Genuine expertise in a world of self-promoters
Do you know those self-proclaimed photo experts who show up with mountains of equipment but can barely distinguish between a stop of light and bokeh? The kind of "pros" who spend more time philosophizing about their latest 8K camera than actually producing photos?
Well, Krolop & Gerst are refreshingly different. They're the anti-show-offs of the photography scene: less gear-gathering, more substance.
Textbook?
Picture book?
A treasure trove of photographic knowledge
What really blows me away: This isn't just a collection of knowledge; this is something truly unique, created with the meticulousness of a driven scholar and the passion of an art fanatic. Crazy? Definitely. But hey, anyone can be normal.
The level of detail in this book is impressive. Whether you want to know how to precisely position light or how to create drama with shadows, you'll find not only the "what," but also the "how," the "why," and "why the hell didn't I know this before?"
When I was young, the father of a school friend once said to me:
Simon, you don't have to know everything. But always be ready to learn!
That has stayed with me to this day. And this book lives by that motto. It's like an all-you-can-learn buffet for photography enthusiasts, only without the regrets afterward.
A crazy idea, brilliantly executed
Who is this edition for? For anyone who understands photography as a true craft. For all those who are ready to take their photographic understanding to a new level (8 kilograms is nothing to scoff at) and who understand that real knowledge counts for more than the most expensive equipment.
Krolop & Gerst are doers, not talkers. And for that, they have my admiration.
Hooray for the creators
Yes, it's an investment. But one that pays off many times over: as a source of knowledge, as inspiration, and as a statement of quality in an age of quick fixes and superficiality.
While many "experts" come and go, these books will still be a source of wisdom for years to come (and probably still look brand new, thanks to the included gloves).
Fliping through the book, you'll first see the final photo in all its glory, then Martin & Marc reveal the secrets behind it: precise setup sketches, insightful behind-the-scenes shots, and, for the tech nerds among us, the complete EXIF data. They don't limit themselves to a specific light source or technique.
Whether it's studio flash, daylight, or that little LED light you still have from your last camping trip, here you'll learn how to perfectly illuminate your subject. For anyone who enjoys solving photographic puzzles and wants to learn something new in the process, this is the holy grail.
Light & Shadow by Krolop & Gerst is fantastic! My article may have sounded a bit effusive, but these two definitely deserve it: Anyone looking for photographic expertise combined with uncompromising quality and genuine added value simply can't miss this edition.
Transparency
I received Martin's book as a gift. The fact that this isn't hidden advertising is evident from the fact that the book was already sold out when I received it. Because they are constantly releasing new educational products and offering fantastic workshops, I'd like to take this opportunity to draw attention to Krolop & Gerst. It's definitely worth subscribing to their YouTube channel and keeping an eye on their shop on their website!