Photography (Paperback)

~ Barbara London (Author), John Upton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A picture tells a thousand stories, but the one it doesn't tell is how the shot was made. Barbara London and John Upton's Photography is an all-inclusive look at the craft of photography. This book will help any amateur move up a few notches, and it serves as a refresher course for professionals as well. The sixth edition of this classic work (the first was published in 1976) includes a companion Web site with interactive activities, Web resources, and a learning archive. Amply illustrated with at least one photograph or diagram on almost every page, Photography is the one reference work every student of photography must have--even those who will never set foot in a classroom. --Brenda Pittsley

Product Description

This best-selling, comprehensive text-with its superb instructional illustrations-is the most cutting-edge photography text on the market. It features extensive coverage of digital imaging-with the latest technological developments, such as Web page design and formatting photos on CD-ROMs. Step-by-step instructions have a "Lights Out" feature to help students better identify darkroom techniques.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Longman Pub Group; 6th edition (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321011082
• ISBN-13: 978-0321011084
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (82 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #424,153 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

125 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST be on your bookshelf., April 16, 2003

By	Alexander L. Belikoff (NY, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Photography (7th Edition) (Paperback)

For those impatient enough: if you are to buy one book that would teach you photography - this should be the one. This book has survived seven editions and it has enough information to make your head hurt. Needless to say, this book does not offer a silver bullet that would make you Ansel Adams, but it has enough information to build a solid technical foundation upon which you could leverage your creativity.

Make no mistake: this book is first and foremost about film photography. While there is a somewhat obligatory chapter on digital photography, it is hardly more than a very brief introduction. The rest of the book implies film photography (needless to say, that information on exposure and lens is generally applicable to both film and digital photography techniques).

Furthermore, the book is seriously geared toward black and white photography. There is plenty of information about the color process but it feels complementary to the narration.

On the negative side, there are only a couple things to note:
- Having so many precise instructions, this book ought to have an appendix containing all data in one place (from reciprocity failure correction numbers, to N+2 development time increase, to film processing checklists). It is a shame, the book doesn't have such a reference chapter.
- The price of the latest edition is way too steep. While I am far from suggesting sacrificing quality for lower price (as unfortunately so many other books do), I still think that the price has risen way too high compared to older editions.

All in all, it is an excellent basic reference. It is unlikely to be the only book on your shelf, but it will definitely be an extremely useful one while you are mastering advanced photography. Bottom line: buy this book now.

63 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best reference book ever found., August 4, 1999

By A Customer

When in college, I took a photography course from a well known and respected photographer in the Bay Area. This was the textbook we were to purchase. I have since turned to photography full time. I look to this book for little things from time to time and I am glad it is there. It is like a little mentor. I recommend it to all people I speak with who say that they would like to know more about photography. It is a great book. One you will use over and over again. One that will not grow dust on its' cover.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent textbook for those starting out, December 2, 1999

By	Ahmed Badr (Cairo, Egypt) - See all my reviews

This is a great book for amateurs who want to understand how photography works. The textbook format is well laid out and organized. It has chapters that cover everything from how the camera works and different lens characteristics to developing and criticizing your own work. I don't think it will be much use for experienced and pro photographers but it might come in handy to freshen up on your photo knowledge.