Infrared Photography Handbook (Paperback)

by Laurie White (Author) "What we commonly think of as "light" is just a small portion of the energy produced by our sun..." (more)
Key Phrases: photographic spectrum, discontinuous sources, sensitometric curve, Kodak High Speed (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Accomplished infrared photographer Laurie White provides a comprehensive understanding of visible and invisible light and the techniques that will lead to success in taking infrared photographs. White discusses what equipment is needed for the best photographs, which filters to use, as well as how to focus, select appropriate subjects, recognize suitable light sources, as well as choosing the right ASA/ISO rating. She also addresses the many variables that affect infrared film and the final image, giving solid and informed basis for any infrared artistic ventures. Among the other areas of discussion are: color temperature, choosing filters, the varieties of infrared film, exposure guidelines, shooting different subjects, and composition design. White's Infrared Photography Handbook also features a variety of appendices that address proper darkroom techniques, film care and storage, film warm-up times, batch testing, auto focus, filters, as well as film and filter manufacturers. Of special interest is an appendix covering the dangers of airport x-ray machines! -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description

Loaded with photographic examples, this guide shows the range of possibilities of infrared photography and provides a thorough introduction to this increasingly popular art. Every aspect of working with infrared is introduced, including the use of filters, digital cameras, night photography, film and print development, and even hand coloring.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936262389
• ISBN-13: 978-0936262383
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #565,381 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only as technical as photography really is., January 6, 1999

By	[e-mail] (United States) - See all my reviews

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The bible for infrared photography, March 4, 1999

By	Peter ( [e-mail]) (Canada The great white north) - See all my reviews

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

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Infrared Photography, May 20, 2000

By	Marilyn Dalrymple "MaLing" (Lancaster, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.