one of the best books on digital black and white photography | Amphotos Guide to Digital Black and White...

book: Amphotos Guide to Digital Black and White Printing: Techniques for Creating High Quality Prints | George Schaub

books:


	• Amphotos Guide to Digital Black and White Printing: Techniques for Creating High Quality Prints George Schaub Amphoto Books, 2005 - 160 pages view larger image
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the good, the bad

At first glance, this appears to be a terrific book for the digital photographer who'd like to try printing in black and white. Unfortunately the author, having been a professional photographer for 25+ years and no doubt has been using Photoshop since the day it was created, assumes that the reader also uses Photoshop 6 or CS. Although he does make a very brief note that there may possibly be other photo editing programs out there, the entire book is Photoshop. Later in the book, the author implies that if the reader is using something other than Photoshop, then it's the reader's responsibility to "interpret" what the author is presenting.

This really doesn't make much sense as the book is obviously directed towards "newer" digital photographers who want to explore black and white. But most of these photographers (having just shelled out a grand for a 6 or 8MP camera and a printer) haven't rushed out and bought Photoshop CS for $700+, rather being content with using low-cost PhotoImpact 11 (closest thing to Photoshop on the market) or Paint Shop Pro X. On the other hand, experienced digital photographers (who most likely use Photoshop 6 or CS) probably wouldn't buy the book because they already know most everything the book presents.

This problem could have been effectively avoided if the author had taken the time to write a simple brief chapter comparing the tools of Photoshop CS, PhotoImpact 11, Paint shop X, et al. Then the reader could easily relate as he/she reads the text.

On the positive side, the book is well organized and presents examples of every software tool used. Although many of the photos are just so-so, there are several that are really outstanding. If the reader can take the time to "interpret" the Photoshop commands that are presented in the book into the software that the reader may be using, then the book is certainly well worth Amazon's $16.47.

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one of the best books on digital black and white photography

I've seen many of the books covering digital black and white photograhy and I think this is one of the best. The approach is straightforward and there are lots of good examples. After a few times browsing through, I found myself working much more creatively with black and white images.

Of course, I've always been a digital photographer, with no film/darkroom experience. Some people who know more about this style may find George's thoughts and information about black and white photography too simple, but for me it was right on the mark.

Regards, David.

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?Shows photographers how to use digital printing techniques to create masterful black-and-white images
?Digital printing is replacing the darkroom-everyone who shoots in black and white needs to know these specialized techniques

Everybody's shooting in black and white-for weddings, for studio work, for portraits and family pictures, and anything that looks great with a classic, documentary style. Digital cameras make it easier to shoot in black and white, but many photographers are struggling to create the sharp, crisp, timeless look of great pictures in this medium. They need Amphoto's Guide to Digital Black and White Printing. From new digital ways to perform traditional darkroom techniques (such as exposure, burning and dodging, and highlight control) to handling duotones, hue saturation, and even "hand coloring" effects...it's all here, in black and white.

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reviews: page 1, 2