Langford's Starting Photography: The guide to great images with digital or film - Softcover

Andrews, Philip; Langford, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0240520564 ISBN 13: 9780240520568

Publisher: Focal Press, 2007

Synopsis

You can photograph creatively - from scratch. Don't waste valuable time and money in trial-and-error. Find out now how to create unforgettable pictures with this best-selling, ultimate introduction to photography. Langford's Starting Photography, now in its 5th edition and fully updated with cutting-edge digital methods, is packed with new sections, including portrait photography, shooting sports and action, capturing fireworks, and creating stunning still life images. Inspirational color images throughout show what you can achieve, with practical suggestions for experimental projects to improve your technique.

Inside you will learn:

When to use film or digital; and how different cameras operate * Discover the best tactics for outstanding photos using your camera's controls, such as shutter speed, focus, zoom, and flash * Learn key methods for different subjects, including people, places, animals, landscapes, close-ups * Develop the best scanner and printing techniques immediately * Polish your style with the brand-new Lighting section on flash, studio and available light * And much more!

"Starting Photography is a hands-on book for photographers just starting their love affair with photography."
Michael Langford, photographer, Course Director, RCA, and writer, 1933 - 2000



Praise for the previous edition:

"Diagrams and photographs demystify information, helping the book strike a balance between technical details and shooting advice, and helpfully it doesn't talk down to the reader...The scope of information and the reasonable price ensures this is recommended." - What Digital Camera

"There is a lot of technical information that will give you a good grounding in photography, covering both traditional darkroom techniques and digital methods. Projects allow further exploration of themes and are a good way of extending your mastery of the camera." - Amateur Photographer

"At last there is an introductory book that I can unreservedly recommend to friends, students and others who are in any way interested in the basics of photography and digital photography." - Sidney Ray, Senior Lecturer in Digital and Photographic Imaging, University of Westminster, photographer and Imaging Consultant.

About this title

Review

"Langford's Starting Photography covers all an aspiring photographer needs to know using both digital and film cameras. Whether you have just started or have a little experience of photography, this book will, (with all its hints, tips and great ideas) improve your photographic abilities and the images you will produce."

Sid Pearce FRPS. EFIAP. Photographer, Writer and Lecturer on Digital Imaging.

Praise for fourth edition:

"...there is a lot of technical information that will give you a good grounding in photography, covering both traditional darkroom techniques and digital methods. Projects allow further exploration of themes and are a good way of extending your mastery of the camera." - Amateur Photographer

"Diagrams and photographs demystify information, helping the book strike a balance between technical details and shooting advice, and helpfully it doesn't talk down to the reader...The scope of information and the reasonable price ensures this is recommended." - What Digital Camera

"at last there is an introductory book that I can unreservedly recommend to friends, students and others who are in any way interested in the basics of photography and digital photography."
Sidney Ray, Senior Lecturer in Digital and Photographic Imaging, University of Westminster, photographer and Imaging Consultant.


On the third edition:

"Whether you're completely new to photography or someone who already has some experience, but who needs to gain a deeper understanding in order to improve their ability and results, this book is for you...the book is an easy and informative read that's packed with hints tips, ideas and inspiration, making it ideal for beginners and the more experienced alike, in fact anyone who has never studied photography formally (and some that have) will benefit from reading this book."
MC Rebbe, www.thetechnofile.com


Amazon.com reviews of the fourth edition:

A snap at half the price!, March 27, 2001
Reviewer: claire bilton (Uk)
"For a first in photography you really couldn't ask for more. Michael Langford guides you round the jargon with ease and will soon have you talking like a professional! With the added bonus that you'll actually understand it! He covers everything you'd need to know in an easy to read stlye. Including projects to do easy enough for total beginner or the more serious amatur. You don't need a high tech camera to follow either there is something for everyone. The book only lost one point with me because i felt the chapters weren't well enough defined. Reccommended to all!"

A user friendly guide to taking great photos!, March 27, 2001
Reviewer: claire bilton (Uk)
"I would reccomend this to anyone wishing to start photography or develop their knowledge. Michael Langford guides you through photography jargon and explains digital, APS and SLR cameras with ease. Including projects for practical starting points easy enough for a total beginner with only a disosable camera or professionals with the latest stuff! The book covers using your first camera, lighting, trouble shooting, effects, working indoor and outdoors and briefly about making your own dark room. It is a comprehensible guide which doesn't cost a packet! A definite thumbs up!"



Amazon.com reviews of third edition:

"For a first in photography you really couldn't ask for more. Michael Langford guides you round the jargon with ease and will soon have you talking like a professional! With the added bonus that you'll actually understand it! He covers everything you'd need to know in an easy to read style. Including projects to do easy enough for total beginner or the more serious amateur. You don't need a high tech camera to follow either there is something for everyone. The book only lost one point with me because I felt the chapters weren't well enough defined. Recommended to all!"

"I would recommend this to anyone wishing to start photography or develop their knowledge. Michael Langford guides you through photography jargon and explains digital, APS and SLR cameras with ease. Including projects for practical starting points easy enough for a total beginner with only a disposable camera or professionals with the latest stuff! The book covers using your first camera, lighting, trouble shooting, effects, working indoor and outdoors and briefly about making your own dark room. It is a comprehensible guide which doesn't cost a packet! A definite thumbs up!"

Amazon.co.uk reviews of third edition:

"I brought this book to aid my A-level photography course; I have found it very helpful. It explains everything clearly using text and diagrams. It would be a great asset to any photographer but especially useful to beginners."

"As a tutor in photography, this book offers my students a sound basis for their learning and understanding of the medium. It acts as a great reference guide which they can carry in their camera bags at all times. The visual examples are interesting and inspiring; exactly what the new photographer needs."

About the Author

Philip Andrews is Adobe Australia's official Photoshop and Elements Ambassador. He is an experienced photographer, author, magazine editor and online course creator. He was previously a lecturer at the Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts, Australia and Nescot, England. He is a beta tester for Photoshop, an alpha tester for Photoshop Elements and a Photoshop specialist demonstrator for Adobe Australia. Contributing numerous articles and videos to AdobeTV and the inspirational browser, Philip is a leading source in adobe information and instruction. Philip is also co-founder of photo-college.com an online photography training college. He's a regular contributor to several magazines including Shutterbug, Amateur Photographer, Australian Photography and Better Photography, he is senior contributing editor for Better Digital, columnist for What Digital Camera and Co-editor and publisher of Better Photoshop Techniques magazine.
Michael Langford, renowned author, teacher, and practitioner, is a legend because of his skill that balanced art and technique. He inspired and taught thousands. As Photography Course Director at the Royal College of Art, London, UK, his key involvement with photography courses and exams set the standard worldwide.

About this edition

• Publisher: Focal Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0240520564
• ISBN 13: 9780240520568
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 366