I am very proud to announce that today my book was released for sale in stores and online. Introducing: Photographing Shadow and Light: Inside the Dramatic Lighting Techniques and Creative Vision of Portrait Photographer Joey L.
Um… That’s a freaken long title… I admit- the book’s subtitle is shamelessly keyword-heavy on purpose, but you get the idea. To make things simple, let’s just refer to it from now on as “The Joey L. Book” or “Joey Lawrence’s Photography Book”.
You can order it today from Amazon for $19 bucks (available in both paperback and Kindle), or pick it up from your local big bertha book store such as Barnes and Noble, Walmart or Chapters. I’ve uploaded a free PDF excerpt of a chapter here. The reason why I like this particular chapter is because it’s from a time when my shoots were very DIY, and I was still half guessing what I was doing.
The truth is, I wrote most of this book between the hours of 3am to 5am sitting in my underwear. Most of my memories of this book include loose piles of notes and color-match prints on my desk. But now that it’s a nice shiney package and in my hands, it feels complete. My hope is that this book with provide both serious amateurs and professionals a fresh perspective on creating compelling, dramatic portraits.
Inside, you will find detailed case studies of many of my photography sessions. This includes both my personal projects shot in Africa, India, and Brooklyn and also commercial photoshoots for 50 Cent, Pennzoil, History Channel’s Pawn Stars, and much more. There are step-by-step guides explaining how I visualized each shoot, formed meaningful connections with my subjects, and detailed gear diagrams sharing how I built my lighting setups for each photo—one light at a time. You will also find that all the horrible grammar & derailed trains of thought usually found in my writing have magically been corrected by Random House editors & the talented Jeff Kent.
I’m also very honored that David Hobby (Mr. Strobist himself) wrote the forward. If you don’t know about David’s lighting blog, you’ve been living under a rock.
Now that this sucker is out, I’ve got 3am-5am free for my next project. For the next couple days, (at least), it’s going to be sleep.
JL
ADD A COMMENT (28)
Roberto Urso // December 04, 2012 13:58
just a question, no iPad version?
John J // December 04, 2012 22:44
Awesome stuff! just placed my order with Amazon.ca, looking forward to reading it as well as supporting a (former) fellow Torontonian!
ryan // December 04, 2012 22:48
I'm totally ordering this right now! One of the best photographers Toronto has every produced :)
Kristina Raimi // December 04, 2012 23:03
Hey Joey - big fan from the Tdot. Just bought it for my tablet and can't wait to dig in!
Elias // December 04, 2012 23:24
Hey Joey,
I just picked this up from Amazon. Can't wait to read. I've been waiting for a book from you for a while!
Shane O Sullivan // December 04, 2012 23:28
I'll second that, would love to see an iPad iBooks version. The book might not be available in Ireland for Christmas.
Stephen // December 04, 2012 23:46
And now I understand why your bio mentioned author..
Daniel James T. Cook // December 05, 2012 01:11
Been waiting for this. Very cool. Enjoy the new sleeping at night schedule.
Victor Hoffmann // December 05, 2012 22:55
Hi Joey!
I've been waiting for this book since you announced it, and I just picked one up from Amazon. I can't wait to read it!
Thanks for taking the time to write this book - it looks awesome!
Victor
John Ledyard // December 06, 2012 00:31
Just bought the Ebook version. Joey you inspire me! So far it looks fantastic!
Thamer Al-Hassan // December 06, 2012 02:12
I have been waiting for the book to be released and shipped in amazon. after a few days, a copy of your book will be reached in Saudi by one of your students in GPP :)
Abe // December 06, 2012 12:45
would love an ipad/pdf version. is there a plan on releasing one?
Wenzel // December 07, 2012 06:08
Have the book in my hands right now:) I love it! I buy anything you put out basically. Although much (but not all) of this is info you've shared in your blog and other releases, it's really great to have it all rounded-up in one place, and to have the awesome images themselves in physical print and not on a computer monitor for a change. Personally I think it's a great value for the price.
From a fellow Canadian and fan for life, thanks for the inspiration!
Shivakumar // December 07, 2012 14:03
Hey Joey, Any way i can order or get hold of a copy with the author signature ?
peter Hearl // December 07, 2012 17:37
Hi Joey, looks like I have found one of my christmas gifts. Thanks
Name*Nacho Miranda // December 10, 2012 04:43
Comment*I'm very interesting for your books and dvds but I´m from Mexico city ... Can I buy de books with my credit card ? and they can arrive to me?
Yeshen Venema // December 10, 2012 19:57
Congratulations on the book! It's important to share what you know and not be too precious with your skills, and you have clearly done that here. It's down to each individual who reads your book to get inspired.
Debbi // December 13, 2012 19:12
Downloaded on Kindle and read cover to cover in 2 hours. Two questions. If you shoot at f/2.8 most of the time, why do you carry such a powerful Profoto? You really don't need 2400watts? Second, how many different brands of soft boxes have you tried? Do you really see a difference in brands? You are in a position to try different brands for free. It would cost me a fortune to buy and try chimera, westcott, Larsen, etc. Loved the book, but I buy everything you do!
Robby // December 14, 2012 02:38
Your book was great, I purchased the Nook version and I couldn't put it down, I love how you show your lighting diagrams and equipment used, a must book for any photog pro or beginner.
Ofir Abe // December 16, 2012 04:17
ok so there's a kindle for iPad and Mac so it can be read there.
bought it.
Lombard Bruno // December 20, 2012 00:33
I received your book today and have shown it to all my colleagues...
It is a masterpiece and the kind of book you both keep as an art object and a guide for improving one's abilities...
Thank you for this beautiful work.
Oliver // December 20, 2012 22:49
Hi Joey, I'm also trying to figure out a way to get a version for my ipad in Canada. The Kindle version doesn't appear to be available here... Any options for that coming?
Scott REITHER // January 02, 2013 02:34
Hey Joey, I received your book and have enjoyed it very much! Well done Brother!! It turned out great! I've also recently watched the Varanasi video and thought it was excellent. Keep up the stellar work!
david shepherd // January 16, 2013 04:03
Hey Joey,
Great book! I have just about finished reading the book and it is a great read! I love your attention to detail and how you explain all the factor that are important to you beyond the technical. Keep em' coming. Thank you for sharing a truly rich learning experience.
David
Tras las cortinas de la foto fija de ‘Lincoln’, con Joey L y National Geographic | Francisco Unica // March 12, 2013 12:29
[...] desde hace varios años, pues me encanta su trabajo. Hace poco conseguà su último libro, “Photographing Shadow and Light” y espero en breve, poder hablaros de él pues resulta muy [...]
Mastering the Digital Toolbox: The Story of Joey L | Not So Negative // March 15, 2013 05:02
[...] On Lighting: For Joey, lighting can range from a singular flash and softbox to a 15-piece set-up, yet the way he chooses to light his subjects acts a unifying thread through all of his work, both commercial and personal. On his trips to India and Ethiopia, he used his simple commercial lighting style to give a modern take on ancient civilizations. More on his lighting techniques can be found in his latest book, “Photographing Shadow and Light.” [...]
jesus // March 26, 2013 04:53
hello, I love your work, can you tell me , this book in spanish version? title?
thanks
Mark Barrett // June 19, 2013 20:38
Just wanted to expression my appreciation for your great book. I've read it more that once :) A perfect blends of techniques and inspiration. Well done! Thank you :)
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