Book Reviews Darkroom Lustrum Press: edited by Eleanor Lewis Available second hand and online only price around £20.00 This issue initiates a series of articles peeking into darkrooms. The idea came from both this book and early Black and White Photography magazines which did the same. The book takes us into the darkrooms of many famous photographers including Wynn Bullock, Ralph Gibson, W.Eugene Smith (and I thought my darkroom was chaotic!) and George Tice to name but a few. It gives a real and full insight into the working practices of these leading photographer/ darkroom practitioners. The complete disclosure aspect of the book, particularly the table summary of equipment and materials given at the end of each photographers chapter adds significantly to the books strength. It is a book that makes me review my darkroom and how I use it – but is also inspirational. Should it be on your shelf? Definitely ! Got to go now. Off to my darkroom to make some prints….
Better In Black and White Creative Monochrome Publication written by: Harry Fearn ARPS Available second hand online £26.00 This is a simple book describing what can be a complex subject – the Zone system. It is also a lot of money for a rather thin publication. However as I got into the book I found that it is nearer to an easily digestible photography course than a book to read per se. My experience with the Open University, which I found to be excellent, was due in part to the very fine printed workbooks, which made learning complex subjects easy and enjoyable and I had a similar experience with this book. I think this aspect of the book makes the price much more acceptable. The book does come with a warning: “This book explains the Ansel Adams ‘Zone System’ method of working, which may seriously improve your photography. Good photography can be addictive, leading to huge expenditure of time and money,” You have been warned.
18
