Books for the Fine Printer

[arigram]

Thank you all for your suggestions!
Please keep them coming! I am sure others are interested in it.
There should be review posts in the books forum of the analog technique books.
After all, they aren't -that- many.

With all the suggestions for Les book, I am surprised he didn't write one himself.
I am sure he is too modest for that.

 

[ooze]

The Larry Bartlett book is very enjoyable. The photographs are mostly in the classic reportage style. It clearly shows how L. Bartlett took the straight print to a finished print; many of which are quite stunning.

The Steve MacLeod book is also nice, but somehow left me a bit cold.

Eddie Ephraum's "Creative Elements" is full of impressive landscape pictures and loads of formulas (to make toners, developers etc from raw chemicals), but I can't help feeling that he overworks his prints with his endless bleaching and toning stuff; but the final prints are fantastic indeed.

But, Aristotelis, there are two books that I would definitely recommend: "Darkroom" and "Darkroom2" by Lustrum Press. They are rather difficult to find because they were pulished in 1977 and 78, respectively. Also, the print quality of the photographs is rather poor by todays standards. However, whereas most other books are monographic in that they show one persons methods, these darkroom books are a collection of the working practices of 23 photographers; and it's astonishing to find out how literally each of them does everything in their own unique way.
For example, Eikoh Hosoe says: "I prefer to use high contrast paper and a rather thin negative...", whereas Ralph Gibson says: "I overexpose, and overdevelop and, in the process, pick up grain and contrast. This yields a dense negative, but through the years I have found that I prefer them this way".

 

[Jim Chinn]

I have seen or own all the books previously mentioned. I believe that the following book is far and away the best book to learn and refine your printing.

The Elements of Black and White Printing, Going Beyond Darkroom Basics by Carson Graves (2nd edt, Focal Press).


This book covers basics of chemistry of paper developers, how to test and evaluate papers and chemistry, efficient printing techniques, archival processing and more. This book specifically covers learning to print as well as slavage techniques for problem negatives, as well as sections on toning, bleaching, evaluating prints etc.

If I was going to teach a class on printing, this would be the book I would use for a text.

 

[Bob Carnie]

I have darkroom 2 , I didn't think to mention this book as it is quite old and I have not seen it on the bookshelves for years. so if you want more here are a few that I found to have usefull info
The compact photo lab index - M&M
the focal encyclopedia of photography
copying and duplicating - kodak m-1
The care of photographs- siegrried rempel
the darkroom handbook - dennis curtin and joe demaio

Any book Phil Davis produced in the early 70"s , his book was our first year guide book.


A suggestion is to go to any college or university that has a photographic book section or thesis. I know Ryerson here in Toronto has an archive of technical /artistic notes that would choke a horse.

 

[GreyWolf]

Way Beyond Monochrome is an excellent book with very little digital content. Also Tim Rudman's Master Printing book is a great asset with a real and practical approach.

Another book that fills a lot of gaps is Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz "Perfect Exposure" which I highly recommend. Roger has a wonderfully simple and clear approach to a variety of common questions.

Ctein's Post Exposure is also another on my list of must haves.

Kind Regards,

 

[Dave Swinnard]

I'd like to recommend both David Vestal books:

"The Craft of Photography" (1978) and "The Art of Black and White Enlarging" (1984) have been useful to me in the past (bought when new). Likely available used, but I haven't checked.

I remember being incensed while reading the Craft book. Vestal was presuming to challenge me and my ways (I was younger and much 'smarter' then...) - humility and knowledge came eventually and David Vestal was a major source for me.

Dave
(older, humbler and no-so-smart but still learning)
(it snowed in Vancouver and more's coming tonight - how dare it!?)

 

[John Koehrer]

Vestal's column is the only reason I look at Phototechniques any more, have'nt bought a copy for at least two years. Plainly written articles in the books that summarize "what works for me may not work for you"

 

[Steve Weston]

Hi
I would highly recommend trying to get hold of both Barry Thorntons books 'Elements' and 'Edge of darkness'. Both are an excellent read and full of information. It was a sad day when I read of his death. Reading through this thread all the other books mentioned are a duplication of my library and I would recommend these to.
Steve.

 

[roteague]

I saw a book at the bookstore about nighttime photography by Sanderson - I don't remember his first name. In spite of the title, there was a great section about two-bath development, stand development with good examples. The book is worth buying even if just for this one section.

 

[phfitz]

Arigram,

"Since I can't walk down to any bookstores and flip through the books, I would appreciate some description so I can order it online." Is there a problem or just that book stores don't carry enough photo books?

A legitimate suggestion is to find the old magazine:
'Darkroom & Creative Camera Techniques' which became "Photo Techniques", the older ones were literally filled with exactly what you are looking for.

Just a thought.

 

[Andrew Forrester]

A must have book for me will be John Blakemore's black & white photography workshop which is due to be published in March

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...25231/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_8_1/202-5975926-4374240

 

[arigram]

Arigram,
Is there a problem or just that book stores don't carry enough photo books?

The carry almost NO books, atleast here in Crete.
Apart from the coffe table landscape books of the country the only technical books are a couple of general photography for amatueurs and Photoshop guides.

 

[Ole]

It's the same in (most of) Norway. I have found Amazon uk to be the best source, but you need to know what you're looking for.

 

[arigram]

Ok guys, these are the books I found and just ordered from Amazon uk. Most of the stuff you suggest are not in print anymore so I will need to look more into that.
Thank you for all your suggestions!

- "Creative Black & White Photography (Creative Photography)"
Les McLean;
- "Creative Elements: Landscape Photography - Darkroom Techniques"
Eddie Ephraums;
- "The Photographer's Master Printing Course: In Association with "Amateur Photographer" (Mitchell Beazley Photography S.)"
Tim Rudman
- "The Master Printer's Workbook: A Professional Guide to Black and White Darkroom Techniques"
Steve McLeod;

 

[Carol]

Hi Arigram. Like you I cannot get to a bookstore to choose a photographic book, so I was wondering how you liked the ones you ordered. I am looking to add to my small collection and would like a book on B&W photography, not so much darkroom, as the actual photography side of it. Thanks.

 

[roy]

A must have book for me will be John Blakemore's black & white photography workshop which is due to be published in March

Yes, I would agree with that. Several years ago I attended a 2 day workshop where he talked about the years spent photographing tulips and led to his book "The stilled gaze", showed some of the superb prints used and talked about photographic techniques and the zone system, development expansion and contraction. I love his multi exposure work.

 

[hortense]

I second Barnbaum and Ephrams.

 

[Carol]

It sounds like there are some great books to choose from and I've just found out I might have a few hours in the city in a couple of weeks time. They have at least THREE big book shops within cooee of each other. This is a rare treat. I guess my enthusiasm seems a bit funny to the city dwellers among you, but I expect the more isolated people understand. There goes my savings.