Customer Reviews

Infrared Photography Handbook

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I found this book practical and detailed. While it does contain a wealth of technical detail, photography is, itself, a technical subject, and this book does not overdo it. There is plenty of clear, practical advice; indeed, one of the first things that the book has you do is load the camera and go out to shoot film.

It also contains some information I haven't found in any other source (the color temperature of candlelight? It's there).

If you are interested in infrared photography and want to studiously practice the craft, this book is a must-have.

Of all the books I have bought on photography this is only the second that I feel the author has given us the full extent of her knowledge. Something that I have found to be very rare in photography books. Most books I have read the author only touches the surface and does not go into any great detail on the subject. This is not the case with Infrared Photography Handbook. It starts at the basics and works its way gently into the very technical. Unfortunatley if you want to master the art of infrared photography you must get technical. While I am no genius I found by re-reading the sections that were difficult for me I was able to comprehend all of what the book had to say. Thanks Laurie for the great book

Infrared Photography Handbook by Laurie White

Paperback 108 pages

Author/photographer Laurie White has worked exclusively with black and white infrared film for seven years. Her work is sold as fine art and has been featured in exhibits. In the Infrared Photography Handbook, White shares all she has learned about this unusual and fascinating film. If you have never used infrared film before, don't let the technical terms and information shown in this book scare you. White discusses and explains the "Electromagnetic Spectrum," "wavelength," the "Photographic Spectrum," "Spectral Ranges of Film Sensitivity, and the "Infrared Spectrum." Large and clear illustrations show us, and easy to understand language tells us, exactly what the terms mean and why we need to know this information. Key material is repeated in boxes for easy review Even so, this book will take some work and study for most, and may seem daunting to newer photographers. For photographers who have already studied light, however, this book offers a good review of the subject. White has done a thorough and competent job of discussing the physics of light. . White literally takes us by the hand and walks us through our first roll of infrared film. Our first assignment is to shoot a roll of film and take notes of the conditions under which the film was shot, then analyzing our results. Once familiar with the film, White leads us on to "Advanced Theory." The topics light sources and color temperature are reviewed. New terminology is introduced, such as "Black Body," "Spectral Energy Distribution," and "Color Temperature Values." Although technical, charts, graphs and short explanations in bold lettering make the unfamiliar vocabulary less frightening. Section III is far more user friendly and takes us where we are eager to go. "Making the Theory Work For You" talks about capturing specific subjects on your infrared film and the best techniques and equipment with which to do this. The subjects of film differences, lenses, filters, exposure and darkroom work are discussed in detail. White also writes about the basic rules of making a photograph and how--if at all--these elements are affected by infrared film. As I said, this book will take some study and concentration in order to absorb all the complex information. I'm not sure so much detail about the physics of light is necessary, but it can't hurt to have it on hand and it is something that has to be learned and learned well by anyone wishing to be a competent photographer. I give this book a solid **** star rating.

As an avid fine-art-infrared-landscape photographer I have found Laurie White's book to be the best source if information available on the subject, and I have read just about everything ever written about it. When I found out that she had written a 2nd book I jumped to get it right away. Should I ever write my own book on this subject, her works will be an invalueable source of reference for me.

There is no book in photography that I think has as much heart as this one. The author really tried to deal with a subject that is little understood, and she has the expertise to deliver common sense and productive methods for getting results. No other book on infrared can clime to do that -- and none will do it nearly as well.

This book is technical. However, if you want to shoot IR film consistently, you can either understand the Energy Distribution of your light sources or you can waste half your film bracketing. A MUST READ if you are serious about B&W Infrared. J. Mullen

I have bracked my way through $$ rolls and gotten a good photo by accident. Laurie dosen't tell you how to do it. After all who can? ( I've read every book I can find) She tells you the details you need to figure out how to start. I am going out to shoot ghost towns in the desert soon. I have some idea how to get started. I especially liked her pics comparing regular B&W and IR with different filters. I can be bold now.
I thank Laurie

This book is quite technical and is not meant for amateur photographers who want to dabble with IR for a couple of rolls to play around with. For professionally trained photographer's, this book is the standard of excellence in IR. So I disagree with those who have given this book low rating reviews. But I understand why. It is a very technical book aimed at understanding the nuances of IR film.. When one thinks about it, without an understanding of a film's characteristic's you are just guessing no matter what the film type!!! Bravo for this important work!!!

Ms. White's book is seen as the bible of infrared film use in the infrared community. Her textbook gives a very, very thorough explanation of the material. While this may be too technical for some, I found it to be perfect. This is a great book!

While some may shy away from the detailed, technical spin of this useful book, those who are really concerned with achieving the "next level" of proficiency must, at some point, start to learn WHY IR film and light perform the way they do. This book teaches you what to look for in order to produce quality prints. When you learn the technical aspects of your craft, you eliminate the trial and error process that bog down the amateurs. This great book gets you there!