Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual [Paperback]

Henry Horenstein (Author), Carol Keller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 1983

A totally revised edition of one of the best-selling books in the field. The best basic photography book on the market has now been updated to include all the latest techniques, materials, and processes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 229 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 2 Revised edition (May 30, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316373141
• ISBN-13: 978-0316373142
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Black & White

More About the Author

Henry Horenstein is a widely published and exhibited professional photographer and the author of more than two dozen books, including the classic texts Black & White Photography and Beyond Basic Photography, and monographs such as Honky Tonk, Animalia, Show, Close Relations, and Racing Days. Horenstein is professor of photography at the Rhode Island School of Design. You can see his work at www.horenstein.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

150 of 152 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From amateur to Ansel Adams in a weekend, April 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual (Paperback)

Quick! What f-stop should you use when you've got 400 film, 1/250 sec. shutter speed and it's a cloudy day? Stumped? Maybe you don't know the difference between an f-stop and a stop sign? Or maybe you just got a new camera and can't figure out why there are so many knobs and buttons. If any of the above apply to you, then this book must be in your collection. Horenstein's book is helpful for the beginning photographer or for those who want to experiment with black and white photography, a lost art making a comeback. It teaches you about photographic composition, film speed, aperture settings, and shutter speeds. You'll even learn how to develop your own film, if you're so inclined. Even if you just want great pictures that will last a lifetime (did you know that color photos are more likely to fade over time than black and white?), you'll enjoy experimenting with the techniques offered in this helpful manual.

60 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent starter!, June 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual (Paperback)

I like this book because it's just what a beginner needs to get started on photography. It explains techniques and methods regarding focus, exposure, film developing and printing in a clear and concise manner. Definitely a lot better than my camera manual!

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good for what it is., February 13, 2001

By 

Matthew Allen Butkus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual (Paperback)

Owning and understanding this text is the Learner's Permit for Black and White Photography. It offers all of the information that a beginning photographer needs to know to make black-and-white photographs. It is written for a neophyte -- someone who has the passion for photography, but does not yet understand the compexities involved. As such, if the reader is an experienced photographer, they will most likely find a better reference elsewhere. However, for someone breaking into the field it is invaluable, and is used as the textbook for a few local institutions offering classes in black-and-white photography.

By its very nature, it realizes that not every aspect of professional photography will be covered. Hence, professional finishing techniques (among other things), while alluded to, are not explored in detail (nor should they be). If the text were meant to be a comprehensive volume covering all aspects of photography, the size and technical detail would be intimidating to someone new to the field. Since, however, it is meant as an introductory text, it succeeds quite well. All of the information that an inexperienced photographer needs is contained herein (camera design, film ratings, aperture, speed, processing, basic finishing, etc.). I recommend it to anyone interested in photography and the basics of photographic technique.