The Art of Color Photography [Paperback]

John Hedgecoe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 1998

The ability to move beyond ordinary snapshots is not a matter of expensive equipment or complicated techniques. No matter what technical advances are made, creative choice will always lie in the hands of the photographer and his/her artistic perception. The aim of this book is to reveal which choices are available so that what is a pleasurable pastime can become an absorbing art.



The photographs in this volume range from startling landscapes to startling close-ups taken at high speed, and not only make up an exhibition of varied and beautiful color pictures but also represent a coherent exploration of the very nature of color. Supported by detailed technical sections, John Hedgecoe's photographs lead up from the basic theory of light to the subtle harmonies of color in all its aspects, and illustrate the theory and practice of all the essential techniques for using cameras, lenses and filters, choosing color film and composing the perfect shot.

Completely revised and updated, this book covers all the technical knowledge required to take stunning color photographs. Sections on autofocus and digital cameras, together with advice on using the latest computer manipulation programs, ensure that this is one of the most up-to-date guides available.



· Completely revised and updated
· Includes all the latest innovations, including computer manipulation and the new digital cameras
· Includes over 600 full-color and black and white photographs

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The photographs in this volume range form startling landscapes to startling close-ups taken at high speed, and not only make up an exhibition of varied and beautiful color pictures but also represent a coherent exploration of the very nature of color. Supported by detailed technical sections, John Hedgecoe's photographs lead up from the basic theory of light to the subtle harmonies of color in all its aspects, and illustrate the theory and practice of all the essential techniques for using cameras, lenses and filters, choosing color film and composing the perfect shot.

Completely revised and updated, this book covers all the technical knowledge required to take stunning color photographs. Sections on autofocus and digital cameras, together with advice on using the latest computer manipulation programs, ensure that this is one of the most up-to-date guides available.

From the Back Cover

The ability to move beyond ordinary snapshots is not a matter of expensive equipment or complicated techniques. No matter what technical advances are made, creative choice will always lie in the hands of the photographer and his/her artistic perception. The aim of this book is to reveal which choices are available so that what is a pleasurable pastime can become an absorbing art. The photographs in this volume range form startling landscapes to startling close-ups taken at high speed, and not only make up an exhibition of varied and beautiful color pictures but also represent a coherent exploration of the very nature of color. Supported by detailed technical sections, John Hedgecoe's photographs lead up from the basic theory of light to the subtle harmonies of color in all its aspects, and illustrate the theory and practice of all the essential techniques for using cameras, lenses and filters, choosing color film and composing the perfect shot.

Completely revised and updated, this book covers all the technical knowledge required to take stunning color photographs. Sections on autofocus and digital cameras, together with advice on using the latest computer manipulation programs, ensure that this is one of the most up-to-date guides available.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; Rev Upd Su edition (September 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240803442
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803449
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,261,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for both digital and film photographers!, July 24, 2001

By 

S. Nare "snare" (Lebanon, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Color Photography (Paperback)

I recently made the switch to digital cameras from film cameras for many reasons. I found once I did that a large amount of the photography books out there were only applicable to traditional film cameras. Not so with this book. While there IS material in this book for traditional film photography the main focus of the book is how to take color pictures. The author divides the subject into separate sections which I have typed out below. Within each section are the related topics which contain detailed discussions for properly photographing the kind of subject matter the topic is concerned with. The book contains a nice introduction to the topic of color in the beginning and then moves into the subject matter discussions by topic. Each topic contains excellent color photographs that act as samples to both inspire and teach you how to take good color photographs. I REALLY liked this book. I highly recommend it to photographers of all levels.

Sections in this book: [1.] What is Color? (7 topics) 16pp. [2.] Working with Color (7 topics) 14 pp. [3.] Picture Composition (14 topics) 32 pp. [4.] Moods of Natural Light (18 topics) 38 pp. [5.] Using Artificial Light (4 topics) 8 pp. [6.] Subject Lighting (8 topics) 30 pp. [7.] Materials and Techniques (6 topics) 14 pp. [8.] Equipment and Darkroom (10 topics) 20 pp.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A creative, informative & inspirational book on photography, April 6, 2000

By 

Eivind Rohne - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Color Photography (Paperback)

An excellent book on various types of subjects for colour photography. Almost every picture, from the sweeping landscape to the subtle close-up are of excellent quality. You get heaps of practical advice on how to make the most of colour in your photographs, and Hedgecoe takes you through the theory of colour and light, composition and technical information as well. The advice you get from this book not only takes your photography one, but several steps further. It boosts your creative thinking, gives you a lot of valuable information, and inspires you to go right out and take those great photos! Top marks!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book for people searching for colourful pictures., February 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Art of Color Photography (Hardcover)

A Perfect book for people looking for colourful pictures. Ideal for amatures, and semi-pro. It has a great deal of information available, and rich in ideas for photographic techniques. Has various chapters dealing with different types of photography. Uses plain good comprehensive English. I highly recomend it to all Photography 'lovers'.