Photography (8th Edition)

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Summary: The gold standard in educational tools for a photographer!
Review: ...and don't just take my word on it. The entire photojournalism department at Ohio University (one of the best in the country) uses this book. I have used it in almost every class I took while studying for my degree and have found it invaluble as a reference since then. I have not yet "grown out" of this book; it continues to provide information as I learn. My only complaints are about the size (not exactly backpack-friendly for students) and the price (as with everything in photography). Without a doubt, this is the best photography book out there for students.

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Summary: The 3rd edition was nicer
Review: After reading the third edition of Photography by the Uptons, Idecided to buy the sixth edition. There are new things in this editionnot found in the third but I was quite unimpressed with the mediocre graphics. Some of the illustrations look like they were done by a high school student learning how to do airbrushing. In this the third edition is far superior. I liked the profiles on living photographers in the third that is not found in the sixth. However, the section on problems with developing black and white film is exceptional. If you have any technical struggles this section can pinpoint immediately what the problem is. Also the book always has one entire theme or idea on the two full pages in front of you. It is an easy book to find your way around in and it really is one of the very finest books on photography available. It would be good of them to update some of the older photographs. I am tired of seeing models from the 70's in an almost year 2000 book. The book also is pricey. It should be available in hardcover for those who use it as a teaching manual or textbook. It would certainly last longer. I do recommend every student who enters college and majoring in photography to add this one to their library. This edition is also 28 pages shorter than the third edition. Why? It shoud have been longer!

Rating:
Summary: MUST be on your bookshelf.
Review: For those impatient enough: if you are to buy one book that would teach you photography - this should be the one. This book has survived seven editions and it has enough information to make your head hurt. Needless to say, this book does not offer a silver bullet that would make you Ansel Adams, but it has enough information to build a solid technical foundation upon which you could leverage your creativity.

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.

Rating:
Summary: Ground Floor
Review: I spent some time at a local bookstore looking for a good book for my sister-in-law who had just picked up the hobby of photography. Since I spent time making a living from photography, I was looking for a well-illustrated book that covered all the basics that beginners would need. Plus more advanced subjects as well. Easily readable, thorough and well organized. Plenty of actual photos that provide clarity to the subject matter. None of the other books were as good. At the checkout I was surprised at the price. A little steep for a gift, but I still bought it. The book is that good. If I were to write a book on photography, this is the book that I'd write.

Rating:
Summary: Rating the seller
Review: This book was said to have some highlighting!As is does, I purchased it used and just received it in the mail. Shipping was fast,BUT the seller NEVER mentioned the book also has water damage to the corners causing the book to lift and be stiff. I am NOT happy with this seller and would not trust their description on anything they sell used.

The book I would rate as a good beginners book and has lots of information for the beginner. Would also be a good book to keep around for reference. We can all use a reminder now and then.

Rating:
Summary: Complete Photography, but change the size of the book.
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference guide & teacher, but expensive
Review: This is a fantastic book that has something for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. I bought this book for my photography class at Temple University, and it will happily be on my bookshelf and referenced for a long time (or perhaps until the 8th or 9th edition)?

The book contains many useful lessons for beginners, if that is your level, for basic photography. I would have liked for there to be more about digital photography though, but I'm sure that will come in later editions as that medium evolves. There is also plenty to offer a budding photographer about lessons in the darkroom, and that was very useful and continues to be.

This is the ultimate photography book that will more than get a beginner started, or be a big help as a refresher to an amateur. However, the price is a tremendous drawback - it's a lot of bang, but for the bucks you pay, I'd try getting a used copy - there are many great dealers on Amazon that can help. This book is well worth owning though. It misses the 5-star mark because of cost.