Basic Photography

by Michael Langford

'Basic Photography' is a longstanding international bestseller and continues to be the introductory textbook for photography courses throughout the world.

Key
practical assignments, so you can put into practice what you've learned
chapter summaries for easy revision
a clear and concise approach to essential photographic principles, assuming no prior knowledge
comprehensive coverage of both black and white photography, processing and printing; colour photography, digital manipulation and film processing
suitability for students of all ages and all photographic courses


This new edition now
extended coverage of digital imaging from capturing images digitally, to scanning and using manipulation software and the ethics involved
updated and re-structured contents to suit the new Art (Photography) A Level
hundreds of stunning full colour photographs throughout illustrating the main points from the text inspirational images from world famous photographers Bill Brandt; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Edward Weston and David Hockney.

The late Michael Langford formerly taught at the Royal College of Art for many years, becoming Course Director. He was intimately involved with photography courses and examination syllabuses at all levels and as a result fully understood what a student needed. His other books for Focal Press include 'Starting Photography' 2nd edition, 'Advanced Photography' 6th edition, and 'Story of Photography' 2nd edition. 'Advanced Photography' is the companion volume to 'Basic Photography', and for students wishing to progress further, will take the aspiring photographer a step forward on the ladder to a career in photography.

Genres: Photography, Reference, Nonfiction, Art

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Michael Langford was a photographer, teacher and writer, and a major influence on British photography.

Reviews

[Amir Hossein · Rating 5 out of 5]

هنوز هم تنها اثر جامع و قابل اتکا در زمینه آموزش تکنیک عکاسی به زبان فارسی؛ با ترجمه درست و روان رضا نبوی

[Luís Medeiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without any doubt, this is the only book of photography that actually teaches photography. There is a big issue with photography books - they all teach the same things and do not go deep to the matters of the core techniques and the why things are in a certain way.
If you really want to understand photography, specifically in older versions of this book, you will be able to find much of your questions and actually learn something about photography techniques.

[Bill Rosmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most useful pieces of learning material I've ever seen in several decades of photography. I first read it in the 1990s and have a recent edition on my bookshelf now. It is all useful information. It shows new photographers how cameras work and allows them to understand how and why the images they take turn out the way they do. And is good as a reference when you want to remind yourself of something you may have forgotten or need an idea. Reading books like these and practising what it teaches means not needing to take tens or hundreds of images to get one good shot. It also means being able to be consistent in taking technically good shots. People who want to get to the level of advanced amateurs or professional will study books like these and then move on to advanced levels. Point and click amateurs will stick with youtube videos. Reading this book and its Advanced Photography companion is like adding more paints to your palette and more types of brushes to use them. What you can produce consistently will be richer for reading them.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book has a dozen editions and has been around for more than 50 years, you know it has to be good. This was a great intro for intermediate photographers, with great technical details, diagrams and explanations as well as practical tips for better composition. I skipped a few of the chapters dedicated to film

[Ine Gundersveen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now, can't give this 5 stars as it was on the curriculum - but I learned lots that still comes in very useful, even as a digital photographer.

[Dorsa Dehroyeh · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتاب خوبیه اما متاسفانه ترجمه ضعیفی داره.

[César Viteri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Photography provides a comprehensive look into the world of photography, from basic principles (light, composition, etc.) through types of cameras, lenses and lighting gear to practical considerations on how print and present your work. It covers both film and digital photography, and has a hefty presence and a serious textbook presentation, with abundant and clear illustrations, charts and pictures to support quite detailed explanations.

This is a classic book, and while it has been revised and expanded, it still leans heavily towards film photography. The 9th edition I am reviewing was published in 2010, and I could not help but feel the imbalance; the chapters on film characteristics, film developing and printing feel deeply technical, while the discussions on digital light capture and processing seem like a bare overview. The chapters on Internet presence are already outdated, and of course there is not a single mention about mobile photography.

The world of the photography is huge and varied, but I can not help feeling the point of view of this book has the artistic photographer in mind, and offers less insights for photojournalists, commercial photographers or plain amateurs. I think more varied examples and a discussion on the possible specializations of photography would have been interesting.

If you are looking for an eminently practical guide on how to deal with particular situations, deep discussions on techniques, or want a book that is fully applicable to digital photography, perhaps you would be better off checking Mastering Digital Photography from Michael Freeman. If you are interested in a complete view of what the concepts are, getting an idea of how the problems in photography can be solved with film or digital cameras, and what tools and techniques are available to deal with every situation, then it is good book for you. And of course it is a must read if you are interested in shooting film, as I am doing from time to time again.

[Russell Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in 1965, now in its eleventh edition, Michael Langford's book on the basics of photography is the ultimate book for learning well the basic elements of photography. That's not to say it's simple or for beginners. Instead, it's best for those who have experience in photography -- amateurs and those wanting to become professionals.

As you gain experience in photography, you start to get a sense of various aspects. Although you may learn what works and what doesn't, what results can be expected from different equipment and their settings, given various conditions, most people are just guessing and developing habits -- and using automated settings. However, with Langford's book, you'll learn what is happening with light and other factors related to photography and how you can adjust for it. When you understand clearly, you can let go of automated settings, and foresee a good photo before pressing the shutter release.

Reading through this book takes a good bit of time. Besides being long and comprehensive, you'll need time to think about what you're learning, perhaps to experiment and compare photos you've taken, looking at your settings to consider what went right and wrong -- and why. You'll be a much better photographer for having put in the time. Don't rush to read it until you're ready and then don't rush through it

[Olesya R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Langford's book is a very comprehensive intro to the basic photography that covers diverse aspects of both digital and film photography, chemical and mechanical routes behind, including some interesting thoughts on its cultural and social role. It provides a detailed guidance to the composition structuring principles: proportions, textures, colors and undertones, lighting wavelength, exposure, distance, down to some practical tips on choosing the size of lenses, stabilisation equipment, films, filters, close-up and lighting equipment, sensors, and many more. The book also covers some post-processing techniques, such as printing, toning, retouching, digital techniques (noise reduction, masking), and gives some insights into how to present your work depending on the target audiences: commercial, artistic, family. The presentation is clear, not very verbose and enjoyable to read. I am interested in reading the more advanced books in the series.

[Jennifer]

Recommended from Julie Downie.

Not a 'picture' book but a good technical manual.

[Rafaella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente livro pra quem está comçando a fotografar.

[Drew (graysonsyd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic textbook, really well-presented and just as useful for beginners starting out as it is for the seasoned photographer. Highly recommended.

[Mahdi Meskin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is too basic and also is full of useless information for new photographers.

[Apaxe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito bom para aprendizagem dos meandros da fotografia.

[Sina · Rating 4 out of 5]

حاوی مطالبی بسیار مفید
تنها چون ویرایش کتاب مربوط به سال 2000 میباشد، مطالب مربوط به دوربین‌های دیجیتال بسیار کم و غیرمفید هستند

[Victor Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro muito interessante para iniciados e mesmo profissionais da fotografia. Gostei e aconselho. Tenho o mesmo livro de 1987 que também é excelente com técnicas da fotografia analógica.

[Teri Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the writing style and education about film and developing. Now know for sure developing my own photo's is not for me - but it was fascinating to learn about. Thank you (Adobe) Photoshop LOL!

[Sayeh Salemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

نمیفهمم چرا معادل های انگلیسی کلمات رو به فارسی نوشته، مثلا "رسی پروسیتی فِيلِر" تو پرانتز کنار ترجمه ی فارسیش.