Book Description
This popular book presents creative darkroom techniques in a step-by-step format. It includes multiple printing, montage, toning, reticulation, infrared film, high contrast, combination coloring, dye transfer, liquid emulsions, Sabattier, and much more. Darkroom Dynamics has the information and photographs to expand the the reader's awareness of the sophisticated images which are possible in photography today.
Darkroom Dynamics has been written to be easily comprehensible to the novice
photographer attempting experimental photography for the first time. It serves not only as a forum for the serious display of experimental and manipulated photographs but also as a comprehensive source on how to make these images.
Presents creative darkroom techniques in an easy to follow format.
Simple enough for the novice photographer to understand.
Shows experimental and manipulated photographs and describes how to make them.
Customer Reviews:
Great book of creative dakroom techniques.......2000-09-21
This book is packed full of step-by-step instructions for alternative creative darkroom techniques. The instructions are easy to follow and the photo illustrations are well placed to enhance the readers understanding. Each technique is presented by a photographer who is an expert in its application, so the information comes across comprehensive yet it is still easy to understand. This is a great book. I am glad to have it as a part of my personal photo library. It will be well used.
Product Description
From Daguerreotype to digital, this book is an essential reference that opens up new worlds of creative expression. Laid out in an accessible manner, each section offers step-by-step instructions and illustrations by internationally renowned experts. 352 pages 8 1/2 x 9 1/4 Softbound
Customer Reviews:
JUST TO SAY..........2007-05-13
A WELL ILLUSTRATED AND INSPIRING COLLECTION FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN ALTERNATIVE PROCESSING. NICE LAYOUT AND EASY READING.STIRS UP THE CREATIVE SIDE AND APPROPRIATE FOR BEGINNERS AND PROFFESSIONALS ALIKE
Coming Into Focus.......2005-10-13
This is a wonderful book that tells you everything you want to know about alternative printing processes. I used to have "Keepers of Light" but lost it, so I ordered this as a replacement. It contains everything the other book did, plus information on using digital technology. A real resource for any serious photographer who is a purest at heart and wants to keep the old traditions alive.
Suzanne Ludlum-Loose
Great book.......2005-03-25
The author tells you everything you would reasonably want to know about the wide spectrum of non-traditional photographic methods. But not only does he talk about these alternate processes, he explains in step-by-step detail how to actually DO these techniques yourself. Great content, very well written.
An Excellent, Well Written Book.......2002-05-28
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. I also have "The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes" by Christopher James, another good book, but I always go back to "Coming into Focus". This book is laid out in a very accessible manner, each section is written clearly and concisely, and the processes are described so that you understand and can start experimenting almost immediately (once you acquire the necessary materials for the relevant process). Again, this book is a very useful one, and a handy reference to have around.
A nice addition to any alt-photo library.......2000-09-13
A compelling blend of traditional processes takes on new life with new, improved chemical formats and digital techniques. Any artist working in alternative processes arrives, sooner or later, at their own individual methods and unique combinations of techniques. This book provides many examples of working formulas that build upon and further develope the traditional standard favorites. The "recipes" are clearly detailed in an easy-to-follow textbook format, with such new processes as the Fredrick Temperaprint (a tricolor system based on gum dichromate) and the Argyrotype (an iron-silver process similar to Van Dyke). It also seamlessly incorporates the digital technology we rely on more and more.
It's given me a wealth of new ideas and projects to try out, and is sure to become an invaluable resource in my own darkroom.
Product Description
It is rare for such a perfect instructional book to come along. In this comprehensive guide, the author reveals how to create image and emulsion transfers by providing both detailed instructions and descriptive illustrations that will make you a master of this intriguing process in no time. From the basics to the most innovative techniques, everything is explained and showcased in dozens of full- color images created by the author and 20 internationally known transfer artists and photographers.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Tutorial.......2006-09-07
This is a great book- full of artistic pieces and knowledge on how to recreate your own work! I wanted this book for a long time, found it on Amazon and paid a fraction of what I would have paid in the store!
Timeless Information.......2006-03-17
Though this book was published clear back in 1997, the information is timeless. I tend to shy away from older how-to books, but this is a great book to add to your art and craft library. I wish all how-to books were this thorough and informative. You get your money's worth here.
The only book on this you will ever need!.......2005-12-15
I've been wanting both of her books for awhile now and I finally splurged and got both of them (the Polaroid Manipulations book that concentrates on the SX-70 manip process).
When I first flipped through this book I was blown away and amazed by the content. This book is the number one resource for helping you along with your Polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. It is HIGHLY informative. The author guides you step by step and even provides some background information on how the processed were discovered. She also offers a lot of inspirational material in an advanced techniques section of the book. At the end of the book there are artist galleries with drop-dead-gorgeous work!
I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to get into the alternative processes with the Polaroid medium. Don't hesitate... get a copy today!
Very well constructed.......2004-01-16
This should be in every Alternative Artists(Photographer) library. Well written, excellent examples and very comprehensive. You should be able to flourish in the medium after experiencing this book. Kathleen has consolidated a concise book that brings it all together. A value to all.
Great information and images.......2003-01-15
Very useful book for those of you starting out with image transfer or emulsion. Easy to read with a great artist section.
Book Description
Whether you’re new to Photoshop Elements or an experienced image editor, this professional book shows you how to create consistent high-quality images by establishing a logical sequence of essential tasks. From sorting images and RAW conversion to advanced editing and output, it’s all here in the friendly, professional style that readers know and trust from the Tim Grey Guides series. Go beyond the basics and that you can focus on workflow and produce better digital images with this one-of-kind guide to Photoshop Elements.
Customer Reviews:
For the PS Elements 5 novice and eager to learn and improve........2007-05-12
Any book by Tim Grey is terrific, and this is no exception. I use it for teaching.
Disappointing.......2007-04-11
This textbook was not what I was expecting. Albeit, the author attempts to provide concrete examples of projects, I found the supporting text difficult to follow. Stock photos are nice, but that's about it. If you are a novice, or new to PSE 5 this book isn't for you.
Product Description
This comprehensive guide covers all experimental Polaroid techniques, including image and emulsion transfers, SX-70 manipulations and digital prints. Offers step-by-step instructions as well as an incredible gallery of 20 leading artists in this field. 192 pages 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 Softbound
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Find.......2006-09-07
This book is awesome! I wanted to purchase it at a major chain and decided to look here instead. I got 4 books for the price of one! I highly reccomend this if you are interested in excelling at your transfer techniques.
The only book on this you will ever need!.......2005-12-15
I've been wanting both of her books for awhile now and I finally splurged and got them both. When I first flipped through this book I was blown away and amazed by the content. This book is the number one resource for helping you along with your Polaroid SX-70 manipulations. She also provides some brief information on transfers and emulsion lifts (If you want to know more you should invest in a copy of her other book "Polaroid Transfers". It is HIGHLY informative. The author guides you step by step and even provides some background information on how the processes were discovered. She also offers a lot of inspirational material in an advanced techniques section of the book. At the end of the book there are artist galleries with drop-dead-gorgeous work!
I especially find the handcoloring section of this book to be very helpful. I wasn't really aware that I could add some color to my SX-70 manips. She goes in-depth about each medium that can be used to enhance the color (Prismacolor markers, watercolors, pastels, etc.) She also provides some useful information on how to enhance the Polaroids digitally in Photoshop.
I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to get into the alternative processes with the Polaroid medium. Don't hesitate... get a copy today!
A Great Resourse for all SX-70 Manipulators!.......2005-10-26
I have been doing SX-70 manipulations for about 4 years and to this point have been totally self taught. I have looked at some galleries online and had previously wondered how some people were able to achieve such vibrant colors with their work, had their lines squiggle to such a great extent, etc. I now have the answers to all my questions. I am so grateful to Kathleen for writing this book (thank you!).
There is so much valuable information in this book that I know I will be using it to expand my skills and experiment with new ideas for years to come. If you are a new or seasoned manipulator, this book is a MUST HAVE! 5 Stars!!!
-dave walker (tucson, az)
I'll be quick to the point.......2005-08-16
This is the best book on Polaroid manipulation techniques that I have found.
I can't wait to try some of Carr's Ideas.......2003-03-29
I've just recently become interested in Polaroid manipulations and transfers. I can't imagine a better book on the subject.
Carr covers all the technical details including a review of every Polaroid Daylab slide printer ever made -- with step-by-step, illustrated instructions. She also covers a TON of creative techniques to get the juices flowing. Lot's of full-color pictures of these different techniques makes it fun to just flip throught the book to see the art.
I also like the way she uses Photoshop to supplement her manually manipulated images. Lots of just-technical-enough ideas in the Photoshop chapters.
I highly recommend this book.
Product Description
In this era of digital imaging there is a curious demand for original photographic processes used more than a century ago. In this new book, the author reveals the secrets of eight enduring antique processes, providing hard-to-find instructions and detailed supply lists for creating salted paper, albumen, cyanotype, kallitype, platinum/palladium, carbon/carbro, gum bichromate and bromoil prints. He explains each intricate step from selecting the appropriate paper and sensitizing it to exposing, developing and toning the final print, giving a short explanation of how each process was originally used and its significance in the evolution of photography. A treasure trove of dazzling images and straightforward information that will guide and inspire all alternative process practitioners.
Customer Reviews:
In Love with Photo Chemicals?.......2003-07-12
If so then this is certainly the book for you. If you are one of those photographer who does not enjoy the darkroom; does not like to take the process from start to completion; or perhaps just do not like to experiment. . . Then you may not enjoy this one too much. This book has alot of information.
** one suggestion, if your darkroom is not efficiently ventalated then you may want to stay away from some of the processes involved
History of cool things!.......2003-03-04
You'll enjoy the info in this one. Makes for a heavy read.
A useful guide.......2002-07-07
For the budding alternative practitioner, this book is an invaluable resource. It is clearly and engagingly written, and covers the gamut of processes from simple salted-paper calotypes, through platinum/palladium and bromoil. Safety is emphasized, with an overview in the second chapter, and a chemical index with hazards in the back. A thorough list of sources for materials, other references, online resources, etc, is in the back.
One of the best features of the book is that it is not limited merely to the historic processes, but also to modern variants. Therefore, not only classic cyanotype or kallitype is presented, but also modern formulations, with a discussion of how they differ and the advantages/disadvantages of each. The section on carbon printing includes recommendations for 3-color, and for 'overpigmenting' the gelatin base to produce grainy 'mezzotint' pictures. Illustrations include modern prints by the author and british photographer/chemist Michael Ware, as well as classic prints from the days when the techniques were in vogue. Each technique also has a discussion of the proper negative contrast which is required, which is important since most of these processes require contact printing and a denser negative than modern practitioners are used to.
If there is a problem, it's that the design of the book appears to be meant to get a practitioner started in the process, and then point them elsewhere for other sources. It is also clear that some processes (gum bichromate/bromoil) seem to get more attention than others (cyanotype), probably reflecting the author's personal interests in his work. This is a minor quibble, since the cyanotype chapter is still more thorough than most I've read elsewhere, and the formulations for image-color control in the kallitype chapter is invaluable to allow one to explore the range of the process.
In short, this is a well-written, thorough, text which will allow an interested party to get started, and then go to more specialized sources if they decide to delve deeper into one of the processes. It is also an enjoyable read in its own right. I bought it initially to get started in cyanotype, and have no regrets as a result.
Indispensable Photo Book.......2002-01-07
This book covers many historic methods. This book is for the photographer looking to go beyond silver. It gives you all you need to know to get you started. HIghly recommended - easy to read and follow.
The ultimate alt-photo book.......2000-01-18
First a disclaimer: I am the inventor of the Ziatype process described in the book.
The title is a little misleading since it says "historical processes." The book focuses on photo processes that are used largely in art photography and do not involve the normally used silver paper or color paper. Yes, many of these processes were used for photography in its earlier years and are "historical," but these processes are most often referred to as "alternative photography" now. If you are a photographer and are looking for a respite from the ordinary, this is your book.
This book replaces the now quite dated Keepers of Light first published in 1979. Since that time, and to the credit of Keepers of Light, alternative photography has grown considerably. This book is excellent and takes in much of the later developments and knowledge of the field.
Farber's treatment is lucid, well illustrated, and takes a hands-on approach. Despite the advances in alternative photography, many of the materials previously available have disappeared from the marketplace. Farber takes this into account and I particularly found his chapters on bromoil and carbon printing to be valuable as he discusses the use of modern bromide papers for making bromoil prints and also how to make your own carbon tissue.
This book belongs on the shelf of every serious darkroom photographer. If you are a photographic collector, I would also advise buying a copy even if you never intend to make an alternative photo print. There is a wealth of succinct information here that would be valuable for any collector wanting to understand the nature of many earlier photographic print-making processes.
Product Description
If you re interested in mastering alternative photo-imaging techniques, this book provides step-by-step directions and stunning examples of a variety of photo-processing and digital negative techniques. 160 pages 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 Softbound
Customer Reviews:
An Introductory Guide.......2003-08-31
Enfield's book has a very impressive sounding title but compared to The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes (Christopher James), or Coming Into Focus (John Barnier), it falls far short of being "A Complete Guide." This book is a nice introduction to some of the techniques a beginning student, interested in the subject, might investigate.
Buy this book.......2003-03-11
Photo-Imaging is beautifully written and illustrated--an essential volume for anyone interested in alternative photographic processes. The writing is clear and simple. Jill Enfield makes it easy to experiment with new photographic techniques. There are lots of helpful tips and hints based on Enfield's extensive experience with alternative processes. I particulary like the detailed supplier information she lists.
While I sometimes wished she had included additional historical and chemical details, it's a minor quibble because this book has carefully distilled the essential information needed to get up and running with each process. This book is a great value considering the low cost and the extensive information included. No fluff or filler--just concise information.
Winner of 2002 Golden Light Book Awards Best Technical Book.......2002-12-19
Photo-Imaging by Jill Enfield has received the 2002 Golden Light Book Awards Best Technical Book Award. The award is sponsored by The Maine Photographic Workshops, The International Film Workshops
and Rockport College. A panel of distinguished jurors reviews books and selects those that make a significant contribution to the art and literature of the medium. Submissions are judged on qualities such as writing, editing, photo reproduction, design and printing, and the contents' overall importance to their perspective mediums. The Jury, which reviews all entries, is comprised of several renowned photographers, filmmakers, publishers, writers and editors.
It's about time..........2002-11-21
I've seen Jill Enfield's work frequently in magazines and books, and was thrilled when I found out she was writing her own text. I teach experimental photography at a university, so any book of this nature that comes on the market, I buy. When this came in the mail from Amazon.com (promptly, I might add) I was impressed. Watson Guptill knows how to lay out a textbook so that it appeals to the reader, and is well supported by images, not only with examples of the processes but with "how to" pictures, also. It is user friendly, especially for those who are somewhat newer to the photographic medium and experimental in nature. That said, I learned new things (e.g. the chapter on tintypes) that I will use in my experimental photography class!
These topics are included: black and white infrared, liquid emulsion, enlarging negatives for alternative processes, ink jet transfers, polaroid processes, cyanotypes, kallitypes, platinum printing, palladium printing, tintypes, hand coloring, and other stuff. It is a good combination of what are traditionally termed "alt process" (platinum, cyanotypes, etc.) and what are more experimental things to try.
For this type of book the price at Amazon.com is excellent--most books of this caliber range from [$$$].
Product Description
Photographers and artists who want to get a more hands on experience with their photography will appreciate this book. Polaroid transfer and emulsion lift off techniques create powerful and unique works of art. The process is explained in clear, step-by-step language, accompanied by dozens of illustrations. How to transfer your image to art paper, cloth, wood, plaster and more media is just one of the highlights of this guide. Both wet and dry transfers are covered extensively. Learn unique variations to expand your repertoire. 112 pp., 125 color and b&w illus.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book!.......2007-08-14
Christopher Grey's polaroid transfer instructions are so helpful in that they provide not only text but photographs illustrating each concept. I highly recommend this book for beginners like myself. Further, his book also provides room to grow into the next step in the transfer process. I have found his book to be the most helpful one available outlining polaroid art.
Customer Reviews:
A Constant Reference.......2006-11-26
I am not a Photoshop Guru, and yes, I agree with the other reviewer that if you own the manual that came with Photoshop you won't learn anything new here - BUT, I like the pretty pictures & the simplicity of the explanations is far easier than reading the manual!
I don't use Photoshop on a daily basis so the techniques are not burnt into my memory, but I use it regularly enough that this book provides CONSTANT reference for me. In my mind I know what I want to achieve, I flick through the book , find it & refresh.
It is great for times when you say "how do I do that again" or "how do I do xxx that I used to do in the darkroom" but I'm not sure if you use Photoshop every day if you'd need such a reference. I use this in conjunction with "Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks Photoshop CS2" which is very simple (great for beginners in Photoshop) for reference & reminder on specific techniques depending on what I'm trying to achieve.
Beginner's Photoshop.......2005-11-21
This unpresuming book certainly won't blow you away with its' writing style. And in the unfortunate tradition of Photoshop books everywhere, it covers the same ground that many other books do (please! No more chapters on color correction!). Still, I find that I reach for this book first when I'm trying to remember how to do something like extract an object.
Let's face it, unlike the Kelby and Ames books, this one is really targeted for your friend with the point and shoot who wants to take their photography to a higher level by touching up their images. It's unlikely to really excite the pros on this board.
What I like about this book:
1) It's relatively concise. Most techniques demonstrated only take up two pages.
2) There is a very good chapter on image extraction (the reason I bought this book in the first place).
3) A good starting chapter if you've ever wanted to turn a photo into a painting.
What I don't like about this book:
1) Too much filler on techniques that have been covered in other books (see rant on color correction, above). Yes, I know everybody wants to write the complete text to using Photoshop. But I resent paying for a book where the first 1/3 is stuff that every other book covers.
2) Setting instructions are not nearly as complete as the Kelby and Ames books.
3) Target audience is below our level... this book has a tendency to talk down to it's reader. Read for example the differences in JPG and TIFF images. More filler. Sometimes I think publishers tell authors `we need a book 200 pages long'... even when the author only has 150 pages to teach you. The result is filler like this.
All in all, this book is worth the price IF you're just starting out with Photoshop or it covers a subject that you need an introduction to (painting images, for example).
Worth the dough........2004-11-07
I consider digital photography having 3 key components. The first is finding great scenes to photograph. Secondly is actually composing and exposing the photograph correctly. Lastly is digitally re-mastering the image to allow it to reveal all that the image is capable of. This book has answered all my PhotoShop questions regarding that third component and allowed me to exponentially raise the bar on my level of work and create professional quality results in minimal time. The book is very well instructed and very well rounded. If you need to quickly get "up to speed" with basic digital editing techniques and produce results that you previously commented "how did they do that?", this is the book for you. I rented it from the library but will be buying a personal copy for my own library.
Reveals All.......2004-10-30
This book contains all the technical information you require to manipulate your photographs in any way you desire. Obviously you need a computer and a photographic manipulation software tool, such as Photoshop or something similar. If reviewers have panned this book in the past I cannot understand where they are coming from. The book contains easy to follow exercises that help you to create the effect you are looking for and encourages you to use your own initiative to take things that step further. Anyone with a modicum of computer expertise can vastly improve their digital photogaphs. Not everyone wants to become involved in using filters, layers and masks, but to just be able to sharpen, adjust contrast and brightness of photographs and do some colour corrections makes owning this book well worthwhile. Believe me this book will help you to make a tremendous improvement to your photographs.
Buy this book - and become an overnight success!.......2004-07-24
Good, no nonsense content characterises this book. It may not be cutting edge but good solid content using industry standard tools shows how even the most ham-fisted of us can produce great photos. One to enjoy.
Books:
- Designer Drafting for the Entertainment World
- Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives
- Digital Art Studio: Techniques for Combining Inkjet Printing with Traditional Art Materials
- Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs
- Exploring Visual Effects (Design Exploration Series)
- Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)
- Filmmakers and Financing, Fifth Edition: Business Plans for Independents
- Fine Art Flower Photography: Creative Techniques And The Art Of Observation
- Flash 8 Cookbook (Cookbooks (O'Reilly))
- Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music
Books Index
Books Home
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Darkroom & Processing
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
The Darkroom Cookbook, Second Edition
Creative Camera Control, Third Edition
The Darkroom Handbook
Toning and Handcoloring Photographs
The New Darkroom Handbook, Second Edition
