The definitive account of the life and work of Richard Avedon, to accompany a major retrospective of the photographic work at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Read more

Photographer, author, and educator Roberto Valenzuela has a proven track record for teaching and explaining difficult concepts to photographers of all skill levels. His remarkable ability to break down complicated ideas into understandable, approachable elements that photographers can truly grasp–and then use their newfound knowledge to improve their photography–made his first book, Picture Perfect Practice, a breakout success. In Picture Perfect Posing, Roberto takes on the art of posing. For many photographers, after learning to compose an image and even light it properly, a portrait can still easily be a failure if the pose is not natural, elegant, and serving the needs of both the subject and the photographer. Instead of just showing page after page of poses–like most posing books on the market–Roberto actually breaks down the concept of posing by examining the anatomy, starting with the core foundation: the spinal chord and neck. Building from there, Roberto discusses every component of what makes poses work, as well as fail. How should the model hold her hands? Bend her elbows? Position her fingers? Should the model look toward or away from the camera, and why? It all depends on what the photographer wants for the shot, and Roberto discusses the entire process, from the intent of the photographer through the execution of the pose. For those who have been discouraged by an inability to pose their subjects, or who have simply not known where to start in order to "figure it out," Picture Perfect Posing is the essential resource they need to learn how posing truly works, and how they can learn to direct the exact pose they need for the shot they want. Read more

The Film Developing Cookbook, 2nd edition is an up-to-date manual for photographic film development techniques. This book concentrates on films, their characteristics, and the developers each requires for maximum control of the resulting image.For two decades The Film Developing Cookbook has helped photographers acquire a working knowledge of photographic chemistry―what photo chemicals do and why―for black and white film developing. Now reissued in a revised and fully updated edition, this must-have manual for photographic film development techniques covers films, their characteristics, and the developers each require for maximum control of the resulting image. Readers will learn how to mix and use photographic solutions from scratch, and even how to create new ones. Includes invaluable information about films, developer ingredients, formulas, speed increasing, mixing and storing stock solutions, stop baths, fixers, washing, and chemical safety.A must-have for analog photography enthusiasts and any photography students using the darkroom. For in-depth discussion and questions on all things film or darkroom join the Darkroom Cookbook Forum, www.darkroomcookbook.com Read more

A fascinating look at the perils and possibilities of photography in a digital age.After Photography examines the myriad ways in which the digital revolution has fundamentally altered the way we receive visual information, from photos of news events taken by ordinary people on cell phones to the widespread use of image surveillance. In a world beset by critical problems and ambiguous boundaries, Fred Ritchin argues that it is time to begin energetically exploring the possibilities created by digital innovations and to use them to better understand our rapidly changing world. Ritchin―one of our most influential commentators on photography―investigates the future of visual media as the digital revolution transforms images into a hypertextual medium, fundamentally changing the way we conceptualize the world. Simultaneously, the increased manipulation of photographs makes photography suspect as reliable documentation, raising questions about its role in recounting personal and public histories. In the tradition of John Berger and Susan Sontag, Ritchin analyzes photography's failings and reveals untapped potentials for the medium. 50 color illustrations Read more

Cyanotype: The Blueprint in Contemporary Practice is a two part book on the much admired blue print process. Part One is a comprehensive how-to on the cyanotype process for both beginner and advanced practitioners, with lots of photographs and clear, step-by-step directions and formulas. Part Two highlights contemporary artists who are using cyanotype, making work that ranges from the photographic to the abstract, from the traditional to the conceptual, with tips on their personal cyanotype methods alongside their work. These artists illustrate cyanotype’s widespread use in contemporary photography today, probably the most of any alternative process.Book features include:A brief discussion of the practice of the process with some key historical pointsHow to set up the cyanotype ÒdimroomÓThe most extensive discussion of suitable papers to date, with data from 100+ papersStep-by-step digital negative methods for monochrome and duotone negativesChapters on classic, new, and other cyanotype formulasToning to create colors from yellow to brown to violetPrinting cyanotype over palladium, for those who want to temper cyanotype’s blue naturePrinting cyanotype on alternate surfaces such as fabric, glass, and woodMore creative practice ideas for cyanotype such as handcoloring and gold leafingTroubleshooting cyanotype, photographically illustratedFinishing, framing, and storing cyanotypeContemporary artists’ advice, techniques, and worksCyanotype is backed with research from 120 books, journals, and magazine articles from 1843 to the present day. It is richly illustrated with 400 photographs from close to 80 artists from 14 countries. It is a guide for the practitioner, from novice to expert, providing inspiration and proof of cyanotype’s original and increasing place in historical and contemporary photography. Read more

Captured: Behind the Lens of a Legendary Wildlife Photographer is more than just a photography book—it's a chronicle of more than 30 years' worth of unbelievable moments that only nature can reveal.And Moose Peterson is more than just a wildlife photographer—he's a storyteller in both prose and pictures.If you're looking for the ultimate guide to wildlife photography from a man who has devoted his entire career to capturing nature's finest and most rare moments, you'll find it here in Captured.If you're looking to be transported into the wild to confront a grizzly bear and her cubs, stumble upon a pack of wolves, or capture an owl in flight, you'll find it here, as well. You'll also find a healthy dose of inspiration as the stories behind the photos are revealed as only Moose can tell them.In the end, you'll come away with invaluable photographic techniques gained through a lifetime of experience and a new appreciation for the passion of wildlife photography. You'll gain knowledge that you can put to use on your next excursion into the wild, your local or state park, or even your own backyard. Read more

With both training and preparation, a street photographer needs to make rapid decisions; there may only be a fraction of a second to immortalize a moment in time that has never happened before and will never happen again. This is where Street Photography: Creative Vision Behind the Lens comes in.Follow Valérie Jardin on an inspiring photo walk around the world. After an overview of the practical and technical aspects of street photography, Valérie takes you along on a personal photographic journey as she hits the streets of her favorite urban haunts. She shows you the art of storytelling through her photographs, from envisioning the image to actually capturing it in the camera. Learn about the technical and compositional choices she makes and the thought process that spurred the click of the shutter. Perfect for both the new photographer excited to capture the world around them and for the experienced street photographer wishing to improve their techniques and images, Street Photography requires no special equipment, just a passion for seeing and capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Read more

Focusing on three iron-silver processes―kallitype, Vandyke Brown, and argyrotype―this book will guide readers through how to create prints using these accessible and historic processes in the digital age.Often termed the Brownprint processes, author Donald W. Nelson provides step-by-step detail on how to create prints using kallitype, Vandyke brown, and argyrotype methods, including information on the materials needed, troubleshooting issues, and examples from contemporary artists. The book consists of two parts. Part I is a step-by-step how-to section including all the information that a practitioner at any level needs to achieve successful kallitype, Vandyke brown, and argyrotype prints. Part II is devoted to contemporary artists who have integrated the process into their creative practice.The book includes the following:A list of equipment and supplies neededConcise step-by-step instructions for creating kallitype, Vandyke brown, and argyrotype prints successfullyTroubleshooting common issuesA range of creative ideas on how to use the processes in the classroomExamples from over 20 contemporary artists, including their prints and how they came to make themIdeal for students and professionals alike, this book is an accessible introduction to alternative process photography. Read more

#2 on Photo.net's list of Best Photography Books of 2014!To create successful imagery, you need to balance technical know-how and aesthetic vision. In Camera & Craft, we deconstruct photographic principles in new ways to help you think through your process. Together with nine guest photographers, we explore photographic practice and follow up with inventive exercises and demonstrations that challenge you to engage with your tools―all with the goal of helping you work more creatively. Along the way are conversations with our guest photographers that address each topic, from how the professionals work with clients and models to what they think about as they look through the viewfinder.Here’s what you’ll find inside:Advice and insights from professionals working in a variety of fields, from photojournalism and portraiture to fine-art, landscape and commercial photographyTechnical explanations about how photographic tools work―so you can connect knowledge to your practice and work more instinctively and creativelyKey steps for improving digital workflowInnovative exercises at the end of each chapter as well as on our companion website that encourage you to experiment with and understand the photographic process―from learning how far you can push your camera’s sensor to exploring the effects of neutral vs. creative colorInterviews with technical and creative experts about developing skills and making images that matterThis book is part of The Digital Imaging Masters Series, which features cutting-edge information from the most sought-after and qualified professionals and instructors in the photography field. Based on the progressive curriculum of the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Photography (MPS DP) program created by Katrin Eismann at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, these books are the next best thing to being in the classroom with the Digital Photography Masters themselves. Read more

Apple’s new Photos app lets you do a whole lot more than simply store and edit pictures and videos on a Mac or iOS device. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to import, organize, and share your digital memories, as well as how to improve, print, and use your photos in creative projects. With Lesa Snider’s step-by-step instructions and expert advice, you’ll master Photos and tame your image library―and have fun along the way! The important stuff you need to know: Migrate from iPhoto. Learn how to make a quick and smooth transition. Organize your collection with ease. Master the many ways to import, group, and categorize images―and set up iCloud Family Sharing. Find your photos quickly. Employ Photos’ powerful labeling, keyword and facial recognition features to optimize searches. Sharpen your editing skills. Skillfully use Photos’ impressive image- and video-editing tools on your Mac or iOS device. Access photos anywhere. Sync your library to all of your Apple devices so your photos travel with you wherever you go. Share them online. Show your shots to everyone on your list by using shared albums, creating web galleries, posting them on Facebook, and more. Dive into creative projects. Build pro-level slideshows to share with others, and create gorgeous gift books, calendars, and cards. Read more

This easy-to-use, inexpensive book introduces beginning picture takers and makers to the fundamentals of photography and suggests ways in which they might create photographs that have meaning. Oriented toward traditional black and white photography, the book also explores digital techniques and web photography resources, equipment, cameras and camera accessories, the exposure and development of film, and the making and finishing of prints. All aspects of the process are explained and illustrated clearly in two-page spreads, each of which addresses a self-contained topic. For people who don't know anything about photography and would like to learn, and for those who want to make better pictures than they already do. Read more

Design is the single most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential for a strong picture and then organize the graphic elements into an effective, compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in making photographs. Digital photography has brought a new, exciting aspect to design - first because the instant feedback from a digital camera allows immediate appraisal and improvement; and second because image-editing tools make it possible to alter and enhance the design after the shutter has been pressed. This has had a profound effect on the way digital photographers take pictures. Now published in sixteen languages, The Photographer's Eye continues to speak to photographers everywhere. Reaching 100,000 copies in print in the US alone, and 300,000+ worldwide, it shows how anyone can develop the ability to see and shoot great digital photographs. The book explores all the traditional approaches to composition and design, but crucially, it also addresses the new digital technique of shooting in the knowledge that a picture will later be edited, manipulated, or montaged to result in a final image that may be very different from the one seen in the viewfinder. Read more

When you look at an image, what do you see and feel? What do you want your audience to see and feel when they view your work? In today’s digital age, it has become all too easy to randomly click away, without really focusing on what exactly it is that you are trying to capture in your shot. For over thirty years, Dr. Richard Zakia helped thousands of photographers hone in on their creative vision through the inspirational, informative text and images included in his classic book, Perception and Imaging. This is so much more than a step-by-step, technical photography instruction manual. Instead, it explores the fundamental act of photography―in other words, seeing―through a uniquely comprehensive combination of technique, history, visual perception, philosophy, and psychology. Photographers of all levels will benefit from the information in this book, because it will help you to think more clearly about what it is that you want to convey in your images, no matter what level you are at in terms of technical skill. • Includes inspirational images from some of the world’s most well-known photographers, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Man Ray• All new coverage on what perception means for your photography in the digital age• New sections on conceptual, contemplative, and black-and-white photography• New additions about the use of negative space, metaphors, realism, and the rule of thirds in photography Read more

This is it—the #1 best-selling digital photography book ever! It’s the award winning, worldwide smash hit, written by Scott Kelby, that’s been translated into dozens of different languages, because it’s the one book that really shows you how to take professional-quality shots using the same tricks today’s top digital pros use (and surprisingly, it’s easier than you’d think). This updated, second edition of the bestselling digital photography book of all time includes many new images; up-to-date information on gear, pricing, and links; and a new chapter from the author on the "Ten Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was First Starting Out in Photography." Here’s how Scott describes this book’s brilliant premise: “If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, ‘Hey, how do I get this flower to be in focus, with the background out of focus?,’ I wouldn’t stand there and give you a photography lecture. In real life, I’d just say, ‘Put on your zoom lens, set your f-stop to f/2.8, focus on the flower, and fire away.’ That’s what this book is all about: you and I out shooting where I answer questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned just like I would with a friend—without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak.” This isn’t a book of theory—full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts. This is a book on which button to push, which setting to use, and when to use it. With over 200 of the most closely guarded photographic “tricks of the trade,” this book gets you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos every time. Each page covers a single concept that makes your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, tool, or trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. If you’re tired of taking shots that look “okay,” and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, “Why don’t my shots look like that?” then this is the book for you. Read more

Let your motto become "What would happen if. . . ?"Infrared light offers photographers another artistic avenue to explore. You don't need years of experience or expensive equipment. Just grab an IR filter or a converted digital camera, and you're ready to enter the fascinating world of infrared photography. The unique effects you can create with IR photography are limited only by your imagination.In these pages, you'll discover the practical information about file formats and composition as well as plenty of creative inspiration.Discover whether your camera can detect infrared light and compare different IR filtersLearn how to see in IR and master IR compositionPlay with effects — extended exposures, shooting through glass, zooming, and painting with lightExplore HDR and Photomerge optionsOpen more creative possibilities with Photoshop Read more

For introductory and advanced courses in Photography. The London, Upton, Stone series has helped over 1,000,000 photography students capture their potential. And Photography, 10e is the most comprehensive, up-to-date resource for today's photography students. No other text teaches students the skills they need to use the medium confidently and effectively, while emphasizing both technique, visual awareness, and the latest technologies. This is the text that students will want to keep for years to come. Read more

The definitive history of photography book, Seizing the Light: A Social & Aesthetic History of Photography delivers the fascinating story of how photography as an art form came into being, and its continued development, maturity, and transformation.Covering major events, practitioners, works, and social effects of photographic practice, author Robert Hirsch provides a concise and discerning chronological account of photography, drawing on examples from across the world. This fundamental starting place shows the diversity of makers, inventors, issues, and applications, exploring the artistic, critical, and social aspects of the creative thinking process. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to include the latest advances in technology and digital photography, as well as information on contemporary photographers such as Granville Carroll, Meryl McMaster, Cindy Sherman, Penelope Umbrico, and Yang Yongliang. New topics include the rise of mobile photography and surveillance cameras, drone photography, image manipulation, protest and social justice photography, plus the roles of artificial intelligence and social media in photography. Highly illustrated with over 250 full-color images and contributions from hundreds of artists around the world, Seizing the Light serves as a gateway to the history of photography.Written in an accessible style, it is perfect for those newly engaging with the practice of photography and for experienced photographers wanting to contextualize their own work. Read more

Cyanotype is the most accessible and frequently used of all the alternative photographic processes. When utilized properly, it has the potential to rival other processes when it comes to detail and tonal range, but its Prussian blue color isn’t always suitable for the final photograph. Throughout history, cyanotype prints have been toned not only with various―and at times hazardous―chemicals but also with more natural ingredients like tea and coffee. Since the cyanotype itself is non-toxic, Cyanotype Toning will champion an innovative process, developed by the author, of toning cyanotypes with natural material. This process, which is easy and reliable, offers a much broader range of possible colors and even beautiful black and whites. Even duotone or tricolor prints can be attained. The book consists of two parts. Part One is a step-by-step how-to section including all the information that a student at any level needs to achieve a successfully toned print. Easy-to-understand background information is provided on how and why the process works so that readers can venture on their own into the world of natural colors. The first part also has a detailed section on all the factors that can influence the outcome, like paper choice, water quality, properties of the plants, temperature of the bath and the duration of the toning. Part Two is devoted to contemporary artists who have explored toning with botanicals and integrated the process into their creative practice.The book includes:A list of equipment and supplies needed.In depth information about useful plants and the specific properties that make them suitable for toning cyanotypes.Concise step-by-step instructions for printing cyanotypes successfully.A chart of more than 60 tested papers with recommendations on paper choice.Step-by-step generic instructions on toning with botanicals.Troubleshooting toning with botanicals.More detailed recipes for specific colors with information about the plants.Step-by-step instructions on how to print duotone and tricolor prints.A range of creative ideas on how to use the process in classrooms and with different age groups.A comprehensive list of more than 380 tested parts of plants and possible color outcomes.Using botanicals to tone cyanotypes broadens the color spectrum, enlarges creative possibilities and makes the cyanotype process even more versatile. The process is not cut and dried science but a limitless field for discovery and surprises. Cyanotype Toning provides accessible information and instructions for readers at all levels. It is comprehensive and explanatory, so that readers can expand on the subject on their own, as did the contemporary artists who share their experiences and the works they have created using this innovative toning process. Read more

A visually rich survey of two hundred years of Alabama fine arts and artists   Alabama artists have been an integral part of the story of the state, reflecting a wide-ranging and multihued sense of place through images of the land and its people. Quilts, pottery, visionary paintings, sculpture, photography, folk art, and abstract art have all contributed to diverse visions of Alabama’s culture and environment. The works of art included in this volume have all emerged from a distinctive milieu that has nourished the creation of powerful visual expressions, statements that are both universal and indigenous.   Published to coincide with the state’s bicentennial, Alabama Creates:  200 Years of Art and Artists features ninety-four of Alabama’s most accomplished, noteworthy, and influential practitioners of the fine arts from 1819 to the present. The book highlights a broad spectrum of artists who worked in the state, from its early days to its current and contemporary scene, exhibiting the full scope and breadth of Alabama art.   This retrospective volume features biographical sketches and representative examples of each artist’s most masterful works.  Alabamians like Gay Burke, William Christenberry, Roger Brown, Thornton Dial, Frank Fleming, the Gee’s Bend Quilters, Lonnie Holley, Dale Kennington, Charlie Lucas, Kerry James Marshall, David Parrish, and Bill Traylor are compared and considered with other nationally significant artists.  Alabama Creates is divided into four historical periods, each spanning roughly fifty years and introduced by editor Elliot A. Knight. Knight contextualizes each era with information about the development of Alabama art museums and institutions and the evolution of college and university art departments. The book also contains an overview of the state’s artistic heritage by Gail C. Andrews, director emerita of the Birmingham Museum of Art. Alabama Creates conveys in a sweeping and captivating way the depth of talent, the range of creativity, and the lasting contributions these artists have made to Alabama’s extraordinarily rich visual and artistic heritage. Read more

Taking photographs has become easier over the years, but taking photographs that have impact and lasting power has not. Such images require heart, and some understanding of the factors that make an image noteworthy. Perception and Imaging, Second Edition will lead you into areas and concepts that will spark your intellectual curiosity and assist you in your image making. What is known about vision and the visual process is overwhelming; what is directly applicable to pictures is not. Perception and Imaging, Second Edition is the visual artist's gateway to the principles that drive visual perception. Perception and Imaging, Second Edition invites you to explore the domain of the subconscious and collective unconscious, and the role subliminals, secondary images, and archetypes play; the role of memory and association, and why ambiguity and illusion are an important components; why soft and hard contours (edges) are critical to sharpness, contrast, color, and depth perception; and how visual rhetoric has been used to give impact to photographs, advertisements, posters, promotional material, and motion pictures. Perception and Imaging, Second Edition is for anyone and everyone involved with visual images and has a desire to better understand them. Read more