Coming into Focus: A Step-by-Step Guide to Alternative Photographic Printing Processes

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The only comprehensive, how-to guide to antique and contemporary photo processes, from daguerreotype to digital, Coming Into Focus is the essential reference for the amateur and professional photographer. The mysterious and beautiful processes used by historic and modern art photographers—many of which don't require a formal darkroom—are revealed here in simple, step-by-step instructions and photographic illustrations by internationally recognized experts, with each method carefully reviewed for safety and ease of use. The many "non-traditional" processes detailed here offer photographers exciting alternatives to standard methods—opening up whole new worlds of creative expression. With practical, lay-flat binding, all-inclusive materials lists, a resource guide, and in-depth chapters on chemicals, paper, and equipment, Coming Into Focus is an indispensable, handbook for any photographer in search of answers and inspiration.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

This solid, attractive book is more a review of historical techniques than a guide to "alternative photographic processes." Among the processes described in separate chapters are the daguerreotype and calotype--the two earliest forms of photography. Banier (former editor, Camera View magazine) also considers other 19th-century methods, notably the salt print, traditional cyanotype, albumen printing, and the collodion process, which includes wet-plate negatives, ambrotypes, and tintypes. The book also includes chapters on platinum prints, long considered the loveliest photographic medium, and many other processes, as well as digital imagery. For each process, the book offers a little historical background and a detailed list of chemicals and materials, followed by step-by-step procedures. Each of the photographic techniques is accompanied by strikingly beautiful illustrations. With clearly and concisely written instructions, Coming into Focus is an ideal "cookbook" for anyone who would like to master traditional methods of making photographs. Even those not inclined to try any of the techniques will find this book an interesting and thorough survey of the many varied techniques that have distinguished the history of photography. Recommended for academic and public libraries, especially those with large photography collections.--Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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