorse e disponibilità di tempo che spesso sono fuori dalla portata del semplice fotoamatore.
    Questo testo, che dal punto di vista professionale è dedicato ai fotografi di eventi e di ritratto ambientato, parte da un presupposto comune anche ai fotografi amatoriali: un solo lampeggiatore montato sulla slitta della fotocamera, poco tempo per arrivare al risultato voluto e la necessità di sfruttare al massimo la luce ambiente, di cui il flash, fin quando possibile, risulta il complemento.
    Il taglio del libro è molto pratico: ogni concetto è accompagnato da esempi, e l'autore ha la rara capacità di guidare il lettore nel processo mentale che lui stesso segue per ottenere il risultato che ha in mente. Viene motivata in maniera convincente qualsiasi scelta sulle impostazioni di fotocamera e flash per ognuna delle situazioni affrontate dall'autore, situazioni che qualunque appassionato riconosce nelle sue esperienze.
    Quello che parte come un libro che parla di (indispensabili) impostazioni tecniche di fotocamera e flash ben presto diventa un libro che parla di come utilizzare praticamente qualsiasi risorsa disponibile per trasformare la luce in buona luce. Questa è probabilmente la parte più utile e stimolante, perchè invoglia a sperimentare, trasformando qualsiasi oggetto presente nell'ambiente di ripresa in un potenziale modificatore di luce.
    Quando ho letto questo libro mi sono sentito come un pescatore di fiume che scopre che esiste il mare, e che non deve cambiare la canna per pescare pesci più buoni.
    Report
  • Francisco J Rios Davila
    4.0 out of 5 stars Guia introductoria al reportaje social con flash
    Reviewed in Spain on February 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Empieza por explicar los fundamentos de la fotografía con flash apoyándose en ejemplos muy visuales para empezar a exponer ejemplos de cómo utilizar el flash en situaciones reales de reportajes sociales. Un libro práctico para recién iniciados en la fotografía con flash.
    Report