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The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes
£64.20£77.90 (-18%)
Written by internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Christopher James, THE BOOK OF ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES: 3rd Edition is the definitive text for students and professionals studying alternative photographic processes and the art of hand-made photographic image making. This innovative Third Edition brings the medium up to date with new and historic processes that are integrated with the latest contemporary innovations, adaptations, techniques, and art work. This 800 page edition is packed with more than 700 exquisite illustrations featuring historical examples as well as the art that is currently being made by professional alternative process, artists, teachers, and students of the genre. The third edition is the complete and comprehensive technical and aesthetic resource exploring and delving into every aspect of alternative photographic process photography. Each chapter introduces the history of a technique, presents an overview of the alternative photographic process that will be featured, reviews its chemistry, and provides practical and easy to follow guidance in how to make it work. In his conversational writing style, James also explores the idiosyncrasies, history, and cultural connections that are such a significant part of the history of photography. Featuring traditional and digital contact negative production as well as an array of processes, spread out over 28 chapters, THE BOOK OF ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES: 3RD EDITION delivers clear instructions, practical workflows and advice, humor, history, art, and immeasurable inspiration.
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Additional information
| Publisher | 3rd edition (5 Mar. 2015), Course Technology |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 736 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9781285089317 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1285089317 |
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 4.7 x 27.6 cm |
by Amazon Customer
Firstly, I can not fault the *content* of this book. But my review is based on the book’s physical qualities. I have received two poorly manufactured copies so far. The first had smudging another reviewer observed, but it was also damaged in transit. But the main fault was that the front cover and back cover were approximately between 1/3 and 1/2 of a CM too short … thus exposing the pages, and providing no protection whatsoever – as a front/back cover is supposed to do. Even after only light reading and handling the pages started to suffer due to this manufacturing/binding fault. For a book this expensive – it makes you wonder where the money is going, as it certainly doesn’t seem to be spent on the binding process. After a length chat with Amazon support they promptly arranged a return, however it appeared to me that the support staff member was not really concerned about the fault I reported… I asked for his assurance that the replacement book would be checked before being sent out to me, so that I wouldn’t be sent another book with the same fault. He gave me his assurance, though I was still suspicious. And my suspicions were right as the second book I was sent has the same egregious flaw – the front and back covers being way too short, and all the pages being exposed to their detriment. Again I contact Amazon, the support staff gave me a 10% discount and an assurance they would now investigate their copies of the book, temporarily pause sales, and send me a replacement when they would have proper prints of the book (though once more, he didn’t seem at all concerned with the description of the fault… I can imagine how the drones in the factory could easily overlook this. I had to badger him in to taking note of what the actual fault was.). They were also supposed to contact me within a few days. Weeks later, and still no word, and they’re still evidently selling copies of the book. So either they’re selling an expensive book they know to be suffering from significant print problems, or they’ve gotten proper prints in but have neglected to arrange to replace my very poorly, and very expensive copy. So in short… the content is good, but the print – and the after sales service – are 1 star. I would give less if possible.
by Mr. Keith Jones
This mighty tome covers all alternative photographic processes with a chapter devoted to each. They all open with an historical background and then cover what is needed and the approach you need to take. What makes it an interesting read is that the author injects many humorous asides mainly based on his teaching workshops for the processes being described. In addition to that there can’t be too many photography books which include a recipe for crème brûlée!
by Dirk De la Marche
One doesn’t need anything more to start with alternative photographic processes. Suitable both for beginners and experienced printmakers. I should have bought this book many years ago.
by Gary Parker
Wow, the 3rd edition of this book just came out in the UK, and I have to say I’m a bit staggered by it. I think it is not exaggerating to call this book a masterpiece.
It has all the photographic processes described in the most astounding detail, but now it also has more on the philosophy of photography, more history, and better images. Every photographer, photography student, collector or curator who can cope with over 800 pages of information should have this book. It is an astonishing achievement.
It’s such an advance from previous editions that I think you should buy this latest 3rd edition rather than an older edition even if those are available cheaper. Yes, this edition is quite costly, but I think most readers will agree that the price is justified by the excellence of the contents, plus the book’s sheer physical heft. Really it deserves a higher quality binding than the oversized paperback format, but I guess anything sturdier would only make it more unwieldy!
by Jazzdup
The book covers a lot of techniques in general & the main points are covered in basic terms ,For a more detailed explanation of Alternative process i would choose a single book covering the techniques you require ,Is it a good book yes all encompassing are their better yes .The quality is not very good ,The cover does not fit exact & the paper is poor quality for the price you are left wanting in quality & some specifics .For a one trick pony it is a good book to have as a guide to what is involved in each process ….The quality is lacking .
by John Brewer
This hefty 800 page book, written by Christopher James, Professor and Director of the MFA in Photography program at Harvard, is regarded as the bible for alternative photographers. There are dozens of different processes which are well illustrated throughout. This third edition builds on previous editions and covers the history of each technique, gives an overview of each of the alternative photographic processes as well as easy to follow detailed instructions. Lavishly illustrated with 700 images, it guides the novice and expert alike. In addition to the processes, there are appendices covering chemistry, conversion tables, light & UV unit, working space, resources & internet sites, and a comprehensive bibliography.
There is no other book currently on the market, or out of print, that has so much information on historical methods of photographic printmaking. I can’t recommend this book enough!
by Mrs B S Harrison
My husband has wanted this book for ages. It was a present. He is delighted.
by Gansey Knitter
Smudges on the book so I will probably be sending it back for a better copy. It is expensive (close to £50). For a devotee of alternative processes this is excellent, although for a hefty book of 847 pages the cover could be more robust. It is comprehensive – I can forsee this book lasting me for years both to experiment with different processes and for reading up on different ones. These processes were the history and quite frankly look better than digital photography, although admittedly less hassle and dangerous (for example, the cyanotype process is so called because of cyanide, so I probably don’t need to say anything more there).