Platinum and Palladium Printing, Second Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This book covers platinum and palladium printing in a very logical, thorough manner. If you have never done Pt/Pd, you will get all the introduction necessary to buy a kit and get started. If you have done some, you can move on fairly quickly to the more advanced topics in the book, and get more out of your printing sessions.
The printing method in this book is not for everyone. The methodology in the book is fairly numerically based, and if you like to work by instinct and intuition, this may not be the right approach for you. However, the discussions of available papers, chemical use and hazzards, and other resources listed in the book are worth the price of admission alone, not to mention the exquisite photographs reproduced in duotone.
The photographs are quite inspirational; Arentz is clearly a master image-maker from the printing perspective, as well as having an eye for composition and subject.
There are other books on platinum printing out there (most notably by Weese and Sullivan) but this book is the one resource I keep going back to again and again.

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Platinum and palladium printing is one of the easiest of the non-silver processes to learn. This guide offers a number of variations, which the photographer can closely control. Photographers interested in learning, or improving upon this process, will find this book an indispensable resource and reference guide. This is an absolute must-have for professional photographers and printmakers.Inside you will find: *The three basic phases of printing: sensitometry, chemistry, and mechanics *Practical information based on the making of over 3,000 platinum and palladium prints, covering everything from making your first print, to the most advanced techniques to challenge experienced printers*Over 50 duotones of the author's platinum and palladium prints and those of five contributorsAlso included for the first time are contributions written by recognized authorities in their fields:*Pyro and Platinum Printing by Bob Herbst*Crafting Digital Negatives by Mark Nelson*Ultraviolet Light Sources by Sandy King*Custom Platinum Printing by Stan Klimek* Practical information based on the making of over 3000 platinum and palladium prints * Includes 50 duotones of Arentz's platinum and palladium prints* Explains sensitometry as applied to the platinum/palladium process

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Photographic Possibilities, Second Edition: The Expressive Use of Ideas, Materials and Processes Review

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(More customer reviews)Although this is a vast improvement over the first edition, I still have reservations about the book. The essays are a bit oversimplified (Such as "Why we take pictures"), which don't seem to understand that the readers of a book about alternative processes are looking a bit deeper into the subject of photography.
Artists such as Robert Parkeharrison and Mike and Doug Starn are mentioned, but I would like to know more about their processes and more importantly, why they believe these techniques are the best medium for their images.
The technical information is well-presented, but there is one glaring omission that I believe is the book's main flaw: lack of color. A comprehensive chapter on toners leaves one frustrated as to what all these formulas look like when applied to a print. There are eight pages of full-color plates, but they mostly illustrate different artist's work, and not the processes that are described.

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Photographic Possibilities, Second Edition continues to provide a reliable source of techniques and ideas for the use of alternative and contemporary photographic processes that photographers have come to depend on. Professional photographers and advanced students seeking to increase their skills will discover modern and classic methods of creating and manipulating images.This practical guide integrates technical methods with the aesthetic outcome.It offers readers clear, step-by-step instructions on historic and on contemporary processes that integrate both the technical information and the aesthetic inspiration needed to create outstanding photographs.This new expanded edition concisely covers the most significant new products, processes, and issues that have effected the practice during the past decade. Two new chapters are exclusively devoted to digital photography, covering the history of digital imaging as well as the latest techniques and practices.Also included is an in-depth discussion on the copyright, which deals with the ethical and conceptual issues surrounding digital imaging that are rapidly changing the world of photography. *New chapter on digital imaging*Features artwork for almost 100 top photographers*Explains key techniques such as Cyanotype, Polaroid transfers, and Photo WeavingWORK CALL FOR NEW EDITION

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The Photographer's Handbook (Third Edition, Revised) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is good for those looking for a wide surface treatment of the whole spectrum of photography. Points of disucssion are almost always clearly illustrated with photographs or high-quality drawings, and many specific examples of equipment are given. This book will inspire you to try many different photographic techniques. However, all those nifty photos and pages devoted to escoterica don't leave much room for the basics, and so this book can't be reccomended as a decent manual or textbook for raw beginners trying to improve their photography.

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A classic, bestselling photographer's manual is issued for the first time in paperback, revised and updated. More than 600 separate entries illustrated with 1,250 photographs, diagrams, and charts cover the entire range of subject matter, from choosing a camera to storing finished prints.

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Blueprint to Cyanotypes: Exploring a Historical Alternative Photographic Process Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an excellent book if you're trying alternative photographic process. It helped me a lot during my experiments with cyanotypes. It tells you all you need and want to know about cyanotypes, and explains clearly all the process.

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The cyanotype is often the first alternative process that people try. Digital photography has given this historical process new life. Now you can create negatives in your computer and develop the prints in the sun, combining one of the earliest photographic techniques with the latest. The cyanotype process is a perfect compliment to today's digital photography, whether you are making creative prints or fine art. It gives experienced photographers and artists a great excuse to take their eyes off the computer screen and get their hands dirty.Blueprint to cyanotypes is all you need to get started with cyanotypes. It is full of information and tips. It is also inspiration to see samples of 19 artists currently working with cyanotypes.Blueprint to cyanotypes is published by AlternativePhotography.com - a website and information center for alternative photographic processes, dedicated to education and research.

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Photographic Possibilities, Third Edition: The Expressive Use of Equipment, Ideas, Materials, and Processes Review

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(More customer reviews)Robert Hirsch's Photographic Possibilities, Third Edition, is absolutely fantastic and takes its place as the frontrunner among texts concerned with experimental photography. This new book is wonderfully updated with current information and most importantly; it's a visual and creative feast. The turn of each page is a delight for the eyes, as well as incredible inspiration for trying new techniques, exploring, playing, and taking chances with clear and precise guidance from an expert and venerable writer (See Hirsch's other books: Light and Lens: Photography in the Digital Age--the benchmark of excellence in the new hybrid world of traditional and digital imaging; Seizing the Light: A Social History of Photography- the standard of excellence in the history of photography; and Exploring Color Photography: From the Darkroom to the Digital Studio- the standout book in its field as well).
Photographic Possibilities is the most beautifully illustrated text on experimental photography available today, profusely filled with numerous wonderful images and examples of the many techniques presented in clear chapters; from elegant, antique 19th century contact printing methods like platinum and gum printing, to 21st century step-by-sep procedures using computers and inkjet printers for experimental purposes and creating enlarged negatives. The publisher obviously spent the significant funds required for reproducing every photograph in its required color and spot varnishing each image, producing a truly stunning book of beautiful pictures.
Beyond the inspiring illustrations, another strength of Photographic Possibilities is the quality of the writing. Hirsch has proven his skills in research over many years, regarding practically every facet of photography's technique, aesthetic, and history. This latest edition, vastly updated, is the compilation of all this knowledge, as well as extensive interviews with artists and experts around the world sharing their discoveries with a highly accomplished, respected fellow artist and author. No other text on this subject can match Photographic Possibilities for the clarity of its text, its concise writing, or the beauty of the reproductions.
In the spirit of disclosure, Robert Hirsch has kindly included some of my artwork in this book, but as a university professor who has taught alternative processes in colleges and workshops for over 30 years, I would rave about this innovative book anyway! Photographic Possibilities is the clearest, most inspiring, most concisely written, and most beautifully illustrated book in the field, and is a valuable resource for everyone. All photographers, ranging from enthusiasts to deadly serious fine art professionals will have enough information, and most importantly, enough inspiration to last a long lifetime- if you wear gloves.

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Photographic Possibilities, Third Edition is a marvelously updated resource of innovative and traditional photographic processes that imagemakers have come to trust and depend on to enhance their technical knowledge, create astonishing pictures, and raise their visual consciousness. This concise and reliable handbook provides professional and advanced photography students with practical pathways of utilizing diverse photographic methods to produce engaging, expressive pictures from an informed aesthetic and conceptual position. This update, in full color for this first time, offers new links between analog and digital photography by featuring clear, up-to-date, step-by-step instructions on topics ranging from making ambrotypes and digital negatives to pre-picturemaking activities that utilize a thinking system to visually realize what is in your mind's eye in an effective and safe manner.This edition vividly showcases the thought-provoking work of over 140 international artists including Peter Beard, Dan Burkholder, Carl Chiarenza, Michael Kenna, Dinh Q. Lê, Joe Mills, Andrea Modica, Bea Nettles, France Scully and Mark Osterman, Robert & Shana ParkeHarrison, Holly Roberts, Martha Rosler, Mike and Doug Starn, John Sexton, Brian Taylor, Jerry Uelsmann, and Joel Peter Witkin as well as other major and emerging talents. Image captions explain how each artist technically realized their vision and concept.All technical information and resources have been refreshed to provide the latest data for acquiring the products needed for these processes. Above all, this comprehensive reference provides field-proven know-how, encouragement, inspiration, and a profuse compendium of promising photo-based explorations one can discover and pursue.* Two new chapters bridging digital and analog photography, including a discussion of digital negatives.* Explains key techniques of Photogram, Cyanotype, Photo Weaving, Gum Prints, and more. * Completely revised to include updated resources and the newest information on where to find products or how to replace discontinued products. * Includes breathtaking photographs displaying how artists can apply different approaches with insight and aesthetic concern

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The New Darkroom Handbook Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased this book because i am planning to build a darkroom in my basement, and it has provided me with alot of information. And if you have a really small bathroom and you think it's impossible to turn it into a darkroom and use it at the same time, then you better get this book. There are floorplans/layouts & elevation provided, as well as pictures to give you an idea of how your darkroom will turn out. There are so many alternatives given that you can't go wrong in builiding the perfect darkroom of your own and save money as well.

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The Darkroom Handbook, Second Edition, is a completely revised and updated version of a classic guide to the best design, construction, and equipment to use when setting up a darkroom.This book features ideas and money-saving tips on how to put a darkroom almost anywhere in your home or apartment.It takes you inside darkrooms of photographers around the world including those of famous photographers such as, Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind, Berenice Abbott, and W. Eugene Smith.In addition, it contains detailed do-it-yourself plans for the most essential darkroom components, cutouts and design grids to plan that "dream" darkroom, and special sections on the color darkroom and the digital darkroom.The most comprehensive book on the darkroom.A step-by-step guide to help anyone plan and build a photo lab.Illustrated with an abundance of photos and sketches.

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Explorer's Guide Yosemite & the Southern Sierra Nevada: Includes Mammoth Lakes, Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Death Valley: A Great Destination (Second Edition) (Explorer's Great Destinations) Review

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(More customer reviews)David Page's storyteller voice is clear and one you'll enjoy. For anyone looking to explore the Sierra Nevada - east and south plus Yosemite and all the way to Death Valley - buy this book. In-depth descriptions will guide you to all destinations off-road and on, from the lowest to the highest. The most beautiful sides of California and everything you'll need to get there and back.
All the history, geography and background to explore these incredible landscapes -- some of the other worldly. And inspire you to visit again and again. California has more than its share of National Parks, but none more exceptional than Yosemite, Death Valley, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon. David provides the essentials for first-timers or experienced travelers to these scenic wonders. Trails, lodging, restaurants, landmarks -- it's all there and more. You can use this as a guide, but just as easily read it as a first-person account.
That ribbon of Hwy 395, in and out of the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and Mt. Whitney, it's magic. Every detail is revealed in the Explorer's Guide Yosemite & the Southern Sierra Nevada: Includes Mammoth Lakes, Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Death Valley: A Great Destination. I do wish fonts were larger and darker. Some of us who are visually challenged will be challenged all the more. There was a lot of ground to cover and this was the only way to get it done. This is the most special side of California and one I know well. And even better now with David's book id in my collection. Though some of my secreted places have been exposed. I like to share but some things I keep close to the vest!

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Awarded "Best Guidebook" by the Outdoor Writers of CA, "Best Travel Guidebook" by the Bay Area Travel Writers, and a Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.The only complete guide to California's southern Sierra Nevada--some of the most stunning wilderness in North America--is better than ever in this revised, updated edition. Detailed reviews of lodging, dining, and recreation, plus outfitters, campsites, trails, and points of historic and cultural interest. More than 100 photographs by the best contemporary professional photographers, as well as from historic archives. Includes chapters on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Mammoth Lakes, the Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra, and Death Valley."This is the definitive (as well as wonderfully eccentric) guide tothe immensity of the southern Sierra and Owens Valley. John Muir wouldbe pleased." --Mike Davis, author of City of Quartz and Ecology of Fear

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The Darkroom Cookbook, Third Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)As stated in the summery this is a great book for people who wish to advance in the darkroom; to have more control over their work. The Darkroom Cookbook discuss, in easy to understand concise language, how to make your own developers, toners, fixers, reducers etc. Stephen Anchell gives you the formulas to reproduce, in your own darkroom, a host of great developers etc. He also gives some basic info on hints and tools you will need to get started. A well written book easy to follow; though a little knowledge of basic chemistry is helpful. I am a new darkroomer and found this book has a wealth of inforamtion helpful if you like to expeirment. By the way, If you are just being introduced to the darkroom or rusty at it, don't buy this book at this momment. Wait untill you feel comfortable working in the darkroom using stock chemicals, this book might discourage some from beinning because it is a techincal manual.

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The art of darkroom developing and printing will never go out of style. Master darkroom specialist Steve Anchell is back to prove it in this long-awaited third edition of his enormously successful Darkroom Cookbook. Packed with over 200 "recipes," some common and others rare gems, you'll discover something new every time you open this guide, whether you're new to the darkroom or have been making your own prints for years. In addition to the formulas, you'll find tons of useful information on developers, push-processing, where to get darkroom equipment, how to set up your own darkroom, how to work and play in your darkroom safely, and much more. This handy guide will become a constant companion for every darkroom enthusiast creating prints at home or in the studio.In addition to complete updates throughout to reflect changes in the availability of chemicals and equipment, this third edition contains all new information on:*Reversal processing*Enlarged negatives*Pyro formulas*Plus expanded sections on printing, pyro, and toning printsAlso included for the first time are special technique contributions as well as stunning black and white imagery by Bruce Barnbaum, Rod Dresser, Jay Dusard, Patrick Gainer, Richard Garrod, Henry Gilpin, Gordon Hutchings, Sandy King, Les McLean, Saïd Nuseibeh, France Scully Osterman, Mark Osterman, Tim Rudman, Ryuijie, John Sexton, and John Wimberly.Be sure to visit www.darkroomcookbook.com to find useful links, an interactive user forum, and more!Steve Anchell is a photographer and author of The Variable Contrast Printing Manual, and co-author of The Film Developing Cookbook. He has been teaching darkroom and photography workshops since 1979. Steve is a member of the Freestyle Advisory Board of Photographic Professionals."With its unrivalled collection of photographic formulae and easy to understand explanations of photographic processes, The Darkroom Cookbook has long been a favorite with darkroom workers everywhere. Now, with further additions to its formulary, more topics, and contributions by renowned darkroom experts, this new edition promises to be an indispensable Aladdin's Cave resource to darkroom enthusiasts of all levels."-Tim Rudman, photographer and author"The Darkroom Cookbook is an essential compendium of photographic information for anyone interested in high-quality darkroom work." -John Sexton, photographer*Packed with rare techniques for silver-based processing clearly explained by a darkroom master so you can create your own stunning prints at home or in the studio *Contains over 200 formulas - follow along step-by-step, or experiment with your own variations to develop new recipes!*Includes a brand-new chapter on analog variable contrast printing *Visit the new supplemental website to find useful links and an interactive user forum

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Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs Review

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(More customer reviews)No matter how hard I search, I've yet to find the "perfect" book on herb use and herb growing. This book isn't perfect, but it does have some real strengths.
Rodale's ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS is organized in a strange way--everything, and I mean everything--falls into alphabetical order. For example, "Gardening with Herbs falls between "Foxgloves" and "Garlic" and "Growing Herbs" falls between "Grindellia" and "Hawthorn."
The book is printed on semi-gloss paper so it will stand up to use and not crumble in a few years. Each entry contains line drawing illustrations and a few sections of the book are highlighted with color photos.
The plant profiles are succinct, covering topics such as 'history', 'cultivation' and 'uses.' Many entries contain material from other sources such as Maud Grieves' A MODERN HERBAL Vols. 1-2. Some information is repeated without attribution or verification. I always find "They say" and "It is thought" offputting, while I appreciate direct citations of which there are many in this book.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA covers some topics not readily found in other books. The most useful of these is a compendium discussing the "Dangers of Herbs" (located between "Dandelion" and "Deadly Nightshade." The editors have compiled the FDA listing of "tricky" herbs (could kill or cure depending on use) from PREVENTION magazine, as well as similar ratings from James Duke's CRC HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL HERBS, Jean Rose's HERBS AND THINGS, and Varro Tyler's THE HONEST HERBAL. You realize on reading this section that everything is relative.
The biggest problem with the misuse of herbal remedies is the misclassification of plants by the practicioner. To be an herbal healer one simply must understand botany. The second biggest problem is conflicting information about what a plant will or will not do based on singular accounts (which could be the result of a misclassification of plants or a misapplication of the plant extract). The third problem is idiosyncratic plant and human interaction. One man's poison can be another man's elixer. As with synthetic drugs, each individual has a unique chemical compostion and the herb in question may or may not be effective, or in some cases may provoke an allergy. Of course, there are some herbs that are downright deadly as every mystery reader knows.
This wouldn't be a Rodale book with out a section on "Pests" and "Pest Control" or the synergistic and conflicting effects of various plant combinations in the garden. This information and the sections on poisonous attributes make the book worth it's cost. All I can say about plant combinations can be summed up to this...plant catnip. You'll have to read the book to find out which kind.

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Way Beyond Monochrome 2e: Advanced Techniques for Traditional Black & White Photography including digital negatives and hybrid printing Review

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(More customer reviews)Disclaimer: I am casually acquainted with one of the authors (R.L.) via a photography forum, and one of my images is included in this book. However, I feel that neither of these issues preclude me from offering an honest critique.
I was at first struck by the size of this book: with 500+ pages, it is an encyclopedia! But the volume of this book is appropriate for its broad, technical scope. The book addresses the physiological aspects of seeing, and the refinement of print tonality... and everything in between. Consistent with the modern context, the reader will also find a thorough treatment of all the digital, hybrid, and traditional tools. With a strong emphasis on clarifying techniques, this book is *very* thoroughly illustrated. Hardly a page is without an example, an illustration or a graph. In addition, numerous tables and templates are found in an appendix. It's literally impossible for me to locate a technical topic that wasn't appropriately described. Yes, MTF, dry down, transmittance etc. are all given full schrift!
The risk that the authors take with this book is to overwhelm the reader with the technical scope, with insufficient treatment of the creative aspects that must always drive the successful craft. Indeed the book contains ~90% technical content. There is a small section on visualization, and a larger "On Assignment" section with narrated examples, but the reader will not find much discussion of fundamental issues such as: what distinguishes black and white photography as an art form; why black and white is effective in some cases for which color photography is not; and the special role of certain abstract graphical elements in the black and white craft.
For my own taste, there could and probably should be more weight given to these qualitative aspects, and for that reason my rating of this book is not perfect. That said, I realize that most readers expect and appreciate the technical guidance... and abstract statements about the unique effectiveness of black and white photography are probably best made with photographs rather than words!
Overall, this book is a real achievement- an authoritative reference that will be widely cited for many years to come. I recommend it very highly, and note that the low price is a very pleasant surprise, given the volume of very useful information. I am certain that this book will be at least as successful as the first edition, which is also very highly regarded.

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Photo Techniques Magazine stated: "All our readers need to know about this very useful book." Indeed, there is no other compendium that is as in-depth as this for the beauty and magic of fine-art black-and-white photography. With 560 pages and over 1,000 illustrations, Way Beyond Monochrome starts with conceptual lessons of composition and takes you through image capture, exposure, controlling tonality, variable-contrast paper, archival printing, mounting, framing and presentation with simple concepts to an advanced level. This new edition has been completely revised and heavily expanded, adding over 250 pages to the original edition with new chapters on print mounting, spotting, framing, digital negatives, utilizing digital technologies for alternative processes, and fabulous do-it-yourself projects. Overall, the authors have created a thoroughly researched, technologically sound yet aesthetically pleasing, inspirational bible for monochrome photography.

New to this edition:


almost double the content

a new section discussing the path from visualization to print, illustrating the interaction between eye and brain, explaining the rules of composition and when to break them to produce photographs with impact

a new section on presentation including hands-on mounting, matting, spotting, and framing

image capture has a more in-depth focus, now covering pinhole photography and digital capture

now includes making and printing with digital negatives

a new section discussing the pros and cons of typical image-taking and image-making equipment

plus new do-it-yourself projects, including many darkroom tools and an electronic shutter tester

a useful collection of templates, to copy, cut-out and take with you in your camera bag or use in the darkroom

an appendix with all the recipes to make your own darkroom chemicals from scratch

all illustrations improved and updated

improved index with 1,400 references

Detailed explanations and lessons of everything monochrome related

Inspirational black and white photos packed into the book for visual inspiration

Tons of full-color illustrations and graphs to demonstrate visually to a visual audience
Now with a new glossary for quick reference

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