Photography primer

April 10, 2008 10:25 AM

Can you guys recommend a photography textbook?

Last year I took an intermediate photography class at a local college. It was fun, but regular assignments were a drag. I just couldn't force myself to go out shooting [often at night in february weather]... I'd like to try a structured program, but on my own time. The technical aspect of the course was really what I appreciated. I'd love a tutorial book. Any suggestions?

posted by aeighty to media & arts (8 comments total)

Photo.net has a free online textbook that includes information and assignments.

They have lots of other educational resources as well, including on:

Building a 35mm SLR system and

Digital Photography Basics: learn how to build a digital SLR system.
posted by sindark at 11:15 AM on April 10, 2008 [1 favorite]

are you interested in film (as in 35mm) or just digital?

anyway, I like Freeman Patterson's stuff. Particularly, Photography and the Art of Seeing -- which it looks like he's updated for the digital age.

I also really like Henry Horenstein's books -- particularly if you're interested in going old school, check out Beyond Basic Photography: A Technical Manual

posted by nnk at 11:23 AM on April 10, 2008

Ah, this is a fantastic starting point, thanks!

I'm all digital with Canon 350D.
posted by aeighty at 11:30 AM on April 10, 2008

Ansel Adams's The Camera, The Negative, and The Print, as well as his Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs, are still tremendously relevant to increasing your organic understanding of photography and developing your aesthetic. They have zero relevance to what is unique to digital photography -- but in the big picture, that's less than a lot of people think.
posted by gum at 12:55 PM on April 10, 2008

I am a big fan of PHOTOGRAPHY by Barbara London and John Upton. I believe they're up to their seventh or eighth edition, but you can find older editions [but still totally relevant for film or digital] for dirt cheap at Half.com.

That will take care of your needs for basic photography knowledge about things like aperture, shutter speed, film speed, and how photography generally works.

When you're done with that and ready to start playing with lights and flashes, I highly recommend jumping over to Strobist and going through the Lighting 101 guides and picking up a copy of Light, Science, & Magic.

Beyond that, signing up on Flickr and looking up photography groups is a great place to chat with other photogs and get more advice and learning.
posted by CharlieChu at 1:00 PM on April 10, 2008

Are you talking about the mechanical/scientific aspects of photography or the artistic/composition aspects? The Ansel Adams series (The Camera, The Negative, and The Print) are the best when it comes to the mechanical/scientific aspects.

You can find other books which cover composition very well.

If you want books to inspire you to shoot then I would probably hit up monographs depending on your interests. Whether it is portraiture, landscapes, documentary, sports, or nature there are untold volumes out there to inspire you.

If you want a general, all-in-one volume then try this.
posted by JJ86 at 1:34 PM on April 10, 2008

Seconding CharlieChu; Light – Science & Magic is a fantastic book. Strobist is also wonderful (and free).
posted by sjl7678 at 3:00 PM on April 10, 2008

Assuming you know nothing (that's what we call a "backhanded compliment" in my family), start with one of John Hedgecoe's books. He explains things very well and typically with good illustrations and examples.
posted by Lukenlogs at 11:37 PM on June 10, 2008