
Basic Photography
Michael Langford(Author)
Focal Press
7th Edition
Published on 23. August 2000
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-0-240-51592-2 (ISBN)
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Description
'Basic Photography' is a longstanding international bestseller and continues to be the introductory textbook for photography courses throughout the world.
Key features:
practical assignments, so you can put into practice what you've learned
chapter summaries for easy revision
a clear and concise approach to essential photographic principles, assuming no prior knowledge
comprehensive coverage of both black and white photography, processing and printing; colour photography, digital manipulation and film processing
suitability for students of all ages and all photographic courses
This new edition now includes:
extended coverage of digital imaging techniques: from capturing images digitally, to scanning and using manipulation software and the ethics involved
updated and re-structured contents to suit the new Art (Photography) A Level
hundreds of stunning full colour photographs throughout illustrating the main points from the text inspirational images from world famous photographers including: Bill Brandt; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Edward Weston and David Hockney.
The late Michael Langford formerly taught at the Royal College of Art for many years, becoming Course Director. He was intimately involved with photography courses and examination syllabuses at all levels and as a result fully understood what a student needed. His other books for Focal Press include 'Starting Photography' 2nd edition, 'Advanced Photography' 6th edition, and 'Story of Photography' 2nd edition. 'Advanced Photography' is the companion volume to 'Basic Photography', and for students wishing to progress further, will take the aspiring photographer a step forward on the ladder to a career in photography.
Key features:
practical assignments, so you can put into practice what you've learned
chapter summaries for easy revision
a clear and concise approach to essential photographic principles, assuming no prior knowledge
comprehensive coverage of both black and white photography, processing and printing; colour photography, digital manipulation and film processing
suitability for students of all ages and all photographic courses
This new edition now includes:
extended coverage of digital imaging techniques: from capturing images digitally, to scanning and using manipulation software and the ethics involved
updated and re-structured contents to suit the new Art (Photography) A Level
hundreds of stunning full colour photographs throughout illustrating the main points from the text inspirational images from world famous photographers including: Bill Brandt; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Edward Weston and David Hockney.
The late Michael Langford formerly taught at the Royal College of Art for many years, becoming Course Director. He was intimately involved with photography courses and examination syllabuses at all levels and as a result fully understood what a student needed. His other books for Focal Press include 'Starting Photography' 2nd edition, 'Advanced Photography' 6th edition, and 'Story of Photography' 2nd edition. 'Advanced Photography' is the companion volume to 'Basic Photography', and for students wishing to progress further, will take the aspiring photographer a step forward on the ladder to a career in photography.
Reviews / Votes
Reviews of seventh edition:"A simply excellent introduction to photography - both for students and home enthusiasts" Online reviewer - Amazon
"I found this book to be the best that I have ever seen on the subject of photography not only for 'basic' knowledge but for far more advanced subjects. It is clear, precise, easy to read and more important, easy to understand and apply."
Robert A. Freson, Professional Travel and Nature Photographer
"...an excellent reference manual for anyone starting out in photography."
Amateur Photographer
Reviews of previous editions:
"This is a book that no one who takes photography seriously should be without." Amateur Photographer
"The book has remained the standard introductory work for aspiring professional photographers. The book as a whole deserves the highest praise." The British Journal of Photography
"Will provide a good grounding in principles, as well as a number of useful tips based on the science. For the more serious enthusiast, a must-have." Online reviewer - Amazon
More details
Edition
7th New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Students on photography/digital imaging/art and design courses (particularly A Level). Advanced amateurs wanting a reference book.
Edition type
New edition
Dimensions
Height: 246 mm
Width: 189 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-240-51592-2 (9780240515922)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Michael Langford | Andrew Bruce | Anna Fox
Langford's Basic Photography
The Guide for Serious Photographers
Book
12/2024
11th Edition
Routledge
€66.00
Available immediately

Michael Langford | Anna Fox | Richard Sawdon Smith
Langford's Basic Photography
The guide for serious photographers
Book
03/2007
8th Edition
Focal Press
€24.75
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
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.
Author
Renowned author, teacher, and practitioner who inspired thousands and taught many more as Photography Course Director at the Royal College of Art, London, UK
Editor
Head of the BA Photography Programme at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design and has been working in photography for almost twenty years.
Professor of Photography & AIDS Cultures and Head of the Arts & Media Department at London South Bank University
Content
What is photography? Light: how images form; Lenses: controlling the image; Cameras using film; Using different focal length lenses, camera kits; Digital cameras; Lighting: principles and equipment; Organising the picture; Films, filters; Exposure measurement; Film processing; Black and white printing: facilities and equipment; Black and white printing: techniques; Digital image manipulation; Finishing and presenting work; Appendices. Glossary.