This book lays out a foundation of knowledge needed to create high quality photographs when shooting inanimate objects. It starts off by showing types of subjects and types of photography assignments you might encounter. Are you shooting a low budget photograph where speed is of the essence or is your goal a perfect image for a glossy national magazine advert? Knowing what type of picture you are trying to make answers a lot of questions about how much you can invest in the picture, how to build a set for the photograph, find and buy or rent props, and just how perfect the photograph has to be. It also covers how to create a lighting design, different types of lights, and explains how different types of lighting tools affect how the subject looks. The book ends with explaining how to do in camera masking with the goal of combining two photographs together in post-production and ways to make your photographs look sharper by showing ways of stabilizing your camera.