Aspects of Expression: Exploring the Art & Craft of Monochrome Photography

by Paul Gallagher, Joe Cornish

Paul Gallagher looks back on the first 20 years of a lifetime's work dedicated to creating monochrome prints, and forward to the way in which the medium is likely to develop in the future. He discusses the ways in which monochrome photographers have used darkroom techniques to refine and enhance their images, and the ways in which such techniques have been used to change the mood of a photograph and to increase its emotional impact. He also asks whether new digital technology points the way forward for further advances in the art of monochrome. Illustrated with the author's own superb black and white images, most of which were produced using large-format cameras and individually hand-processed film, this book is itself a testament to the continuing power and potential of monochrome and a volume that will be cherished by the legions of monochrome photographers throughout the world.

Genres: Photography

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Gallagher’s engaging personal reflection on the philosophy of photography focuses on the art of capturing and representing the spirit of a landscape as a monochrome image. This book illustrates straightforward use of curve adjustment layers to realise the photographer’s original vision; working from scanned large format monochrome negative to delicately realised print.

The many fine images of Britain’s wilder landscapes are joy to view and the illustrated notes on how many of the images where taken and realised will be of interest to fellow workers in black and white. A well produced volume that is a pleasure to read and handle.