The Photographer's Guide to Black & White: A Complete Masterclass [Paperback]

John Freeman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2006 | Series: Complete Masterclass

The art of black and white has become increasingly mainstream, embraced by photographers of all levels. Amateurs eager to make the most of the medium will find coverage of every important area in this guide by popular photography author John Freeman. Filled with numerous diagrams and dynamic images, it offers discussions of equipment, from a basic flashgun to a professional studio setup; depth of field; and exposure. Master advanced skills such as making digital composites, turning color images into black and white, using filters, and retouching to create professional quality photos. The diverse subjects include portraits, nudes, landscapes, architecture, interiors, and still lifes.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Freeman is a highly-experienced photographer as well as the creator of many books including the acclaimed architectural volumes London Revealed and Moscow Revealed. This book is part of a series aimed at the intermediate photographer covering several aspects of the profession - including Landscapes (1843401762), Portraits (1843401754), and Composition (1843401703). He is also the author of the bestselling book Photography: The New Complete Guide to Taking Photographs (184340270X). Based in London, SE1, he travels extensively and works regularly in the field of publishing for both books and magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Collins & Brown (October 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843401789
• ISBN-13: 978-1843401780
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Black & White

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Black and White Essentials, July 24, 2007

By 

Leif Asbjørnsen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Photographer's Guide to Black & White: A Complete Masterclass (Paperback)

In an age dominated by glossy, commercial color pictures, there is obviously a longing for the sober black and white picture, which according to Freeman tends to focus more on an in depth interpretation of a scene than the more conspicuous color photography. And while it is easy to hide a bad composition and lack of texture and tone in a picture behind nice colors, it is much more difficult to do so in a black and white picture.

In his book Freeman introduces us to the basics of SLR photography in general and black and white photography in particular as to portraiture, landscapes and architecture etc. He does so in a matter of fact way illustrated with relevant, pin sharp photos of his own making. This is book that ought to be a source of inspiration for all those people who admire the classic black and white pictures of e.g. Ansel Adams and who want to understand the essentials of this mode of expression.