Photography [ILLUSTRATED]

Make no mistake: this book is first and foremost about film photography. While there is a somewhat obligatory chapter on digital photography, it is hardly more than a very brief introduction. The rest of the book implies film photography (needless to say, that information on exposure and lens is generally applicable to both film and digital photography techniques).

Furthermore, the book is seriously geared toward black and white photography. There is plenty of information about the color process but it feels complementary to the narration.

On the negative side, there are only a couple things to note:
- Having so many precise instructions, this book ought to have an appendix containing all data in one place (from reciprocity failure correction numbers, to N+2 development time increase, to film processing checklists). It is a shame, the book doesn't have such a reference chapter.
- The price of the latest edition is way too steep. While I am far from suggesting sacrificing quality for lower price (as unfortunately so many other books do), I still think that the price has risen way too high compared to older editions.

All in all, it is an excellent basic reference. It is unlikely to be the only book on your shelf, but it will definitely be an extremely useful one while you are mastering advanced photography. Bottom line: buy this book now.


The best reference book ever found.   August 4, 1999
60 out of 63 found this review helpful

When in college, I took a photography course from a well known and respected photographer in the Bay Area. This was the textbook we were to purchase. I have since turned to photography full time. I look to this book for little things from time to time and I am glad it is there. It is like a little mentor. I recommend it to all people I speak with who say that they would like to know more about photography. It is a great book. One you will use over and over again. One that will not grow dust on its' cover.


Cornerstone of a serious amateur photographer's collection   July 20, 2002
E. Lowe (Austin, Texas)
38 out of 41 found this review helpful

This is a definite "must have" for the serious amateur. Whether you're just getting serious in photography and are looking for a crash course, or have been at it awhile and want to learn some of the more technical aspects, this is the book for you.

Some of the things covered include cameras, lenses, exposure, film, and darkroom. The index is well done and makes using this book as a reference easy; there are lots of good photos that illustrate what's being explained. (What would be the point in buying a photography book without lots of photos, after all??)

This is the book that got me started, and I can't imagine not having it. My only complaint, if I have to have one, is that I can't seem to keep it on my shelf -- all my friends are always wanting to borrow it!


Excellent textbook for those starting out   December 2, 1999
Ahmed Badr (Cairo, Egypt)
36 out of 36 found this review helpful

This is a great book for amateurs who want to understand how photography works. The textbook format is well laid out and organized. It has chapters that cover everything from how the camera works and different lens characteristics to developing and criticizing your own work. I don't think it will be much use for experienced and pro photographers but it might come in handy to freshen up on your photo knowledge.


Dissastisfied   June 26, 2005
Student Photographer (California, USA)
25 out of 39 found this review helpful

I was hardly impressed with this textbook after having read Photography: Revised Edition by Horenstein & Hart. I don't care if London & Upton's book has been around for 8 editions. It's hard to read for very long because of its organization. The photo examples are not exciting and I found that the learning curve took a dive when my fellow students used this book in comparison to the Horenstein & Hart publication. I know this is a harsh rating, but I was not inspired or motivated with this book like I was when reading Horenstein's photography book.