A comprehensive textbook, Alternative Process Photography for the Contemporary Photographer explores the ways in which the materiality and science of photography and aesthetic concepts of contemporary photography can work together in an accessible way. The book explores processes such as calotype, wet plate collodion, cyanotype, platinum and palladium, gum bichromate and digital. It explains not only the historical context behind these processes but draws on examples from contemporary practitioners to show how the processes can be used within the field of contemporary photography. Author Morgan Post exemplifies the creative ways in which a contemporary photographer can engage with alternative process photography as a beginner and includes contributions from Takashi Arai, Alida Rodrigues, Binh Danh, Diana H. Bloomfield and many others from around the world. The textbook is accompanied by a companion website offering accessible step-by-step video instructions that demonstrate the processes explored. Bridging analogue and digital media, the textbook is ideal for students of photography and amateur photographers with an interest in alternative methods to photography.

Jill Enfield’s Guide to Photographic Alternative Processes, 2nd edition, is packed with stunning imagery, how-to recipes, techniques and historical information for emulating the ethereal, dream-like feel of alternative processing. This fully updated edition covers alternative processing from its historical roots through to digital manipulation and contemporary techniques and how to combine them. It features several new techniques alongside new approaches to older techniques, including hand painting on silver gelatin prints, ceramics and photography, cyanotypes, wet plate collodion, digital prints and many more. Enfield showcases the different styles and methods of contemporary artists together with suggestions for vegan and vegetarian friendly alternative processing, transforming 2D images to 3D installations, and how to apply darkroom techniques to digital captures. Professionals, students and hobbyists will discover how to bring new life and imagination to their imagery. Whether in a darkroom using traditional chemicals, at the kitchen sink with pantry staples, or in front of the computer re-creating techniques digitally, you will learn how to add a richness and depth to your photography like never before.

Written by internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Christopher James, THE BOOK OF ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES: 3rd Edition is the definitive text for students and professionals studying alternative photographic processes and the art of hand-made photographic image making. This innovative Third Edition brings the medium up to date with new and historic processes that are integrated with the latest contemporary innovations, adaptations, techniques, and art work. This 800 page edition is packed with more than 700 exquisite illustrations featuring historical examples as well as the art that is currently being made by professional alternative process, artists, teachers, and students of the genre. The third edition is the complete and comprehensive technical and aesthetic resource exploring and delving into every aspect of alternative photographic process photography. Each chapter introduces the history of a technique, presents an overview of the alternative photographic process that will be featured, reviews its chemistry, and provides practical and easy to follow guidance in how to make it work. In his conversational writing style, James also explores the idiosyncrasies, history, and cultural connections that are such a significant part of the history of photography. Featuring traditional and digital contact negative production as well as an array of processes, spread out over 28 chapters, THE BOOK OF ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES: 3RD EDITION delivers clear instructions, practical workflows and advice, humor, history, art, and immeasurable inspiration. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Photography is not dying and has not died. It has been an ever-changing medium since its earliest days, and while near-obsession with the technology of the day may have defined photography over the course of its existence, photography is so much more than hardware and software. Photography is communication, whether chemical or digital, tangible or ephemeral in form. Photography Beyond Technique is a compelling selection of essays and images that reveal the thoughts and methods of some of today’s most exciting contemporary photographers. These artists employ alternative, historical, or handmade processes and techniques, and they share a comprehensive view of the medium: that the choice of photographic process is just as important as the selection of subjects. While other books concentrate solely on process, or theory, or artistic intent, none focus on photography in which these decisions are considered inseparable. These 20 essays, originally presented at the annual F295 symposium and seminar series, provide a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in photography as an art form and as a medium through which to view the world. Includes: "Looking Backward, Seeing Forward: Reframing Visual History" by Robert Hirsch "Mystery, Memory, and Narrative" by Martha Casanave "Finding Confidence: Combining Process with Purpose" by Mark Osterman "Photograph, Material, and Metaphor" by Jerry Spagnoli

Cyanotype: The Blueprint in Contemporary Practice is a two part book on the much admired blue print process. Part One is a comprehensive how-to on the cyanotype process for both beginner and advanced practitioners, with lots of photographs and clear, step-by-step directions and formulas. Part Two highlights contemporary artists who are using cyanotype, making work that ranges from the photographic to the abstract, from the traditional to the conceptual, with tips on their personal cyanotype methods alongside their work. These artists illustrate cyanotype’s widespread use in contemporary photography today, probably the most of any alternative process. Book features include: A brief discussion of the practice of the process with some key historical points How to set up the cyanotype ÒdimroomÓ The most extensive discussion of suitable papers to date, with data from 100+ papers Step-by-step digital negative methods for monochrome and duotone negatives Chapters on classic, new, and other cyanotype formulas Toning to create colors from yellow to brown to violet Printing cyanotype over palladium, for those who want to temper cyanotype’s blue nature Printing cyanotype on alternate surfaces such as fabric, glass, and wood More creative practice ideas for cyanotype such as handcoloring and gold leafing Troubleshooting cyanotype, photographically illustrated Finishing, framing, and storing cyanotype Contemporary artists’ advice, techniques, and works Cyanotype is backed with research from 120 books, journals, and magazine articles from 1843 to the present day. It is richly illustrated with 400 photographs from close to 80 artists from 14 countries. It is a guide for the practitioner, from novice to expert, providing inspiration and proof of cyanotype’s original and increasing place in historical and contemporary photography.

Cyanotype is the most accessible and frequently used of all the alternative photographic processes. When utilized properly, it has the potential to rival other processes when it comes to detail and tonal range, but its Prussian blue color isn’t always suitable for the final photograph. Throughout history, cyanotype prints have been toned not only with various—and at times hazardous—chemicals but also with more natural ingredients like tea and coffee. Since the cyanotype itself is non-toxic, Cyanotype Toning will champion an innovative process, developed by the author, of toning cyanotypes with natural material. This process, which is easy and reliable, offers a much broader range of possible colors and even beautiful black and whites. Even duotone or tricolor prints can be attained. The book consists of two parts. Part One is a step-by-step how-to section including all the information that a student at any level needs to achieve a successfully toned print. Easy-to-understand background information is provided on how and why the process works so that readers can venture on their own into the world of natural colors. The first part also has a detailed section on all the factors that can influence the outcome, like paper choice, water quality, properties of the plants, temperature of the bath and the duration of the toning. Part Two is devoted to contemporary artists who have explored toning with botanicals and integrated the process into their creative practice. The book includes: A list of equipment and supplies needed. In depth information about useful plants and the specific properties that make them suitable for toning cyanotypes. Concise step-by-step instructions for printing cyanotypes successfully. A chart of more than 60 tested papers with recommendations on paper choice. Step-by-step generic instructions on toning with botanicals. Troubleshooting toning with botanicals. More detailed recipes for specific colors with information about the plants. Step-by-step instructions on how to print duotone and tricolor prints. A range of creative ideas on how to use the process in classrooms and with different age groups. A comprehensive list of more than 380 tested parts of plants and possible color outcomes. Using botanicals to tone cyanotypes broadens the color spectrum, enlarges creative possibilities and makes the cyanotype process even more versatile. The process is not cut and dried science but a limitless field for discovery and surprises. Cyanotype Toning provides accessible information and instructions for readers at all levels. It is comprehensive and explanatory, so that readers can expand on the subject on their own, as did the contemporary artists who share their experiences and the works they have created using this innovative toning process.

Alternative Photographic Processes teaches techniques, both analog & digital, allowing artists to bring a personal touch through manipulation of a photograph, the negative, and the print. This book stands apart from recent publications on alternative processes by presenting a range of new approaches and methods to achieve popular techniques, as well as providing step-by-step guidance for an array of unique techniques meant to inspire artists working in various mediums. Through detailed guidance, working artist examples, and info about the contemporary use of these processes, this book will provide instruction for students, educators, and artists to expand their creative toolbox.