The Elements of Photography

The Elements of Photography

Released January 2008
Publisher(s): Focal Press
ISBN: 9781136103254

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Book description

Photography is a complex craft. Some excel at the technical side of image-making, focusing perfectly on the subject, releasing the shutter at just the right moment and making exposures with the precise amount of light. Others are artists and storytellers, capturing a fleeting moment in time which inspires a viewer to gaze upon an image and ponder its meaning. The best photographers are masters of both.

In this highly visual, informative new book, Angela Faris Belt discusses the four crucial elements of photography that are essential for successful technical and conceptual image-making:

.the photographic frame and its borders
.quality of focus as determined by the aperture or lens
.shutter speeds and their effects in relation to time and motion
.the physical media used to create the aggregate image

Step-by-step guidance including informative screen shots, traditional darkroom and Photoshop techniques, suggested exercises, and before and after images help both film and digital photographers improve their skills, learn new techniques, and better understand their craft. More than 300 stunning, full color images and portfolios featuring the work of over 40 prestigious artists provide visual inspiration as well as a gorgeous collection of artwork for photography enthusiasts.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Half Title
  3. Dedication
  4. Full Title
  5. Copyright
  6. Contents
  7. Preface
  8. Introduction
  9. Acknowledgments
  10. Chapter 1
    1. Part I: Framing and Borders
      1. What Is "The Photographic Image" Exactly?
      2. Framing: The First Photographic Element
      3. Affecting Visual Quality and Photographic Meaning through Conscious Framing
      4. Organizing the Frame: Vantage Point, Juxtaposition, and Picture Planes
      5. Contact Sheets: Key to Choosing the Best Frame
      6. Cropping: Framing After the Fact
      7. Borders: The Exterior Edge of the Frame
      8. Traditional Darkroom Border Techniques
      9. The Digital Realm: Borders Without Film Edges
      10. Chapter Exercises
      11. Portfolio Pages
    2. Part 2: Using Multiple Frames
      1. Multi-panel Panoramas
      2. Making Contact Sheet Images
      3. Chapter Exercises
      4. Portfolio Pages
  11. Chapter 2 Focus: Apertures, Lenses, and Depth of Field
    1. Focus: The Second Photographic Element
    2. Apertures: A Brief Technical Background
    3. Depth of Field: A Brief Technical Background
    4. Cameras without Lenses
    5. Affecting Visual Quality and Photographic Meaning with Apertures and Lenses
    6. Digital Darkroom Focus Effects
    7. Chapter Exercises
    8. Portfolio Pages
  12. Chapter 3 Shutter Speeds: Time and Motion
    1. Shutter Speeds: The Third Photographic Element
    2. Shutter Speeds: A Brief Technical Background
    3. Affecting Visual Quality and Photographic Meaning Using Shutter Speeds
    4. The Delineation of Time in a Photograph
    5. Traditional Darkroom Techniques for Overlapped and Blurred Time
    6. Chapter Exercises
    7. Portfolio Pages
  13. Chapter 4 Materials and Processes: The Aggregate Image
    1. Materials and Processes: Technical Considerations and Visual Outcomes
    2. A Case Study in the Effects of Materials and Processes
    3. In the Gallery: Display Materials and Considerations
    4. Chapter Exercises
    5. Portfolio Pages
  14. Conclusion
  15. Tutorials
  16. Works Cited
  17. Appendix A
  18. Appendix B
  19. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Elements of Photography
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: January 2008
  • Publisher(s): Focal Press
  • ISBN: 9781136103254