Pictorial Lighting

Pictorial Lighting is a seminal work by William Mortensen, a prominent figure in the Pictorialist movement of photography. First published in 1935 by Camera Craft Publishing Company in San Francisco, this book delves into the nuanced art of lighting in photography, emphasizing its role in creating mood and enhancing the pictorial quality of images.​

Mortensen’s approach in this volume is both technical and artistic. He provides detailed discussions on various lighting techniques, including the use of shadows, highlights, and the interplay between light and subject. The book is rich with black-and-white illustrations and diagrams that exemplify the concepts discussed, making it a practical guide for photographers aiming to master the art of lighting.​

The original edition comprises 115 pages and is written in English. Over the years, Pictorial Lighting has been reprinted, with editions available as recently as 1938. Its enduring relevance is a testament to Mortensen’s profound understanding of photographic lighting and his ability to convey complex ideas with clarity.