Light is crucial to all photographs; after all, photography is literally the capturing of a light image on film. It is essential to have a clear understanding of light in all its various forms and to be able to anticipate how differnt types of light will affect a photograph. Michael Freeman looks at light in detail, beginnning with colour and colour temperature and how to measure it. Of the main sources of light, natural light is examined first, including direct sun and its angle to the camera and coping with difficult weather conditions. Available light - from such sources as tungsten, florescent and vapour discharge lamps - frequently poses more problems for photographers, but it too has its advantages and useful characteristics. Practical instruction is given in this, and in all other types of photographic lighting, whether in the studio or on location. Finally, the author looks at ways of using and controlling light to the best effect to bring out the innate qualities of different objects.