My name is Affe, and I'm a digihaulic.

[TheDigitalMonster]

[Looking for good analog blanket resource(books/sites) for those who dont feel like reading this whole post. Printing is far more important than exposure/camera operation to me.]

First post here so be kind.

I've enjoyed taking pictures all my life, but it was not until I started going to school 3 years ago for art, that I really started to enjoy photography. Having been well versed through school in the Adobe Suites, I grasped ahold of digital as soon as I could, and embraced it for its benefit of speed in terms of production.

Recently, however, I've been exposed to more and more fine art photography. I have seen the wonder that is the ever so holy emulsion(holy mind you, not holey, that'd be bad as I understand it), and have bowed to it.

Basically, I'm a digital artist looking to go pre-digital with my work. What would be the most helpful is if anyone could suggest a blanket resource(website, or >gasp< a book.)that would aid me in my journey. I am looking for something that works from basic to the intermediate level or above, as I do understand photography from a digital perspective. Additionally, I am concerned about whether the resource explains things in enough depth so that basic concepts that I do not grasp will be explained. I'm far more concerned with printing than exposure, but would still be interested in these pages as well.

Thank you all who read this lengthy "howdy", and I hope to hear back soon!

~TDM~

 

[david b]

I'm confused.

Are you looking for a book on how to expose film and then print in a wet darkroom?

 

[BradS]

Basically, I'm a digital artist looking to go pre-digital with my work. What would be the most helpful is if anyone could suggest a blanket resource(website, or >gasp< a book.)that would aid me in my journey.

Well, howdy and welcome. You've come to the right place to learn all about the craft of shooting film. There are many fine books written on the subject. One of my personal favorites is: The Amateur Photographer's Handbook - 8th ed. by Aaron Sussman. It is long out of print but, still readily available in the used market. and ofcourse, this web site is a treasure trove of information on the subject as well.

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Thank you for the prompt response david!
I'm looking for basic through advanced printing instructions primarily. I'm fairly decent with 35mm film, but anything on larger formats would be excellent.

~TDM~

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Welcome to APUG. A good place to start would be the Ansel Adams trilogy, _The Camera_, _The Negative_, and _The Print_. A lot of things that are possible at the printing stage depend on having good negatives, so be sure not to neglect this part of the process. Many functions in PhotoShop are based in wet darkroom and traditional graphic arts techniques, so once you see the connections, the techniques will begin falling into place.

Really the best way to learn darkroom technique, though, would be to take a class or some workshops, just to get yourself up and running, and then you can research the fine points.

 

[david b]

I would recommend the Ansel Adams series, The Camera, The Negative, The Print. They are available everywhere and give a good foundation.

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

BradS-
Thank you for your quick response!
Thank you very much for the text recommendation.
From what I've seen and experienced(in 5 minutes of being on here, but still )APUG is a great resource. I'm looking for something a bit more linear and cohesive than a forum for grounding myself in this material.

~TDM~

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Thank you David for your reply!
I know the best resource is to acutally do it, and I have done limited printing, but I really want to refine my technique to be able to create marketable prints. I know how to create a print, but I also would love to know the "why" of things, "why" developer works the way it does, etc, etc... I've had a semester of "wet" photo, but that was during my second semester in school. My focus is much more on graphic/production work now.

~TDM~

 

[stephen]

Welcome from me too.

I also like Aaron Sussman's handbook, and also recommend Ansel Adams trilogy. You might also like to take a look at Carson Graves' "Elements of Black and White Printing".

I've just seen the reply above. Take a look at "The Film Developing Cookbook" for an entertaining read on how developers work.

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Thank you David B!
I'm really taken aback from the response from all of you wonderful APUGers!
Alot of people have reccomended that book to me, as it is so available. I know from experience the most available is not necessarily the best. This seems to be an exception.

~TDM~

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Thank you Stephen!
I have not run across Graves' text yet, I'll have to look into it!
Though Sussman seems to be garnering alot of votes, Adams seems to be winning.

Thank you again,
TDM

 

[David]

Another really good tome is: The Craft of Photography by David Vestal. I don;t know if it's still in print but is readily available used.

 

[Nige]

welcome... but I think you need a new "name"

 

[stephen]

Another thought, having just browsed my bookshelves...

Take a look at "Post Exposure" by Ctein. And if anyone can tell me how to pronouce that name, I'd be grateful!

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Thank you David!
No one has suggested that yet!

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Ha ha
It's what one of my pure analog friends called me once, thought it was fitting considering my analog naiveté.

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

I'll look into it on both counts!
Thank you again!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Take a look at "Post Exposure" by Ctein. And if anyone can tell me how to pronouce that name, I'd be grateful!

kuh-TINE (long "I", like the tines of a fork)

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Wow David you're on the ball!

Thank you, I'm sure Stephen appreciates it!

 

[laz]

welcome... but I think you need a new "name"

Ditto, But welcome anyway

I also recommend The Craft of Photography by David Vestal. I usually don't recommend the Ansel Adams series as a first book suggestion but many people do (a lot of people worship at that particular church! )

Anyway, welcome! (and don't forget to change your name!)
-Bob

 

[stephen]

Wow David you're on the ball!

Thank you, I'm sure Stephen appreciates it!

I certainly do. Thanks.

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

Thank you Bob!
The Adams book does seem to be acruing a "Bible" feel at this point. Definately a resource I have to check out, though I'm definately interested in "apocryphal" books too.

~TDM~

 

[Changeling1]

You MUST have iT!

The mother of all instructional photography books:

Feininger on Photography
by
Andreas Feininger

Ziff-Davis Publishing Co.
1949

But I must warn you, Digital Monster, that the Analog Monster may win the mighty struggle for your very soul. Once you have mastered the skills required of a true photographer, have smelt of fixer in the morning in the same glorious manner as the late dr bob- there will be no turning back. Are you sure you are ready?

 

[jmdavis]

What book did you use in your intro to Photo class? It and some practice may be all that you need. Otherwise, the Negative and the Print both by Adams are good. Most people though, learn best by doing and by watching someone who is competent doing.

If you are in school and can spend the credits, I recommend an intermediate photo or even a view camera course. The things that you learn there can supplement your design classes.

Mike Davis

 

[TheDigitalMonster]

What book did you use in your intro to Photo class? It and some practice may be all that you need. Otherwise, the Negative and the Print both by Adams are good. Most people though, learn best by doing and by watching someone who is competent doing.

If you are in school and can spend the credits, I recommend an intermediate photo or even a view camera course. The things that you learn there can supplement your design classes.

Mike Davis

Unfortunately, the Photography program just acquired major status about 2 years ago at my University. Beyond 35mm, it is largely based upon individual-proposed projects, and therefore whatever equipment the particular student can afford. We did not use texts in the class, as this was the largely the case, even though it was an intro class. Based on incredible interest, as well as formidable results from a number of students, the program got an infusion of funds this semester. By next year it will have full view camera, studio, and alt process capabilities. Hopefully I will have space in my schedule to take advantage of it.