21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
even if you have a slight interest.., April 9, 2004
This review is from: The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes Christopher James (Paperback)
As far as I am concerned, this is THE BOOK.
It is so incredibly useful and I've learned so much from reading it. It's very well written, easy to follow, tons of references. Wow. I recommend this book to anyone interested in alternative process photography. Anyone interested in photography even. It is wonderful.
Basically, in photography, Silver is used a lot in the photographic papers. Alternative processing uses anything BUT silver. Platnium/palladium, gold, Iron.. even berries and various plants. This book gives a wonderful over-view of it all and tells you how to do it. There is even a bit of history about the different processes complete with wonderful pictures. I love this book.
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35 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Scholar and the Artist in Perfect Synchrony!, September 4, 2001
This review is from: The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes Christopher James (Paperback)
Christopher James has been satisfying the art world for 20+ years now, combining his gifts as a photographer (who has been pushing the creative envelope all along) with his equally successful foray into the studio of the painter. In both areas Christopher has started with the keen observing eye. Representing what those investigating eyes have captured has always included experimenting with the medium: watercolors are painted on a paper ground that has been altered with gum arabic/graphite/jade resist and photographs that have been pulled through a Diana camera or glazed and adroitly enameled so that viewing becoms a three dimensional experience. But Christopher is also highly regarded as a short story writer and it is this last variation of his artistic temperament that makes his new book so successful.
This is an invaluable book, an exemplary resource text about Alternative Photographic Processes. But, and here is the Christopher James rule of thumb, this "text" is deliciously readable. Even for collectors who are looking for some degree of insight into the magic of the medium this book has much to offer. I found myself actually READING the text, not just paging through a beautifully designed tome on great photographs.
Highly recommended for the artists who need to know these techniques.........and equally highly recommended for those of us who marvel at the variations of contemporary photography.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informs and Inspires, January 14, 2006
This review is from: The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes Christopher James (Paperback)
As a working professional and someone involved in the arts, it really is a magical thing to find a book that not only informs, but also inspires. Christopher James' Book of Alternative Photographic Processes is a wonderful example of what all `how to' books should aspire to.
Certainly, those interested in a workbook coving the materials, procedures, and skills required to produce various alternative process images will be more than pleased with the information provided but thanks to James' entertaining and enlightened approach to the subject, readers will find themselves coming back to this book not only for its technical knowledge, but also because it is simply a joy to read.
Mr. James makes even the more demanding practices seem well within the reach of those who would like to experiment and always elevates the reader with his positive, straightforward style. This is not a dry science book, nor is it a subjective treatise on what `art' should be; reading it is akin to spending time with a good-natured yet extremely knowledgeable companion who has agreed to pass on their photographic mastery.
Aside from the enjoyable (and often witty) text, the selection of photographs and artwork illustrating the book is superb and a fantastic resource for those curious what can be achieved by artists who invest themselves in these techniques. It is telling that James' students created many of these wonderful works and James' own photos, taken with toy cameras, are stunning and reflect the sensibilities found in the text.
While it may be possible to find volumes with more detailed explanations of the chemistry, history, and variations of specific processes, the Book of Alternative Photographic Processes is much greater than the sum of its parts. Yes, if you read this you can learn to make a gum print. But of much greater import, you will find yourself captivated and excited about making gum prints or working with any of the other techniques described.
Most highly recommended and I hope to see more from Mr. James soon.
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