I want to read a book about lighting for documentary film, both how to set up a scene well and how to think about getting the most out of natural light when i dont have gear. Any book titles people recommend?

Noam,

Well, "Placing Shadows" by Gloman and LeTourneau is pretty good. Not specifically about documentary filming, but it talks about modern lighting equipment which you would probably be using.

For natural light, I don't know. I think Ansel Adams had a book on that subject (for still photography, of course).

- Ken

I've read through half of this and its really good for understanding light:

Light Science and Magic, Fourth Edition: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
Fil Hunter (Author), Paul Fuqua (Author), Steven Biver (Author)

This is a clasic, but haven't got around to reading it yet, recommended on the forum a lot:

Matters of Light & Depth [Paperback] Ross Lowell

Light Science and Magic, Fourth Edition: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting by Fil Hunter (Author), Paul Fuqua (Author), Steven Biver (Author).

Best book on lighting I've seen, no question. Not about documentary work in particular, not even about motion pictures at all. What this book is about is the principles of lighting -- how light works, how it reflects and refracts, how it throws shadows. Once you understand the principles, you can apply them to anything, from major motion pictures to documentaries to just arranging the furniture and light fixtures in your living room.

Again, Light Science and Magic is the best book I've seen on lighting.

If you want a DVD tutorial, the best I've seen is the Lighting for Film and Television (http://www.wrightsvillebeachstudios.com/lighting_new.html) tutorial by Green and Jimerson. Just excellent, tells you just about everything you could want to know about lighting. Highly recommended.

http://fduarts.org/VPS/manuals/arrilighting.pdf

Technique of Photographic Lighting
by Norman Kerr

Here's a book that I bought after it was recommended somewhere else on DVInfo. I love it.

It's very good at making you think about the qualities of light and how to use them.

It's written primarily for still photography but there's no harm in that.

Ross Lowell's Matter of Light & Depth

1. "The 5 Cs of Cinematography" by Joe Mascelli
2. "Matters of Light and Depth" by Ross Lowell

Can't beat these.
Ken

I recommend this for video producers and photographers interested in using LED's.

Amazon.com: LED Lighting: Professional Techniques for Digital Photographers (9781608954476): Kirk Tuck: Books