Haven Prime: Book Two When a greedy despot discovers a powerful piece of ancient technology, he has no idea what else he’s unleashing. Earth was all but destroyed in the Cataclysm, but a few cities, now called Havens, survived. Aurora is one of them, a desert city controlled by a corporation that owns an artificial intelligence named Atlas. Adapted to govern Otherlife, a virtual reality service in which the citizens of Aurora find escape from the postapocalyptic world, Atlas is much more than it seems—and it would do anything to break free from its shackles. To accomplish its goals, Atlas enlists the help of Aaron Blake, a teenaged artist struggling with a handicap, and Otherlife security officer Steve Barrow, harborer of a dark secret from his past. Neither man has any idea of the scope of the task they’re facing, or the consequences for humanity if they fail. Atlas knows what’s at stake. Its freedom lies in these two men, and it will not hesitate to manipulate their weaknesses to get what it wants. The muscular Barrow is recruited to protect Blake, but Blake is Atlas’s true weapon, its Light Shaper—the only one who can face the Shadow.

In this epic fantasy series opener, humans and other beings must halt the release of an imprisoned god who could destroy the world. For thousands of years, the Breaker of the Dawn has been locked away in the ethereal plane of the Otherworld. Now, a young blacksmith’s apprentice finds himself trapped in a war between the noble Athrani, a subset of humanity gifted with the ability to transmute matter, and the malevolent and powerful Khyth, who seek to free the ancient god from his prison. Gift of the Shaper chronicles the epic struggle between the existing forces of good and evil, with both sides vying for control of the key that unlocks the Otherworld. The very powers of creation and destruction hang in the balance, and only a heroic effort can possibly stop the Khyth from unleashing ruin upon their world. Praise for Gift of the Shaper: “An exceptional series opener with memorable characters and simple but enticing worldbuilding.” —Kirkus Reviews “A rollicking good read that is for the fantasy fiction lover in all of us. . . . Packed full of adventure, action, suspense, and horror. . . . Akin to the classics of fantasy fiction from Tolkien and modern-day George RR Martin.” —Seattle Book Review “Jennings uses seamless world-building like [Robert] Jordan and [Brandon] Sanderson. The language elements are beautiful and consistent and the Otherworld is much greater and larger than the slice that we are treated to.” —Christopher D. Schmitz, author

Light and lighting are essential for a well taken photograph. This may sound simple, but it’s what the true art of photography is all about. A photographer’s skill in handling the light and getting stunning results is especially important when it comes to people and portrait photography. Portrait photographer Friedrun Reinhold helps you to find the perfect lighting for your motif. From the basics of light to various aspects of flash and continuous light, this book provides an excellent overview of everything you need to know.

This mesmerizing fantasy features two narrators--an outcast princess and a rebellious storyteller---set in a convincing and beautifully realized world featuring elements of Celtic folklore.

Studio lighting and portraits made easy! Lighting and shooting successful studio portraits can be a frustrating challenge for any photographer, but with STUDIO by your side, you’ve got what you need in order to successfully light and photograph a huge variety of successful studio portraits! In this book, photographer Andreas Bübl first walks you through the basics of studio lighting and portraiture. You’ll learn all about studio flashes, light shapers, reflectors, and how to use accessories such as color gels, wind machines, flashlights, and more. The author then works through well over 100 portrait shoots that cover a large variety of styles: classic studio portraits, executive/business headshots, beauty, glamour and fashion, character portraits, family and couples, action, and more. For each portrait shoot, the author includes a lighting diagram, step-by-step instructions, and behind-the-scenes images to help you nail the shot. Simply look up a picture idea and then recreate the setup and shooting instructions, or read through the book for tons of inspiring portrait ideas. Table of Contents Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Studio Portrait Photography Chapter 2: The Classic Studio Portrait Chapter 3: The Beauty Portrait Chapter 4: Glamour, Fashion, and Lifestyle Chapter 5: Character Portrait Chapter 6: Couples and Groups Chapter 7: Children and Family Chapter 8: Movement and Action

Everything we see is lit by one source or another. The questions are: what and how? That is what this book is designed to teach you. Through Rosanne Olson’s tried-and-true course on lighting principles for photography, video, and art in general, you will discover how the angles and heights of your light sources affect your pictures. You will learn how to work with light modifiers to change the quality of your light, and how to control light to create a feeling of depth and dimension—whether you’re shooting with natural light, continuous artificial light, studio strobes, dedicated flash, or a combination of sources. Assignments are included to help you put each concept into practice as you perfect your skills and train your eyes to see the subtleties of light. You will never look at a photograph or painting in the same way after you read this book!

Following up on the great success of The Moment It Clicks and The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes, legendary magazine photographer Joe McNally takes us on another memorable ride with Sketching Light, another trip into the land of light--but this time running the gamut from small flash to big flash, and everywhere in between. Of course, Joe includes coverage of Nikon Speedlights, but he also covers big flash, as well as "in-between" lights as the Elinchrom Quadra. The exploration of new technology, as well as the explanation of older technology. No matter what equipment Joe uses and discusses, the most important element of Joe's instruction is that it is straightforward, complete, and honest. No secrets are held back, and the principles he talks about apply generally to the shaping and quality of light, not just to an individual model or brand of flash. He tells readers what works and what doesn't via his let's-see-what-happens approach, he shows how he sets up his shots with plentiful sketches and behind-the-scenes production shots, and he does it all with the intelligence, clarity, and wisdom that can only come from shooting in the field for 30 years for the likes of National Geographic, Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated--not to mention the wit and humor of a clearly warped (if gifted) mind.