Michael Langford (1933–2000)

A wonderful little book. While the camera technology it describes is totally obsolete, the section on composition is some of the best I've ever read. I learned more about photography from this book than any other.

An iconic work by one of the deans of photographic science and technique in the 20th century. After its appearance it was quickly adopted by many photography schools and amateur groups as their syllabus.
To many people who started photography in the 80s this was the bible which guided their steps through the intricacies of image composition and acquisition with a camera and its final printing with or without a darkroom lab. Even though this is a book for the beginner most arcane subjects in show more photography are very well sorted and explained and the book keeps its usefulness even in the digital era where, in spite of what many people think, most of the photographic technique is still the same. show less

This is an excellent overview and study text for advanced photographic knowledge based on technology for the silver based era. Its coverage of light, lenses, etc., is still relevant. Well illustrated with photography and diagrams.

Inside blurb:

The Complete Encyclopaedia of Photography is the most comprehensive single-volume guide to the subject ever compiled. A lasting source of information and in- spiration, it will appeal to proficient photographers as well as to beginners.
This unique illustrated reference book by Michael Lang- ford encompasses all the basic principles of photo- graphy as well as an exhaustive range of visual and practical skills, right up to professional and specialist levels.
The Complete show more Encyclopaedia of Photography is carefully planned to make any aspect of photography - theory or technique - easily accessible. On the one hand, the information required to meet any immediate photographic situation can be found at a glance; but, in addition, a topic entry can be studied at length for in- depth knowledge.
As well as wide-ranging coverage of camera and dark- room techniques, there is a major section on the aes- thetics of photography, with special emphasis on the dynamics of composition, and another offering detailed guidance on photographing specialized subjects. A fas- cinating analysis of photographic styles and "schools' provides an historical perspective from earliest days to the present.
Supplemented by technical data, glossaries, iagrams and charts, and lavishly illustrated throughout with specially commissioned photographs and the portfolio work of master photographers, The Complete Encyc- lopaedia of Photography is the ultimate guide to photographic expertise.

Michael Langford's leading reputation as photographer lecturer, and author of many best-selling practical photography titles is well established. His publications include sixteen books on photography and some 400 articles in British and American magazines. Total sales of his books now exceed one million copies, and many have been adopted as standard works for photographic courses, from secondary school to university. He is a frequent broadcaster on radio and he has also worked as an advisor to Yorkshire Television on their series of photography programmes
Michael Langford is a Fellow and Senior Tutor in Photo- graphy at the Royal College of Art, London. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and the Institute of Incorporated Photographers. A professiona photographer for over twenty years, his work has appeared in forms ranging from magazine covers, newspapers and book jackets, to postage stamps anc television commercials. Michael Langford has been particularly active in photographic education; he began teaching at the London College of Printing and was Head of the School of Photography at Birmingham College of Art and Design when appointed to the Roya College of Art. He is external assessor for several BA courses and is advisor to national examination boards for photography at school and college levels.
Michael Langford is the author of The Step by Step Guide to Photography, The Darkroom Handbook and The Book of Special Etfects Photography. He is alsc general editor of The Basic Photography Series
Cover photographs Front: John Starr Back: Robin Bath (left) Henry Wilson (right)
ISBN 0 17 006133 7 show less