What do a dog leash, shower curtains, and mylar gift wrap have in common? They—along with countless other surprising everyday objects—can all be used to construct implements that will help you build your arsenal of photographic tools and accessories without breaking your budget. In this book, seasoned author, lecturer, and commercial and portrait photographer Christopher Grey shows you how to construct a host of light modifiers, from diffusers to gobos to reflectors, to snoots, to cookies; repurpose multiple elements as high-style backdrops and even build some fabulous accessories—from a lens stabilizer for low-light shots (this is where that dog leash will come in handy) to light tents for small product shots. The “hacks” in this book will inspire you to get to work, and they will amp up your creativity, but there’s more. Grey shares his secrets for using your existing lighting equipment to create exquisite effects.

Layouts, checkering, marbling woodgraining computer-cut designs, flame layouts, helmet painting, and more.

"The New Gold Standard in Automotive Step-By-Step Books Automotive Cheap Tricks & Special F/X II, the ultimate book of automotive custom painting has been released. Automotive Cheap Tricks & Special F/X II is a compilation of step-by-step instruction by Craig Fraser, one of the greatest forces behind the popularization of automotive custom painting. In fact, Special F/X II far exceeds its predecessor, F/X I, in superior design, nearly double the content (31 chapters, including 11 introductory sub-chapters and a comprehensive glossary), and size (212 pages). The subtitle, Learn How to Paint Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Musical Instruments, Surfboards, and R.C. Cars, really says it all, and lives up to its promise with some of the most cutting-edge work dissected for your reference and execution. This amazing visual smorgasbord tutors on how to achieve stunning graphics, special effects, murals, pinstriping, and more for beginners and pros. It’s especially fascinating how perceptually difficult effects (bullet holes, fire, water droplets, old school flames, and tons more) and textures (alligator and dragon skin, chrome, cheetah fur, faux f/x, and many others) are so easily rendered with stencils, freehand shields, a variety of tapes, vinyl, and even a torch! It almost seems as if the author gave away too much, like a magician who would surprisingly reveal his secrets with impunity. Fraser was thoughtful enough to include enough editorial and instruction for newbies that includes a Back to Da’ Basics chapter, and some great articles on self-promotion, the zen of custom painting, how to photograph your artwork (the importance of this cannot be overstated), the paint and equipment you’ll need to get started, and the business of custom painting. In great, painstaking detail throughout, the book also addresses critically essential information on the proper sequences and steps to working with urethanes and clearcoats, among other things. The fact that improper methods can lead to catastrophic results on, say, a $100,000 vehicle makes this book even more important. Chapters include: Flamin’ Out A Killer Skull (skull and flames on a motorcycle tank), Steampunk Guitar (mind-blowing; gorgeous), Formula Drift (classic graphics with stunning results), Dragon Drums, Da Kine Surf-Tiki (Craig proves that you, too, can paint a bitchin’ surfboard), Rice Fink (sure to be a big favorite), RC Car (you better read this before you attempt one), Donkey Frog, and Homage A Giger (H.R., that is). Automotive Cheap Tricks & Special F/X II is beautifully printed in full color and on heavy paper stock, and it’s obvious that the publisher spared no expense in producing it. At $34.95 this volume is a steal. And it is, without question, the new gold standard for books on automotive custom painting and will remain so for years to come."

Reveals the behind-the-scenes production secrets of the Hollywood films of the 1950s.

Want to know how to make a movie on a tight budget? How to make a movie: Filmmaker Rickey Bird and screenwriter and novelist Al Guevara are on a mission to help indie moviemakers everywhere. Today’s indie film market is growing by leaps and bounds. At the same time, many aspiring filmmakers are running into their share of problems: • not enough money for crews • over budget and more than likely making the wrong movie • can’t get the attention of an indie studio • should have started with a short film to gain attention Cheap Movie Tricks: Film school numbers aren’t down. They’re increasing at more than 2,600 film-related courses worldwide. You probably didn’t even realize 48% of all film schools are in the U.S. and U.K. Thousands of aspiring filmmakers are literally learning how to use cheaper, widely available filmmaking technology, as well as the craft of making movies from books pulled from bookstore and library shelves. They’re totally DIY and the most creative people you will ever meet. Rickey Bird’s Hectic Films is a Southern California enterprise that is building a filmmaking empire on a budget. His short films, feature films, micro docs and tutorials have landed in some of the biggest American film festivals and been seen online throughout the world. The result? Millions of views worth of exposure from films online, in festivals and creative marketing literally on the street. His many projects have seen leading B actors like Hulk Hogan and Vernon Wells (Mad Max Road Warrior), make-up artists from the TV show Grimm, and stuntmen from the Call of Duty games. What you’ll learn inside this book: • how planning and shooting a short film today can lead to a feature-length project tomorrow • everything you need to know about writing a movie project on a burger budget • tips on how to find locations and not get arrested • shooting tips galore for building exciting scenes • sound and film editing tips and all kinds of special effects wizardry, including puppetry • screenings, promotions and juicy tips on film festival strategy

SOMETIMES PATIENCE, DEDICATION and old-fashioned hard work just aren't enough to get what you need. That's why you'll benefit from the insider's scoop on secrets that can boost the odds of achieving your goals. Take a peek inside your brain with psychologist Perry Buffington in this entertaining guide to human behavior. Profit from his professional wisdom and use these effective shortcuts to: Avoid overeating Help your baby sleep Get the raise you want Learn someone else's secret Make someone fall in love with you! With Dr. Buff's light-hearted but scientifically based "tricks" you can get exactly what you want!