An Ansel Adams Guide : Basic Techniques of Photography (Book One) [Hardcover]

John P. Schaefer (Author), Ansel Adams (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0821218018 | ISBN-13: 978-0821218013 | Publication Date: January 1992

This guide to photography is aimed at the novice photographer and is based on Ansel Adams' theories about techniques for visualizing and making a photograph. Using the extensive store of Adams' writings - including his advanced series consisting of the books "The Camera", "The Negative" and "The Print" - the author offers Adams' views on the artistic, practical and technical aspects of photography and shows how to apply these in the field and in the darkroom. This book is illustrated with examples of Adams' own work as well as that of other well-known photographers. Numerous demonstration photographs and technical drawings help to explain terms, techniques and concepts of photography. Procedures for developing film and making a print are presented in a step-by-step format. Included are chapters on camera systems, lenses and accessories, film, visualization, light and exposure, developing and printing the negative, making a film print and colour photography.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Heavily based upon Adams's writings on the aesthetics and techniques of photography, most notably his series The Camera , The Negative , and The Print , this fine book deals with virtually every aspect of the medium. Following a brief introduction on the history of photography and on contemporary issues in taking photographs, this book introduces readers to cameras and lenses, moves on to the specifics of black-and-white and color photography, and concludes with an interesting chapter on field trips. All aspects of photography are thoroughly presented in a clear, readable manner. In fact, the book is much more accessible than Adams's classic series. The title is also something of a misnomer, because experienced photographers as well as beginners will find this book to be of great value. Given the number and quality of reproductions as well as the abundance and quality of information, this book is certainly one of the best manuals available. Essential purchase for all public and academic libraries.
- Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, Ill.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bulfinch Pr (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821218018
• ISBN-13: 978-0821218013
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,162,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an outstanding book on photographic technique., May 30, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: An Ansel Adams Guide : Basic Techniques of Photography (Book One) (Hardcover)

John Schaefer is a fine photographer who works in black and white and color. In "Basic Techniques of Photography" John Schaefer has created a wonderful "how to" on the basic and intermediate aspects of photography. The book is filled with helpful information, and beautifully illustrated with the work of notable photographers, with many images due to Ansel Adams. Here are summarized and illustrated many of the ideas from the famous Ansel Adams series of books which include "The Negative" and "The Print". A strength of the book is a clear exposition on the value and use of the zone system. Other strengths include sidebars which provide detailed comments about individual images, and sequential images which show the result of some of the darkroom techniques, or exposure information discussed in the book. This is a fine book, one which any active photographer will benefit from.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on photography., October 21, 2006

By 

Reverend R. G. Johnson (Oxford, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Ansel Adams Guide : Basic Techniques of Photography (Book One) (Hardcover)

I found the Ansel Adams books on "The Print" and "The Negative" a bit on the heavy side, but John Schaefer's book is a superb addition to any aspiring photographer's library. It covers the photographic field very comprehensively and in easily understood English, and without the frills of technical jargon so loved by some authors.
Although the book deals with colour photography as well, I would thoroughly recommend this book to any aficionado of black and white photography-- it is, without doubt one of the best books on photography I have in my library!