Mastering Black-and-White Photography: From Camera to Darkroom [Paperback]

Bernhard Suess (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1995

Mastering Black-and-White Photography is an introduction to the techniques of black-and-white photography and a thoughtful exploration of how to use those techniques effectively to develop creative skills. Twenty-five illustrated chapters explain practical and artistic matters in a friendly style, from cameras, lenses, and film to developing, to printing, light, and aesthetics. This invaluable resource helps to understand the nuances surrounding the art and technique of black-and-white photography and to use that understanding to create better photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Drawing upon 20 years of experience as an accomplished professional photographer, Suess offers readers a very thorough introduction to black-and-white photography. Virtually everything an amateur needs to know about getting started, from selecting a camera to setting up a darkroom, is covered. The author is not only knowledgeable but writes in a pleasant, conversational tone. His willingness to share his expertise makes this a useful and satisfying book. Although it is geared primarily to amateurs, professionals may also profit from much of the advice presented here. A valuable addition to photography collections in both public and academic libraries; highly recommended.?Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, Ill.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Bernhard J Suess's work is marked by thoroughness and care. He derives his opinions from careful research and original thinking, and he's good at explaining things in language anyone can understand. His many contributions to Darkroom & Creative Camera Techniques magazine over the years have been of great usefulness to photographers -- Darkroom & Creative Camera Techniques

Enjoy a strong introduction to the basics of black and white photos through an exploration of techniques and craftsmanship which emphasizes building upon basic knowledge of lenses, film, developing techniques and shooting techniques. These are basic instructions tailored for novices and should educate and delight audiences who want strong illustration of techniques. -- Midwest Book Review

From composing, to exposing, to processing, to mounting, to selling, this is a masterful book. Suess explains everything well very well with helpful diagrams and charts. . . . Bolstering the explanations, Suess offers a wealth of practical suggestions to improve your photography, many of which are just as useful when shooting color. . . . Even experienced photographers will find useful information in this book -- Popular Photography

The reader or student is given the information necessary to learn the new skills, but not over-loaded with details that will confuse or complicate the learning process. . . . Mastering Black and White Photography would be an excellent choice as a text for a college or adult level basic photography class -- Shutterbug

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880559234
• ISBN-13: 978-1880559239
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,322,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Black & White

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good way to start out in B&W photography, August 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mastering Black-and-White Photography: From Camera to Darkroom (Paperback)

I don't know whether this is the best book to start learning photography. It had the correct level for me, and it is written in a very nice and easy-going style. I like it so I recommend it. It got me on track and quickly resulted in my converging towards a very acceptable standard of exposing, developing and printing my shots; that's what the book promises, and that's what it did.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent starting point for photography!, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mastering Black-and-White Photography: From Camera to Darkroom (Paperback)

This is the first book I bought after I bought a non-point&shoot camera. Bernhard takes the reader from the basics of how to operate a camera to film development, and then to printing. The style is easy to read and understand, and the information is wonderfully accessible.

This is a wonderful primer for a budding photographer before moving on to the Ansel Adams series. This book should be the first book for someone who wants to be highly knowledgeable and skilled in photography.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take you to the next level..., May 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mastering Black-and-White Photography: From Camera to Darkroom (Paperback)

I have been doing b+w photography on again and off again for years. I found many of the current books frustrating because they all give the same shallow coverage of the same basics. Mr. Suess does a great job of giving you multiple levels of information that you can easily access as you want. I browsed it for a quick refresher and got right back into the swing of things. But I went back and got a much deeper understanding of the technical issues that the other books ignore. The book is current and immediately useful. It is full of good examples and practical tips.

It is specific to b+w, but that is what I wanted. He clearly explained the differences between papers, films, techniques, and let the reader come to his own conclusions. I found his style easy to read and appreciated that he didn't push his opinions as facts. Instead he encourages you to experiment and form your own.

His book is a good balance of the technique and art. I enjoyed how he explained the history behind some of the technology, i.e. where our current RC papers and modern films come from. It presents a richer world of photography then just the latest and greatest. I have never reviewed another book on Amazon before. This book just helped me so much that I wanted to say thanks!