I always recommend that my students read books about photography. Not just the process but also the monographs of photographers whose work they admire and biographies of photographers. The books listed here are ones I have found useful.
THE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER'S HANDBOOK by Aaron Sussman
This book is out-of-print and somewhat dated but has excellent explanations of the behavior of light, optics and other highly technical aspects that belie the title. It includes much of a less technical nature but is not a book for the casual amateur. It is an outstanding foundation in some of the more technical parts of the process.
BASIC TECHNIQUES OF PHOTOGRAPHY - An Ansel Adams Guide, by John
P Schaefer
pub. 1992 - Little, Brown and Co.
This is, in my opinion, the best general text on photography currently in print covering all aspects of the process of photographing from visualization to print. The zone system is covered in sufficient detail to make it understandable and usable without bogging the novice down in technicalities. For the most part the book is very clear and readable. The book qualifies as "An Ansel Adams Guide" because it is founded on his Zone System and is illustrated with his photographs.
THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY - AN APPROACH TO PERSONAL EXPRESSION,
by Bruce Barnbaum
pub. 1994 - Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co.
Although I put this book in the "technique" section it is broader than mere technique. It offers examples of Bruce's excellent work and a healthy dose of his working philosophy. He is a superb printmaker and is considered by many to be a modern master of the medium. An excellent text for the very serious black and white worker wanting to learn advanced printing skills.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHOTOGRAPHY
pub. MCMLXII (1963) - Greystone Press
A twenty volume work with articles on every aspect of photography. Out-of-print and obviously dated material, it is still of considerable value as a resource of information on those subjects which are based in natural law and are unchanged by technology. Informative and thorough without being heavy reading.
THE FOCAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHOTOGRAPHY
A highly technical reference book which is (was?) periodically updated. I believe it came in two forms, a looseleaf version that could be updated and a concise version which was hardbound (the one I have). Very small print. Not a book to sit down and read but an excellent and definative resource.
THE CAMERA / THE NEGATIVE / THE PRINT - The New Ansel Adams Photography
Series
pub. 1983 - Little, Brown and Co.
This three book series is Ansel Adams own definative exposition of the Zone system and his working methods. Somewhat more technical than would be appreciated by the average photographer, it is a classic work and is illustrated with Adams' photographs.
THE BACKPACKER'S PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK - Charles Campbell
pub. 1994 - AMPHOTO
Charles has a lot of good advice for those who backpack with their cameras and a unique twist on the Zone System. In recognition of the fact that many folks have difficulty translating Zones into color he has created the Chroma-Zone System with a set of cards that allow the user to determine what adjustments to make from a meter reading to get the color they want.
QUIET LIGHT - Fifteen Years of Photographs, by John Sexton
pub. 1990 - Bullfinch Press
I will make no attempt to disguise my admiration of John Sexton's work. He was a darkroom assistant to Ansel Adams but I believe in many ways he has surpassed his teacher. His treatment of light and his eye for composition are an inspiration.
LISTEN TO THE TREES, by John Sexton
pub. 1994 - Bullfinch Press
John continues his masterful prints in this book dedicated to images of trees. This volume was also published in a deluxe limited edition which came with the purchaser's choice from six of Sexton's photographs printed in editions of 100. I truly wish I could have afforded one of those but was pleased to obtain a signed (non-deluxe) copy.
WITNESS TO OUR TIME - ALFRED EISENSTAEDT
pub. 1966 - The Viking Press
In a previous incarnation (AKA my youth) I did a lot of journalistic photography. Eisenstaedt was considered the Dean of LIFE magazine photographers. He had more LIFE cover photos in his career than anyone else. This collection of his work is both an interesting record of the times and an example of quality work to inspire future generations of photojournalists.
RADIENT IDENTITIES - Photographs by Jock Sturges
pub. 1994 - Aperture Foundation, Inc.
Jock Sturges photographs are of nudists (including children). If you offended by nudity, ignore his work. If you appreciate sensitive high quality photographs and approach them with the recognition that it is "normal" for his subjects to be unclothed, you might want to look at his photographs. Most are seemingly casual portraits of individuals who happen to be nude. They are actually as deliberate as any studio portrait. A few are clothed and a few others are anonymous figure studies. All are excellent photographs. There are other books of his work in print including THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER which was the first collection of his work to be published.
ANSEL ADAMS, An Autobiography
pub. 1985 - Little, Brown and Co.
You might get the impression from the number of Adams books listed here that he is my idol. While that would be incorrect, I do have great respect for the pioneering work he did. His autobiography offers some interesting insight into what motivated him, gives historical context to his work and of course offers more of his photographs to enjoy.
ANSEL ADAMS, LETTERS AND IMAGES 1916 - 1984, Edited by Mary S.
Alinder and Andrea G. Stillman
pub. 1988 - Little Brown and Co.
Ansel Adams was not exactly a modest fellow and he was aware of his public image. This collection of his letters (written without the intent of publication) counterbalences the image he projects in his Autobiography to give a more comprehensive view of Adams.
EDWARD WESTON, SEVENTY PHOTOGRAPHS
The Classic Biography by Ben Meadow
pub. 1973 - Aperture, Inc.
Weston was probably more of a pioneer in getting photography recognized as an ART than Adams whose image was always colored (in the eyes of the ART world) by the fact that he made his living doing commercial photography. Weston more nearly lived the life of what the average individual considers an artist and produced some excellent images.
There are undoubtedly many other excellent volumes out there. The above reflect my photographic interests and tastes. My advice to my students is always to read and to study the work of others. Learning and growing as a photographer is a life long process and good books on photography are the fertilizer to promote your growth. Read, read, read. Study, study, study. Practice, practice, practice.
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"To laugh often and much; to win the resect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Emerson