My First Photography Book

Teaching youngsters how to master simple photographic techniques and explaining the scientific concepts behind the process, a colorful visual introduction instructs readers on taking pictures and making things with photographs.

Grade 4-6-An inviting handbook that offers advice and creative projects for beginning photographers. The initial double-page spread explains how to use the book. Each project includes lists of necessary materials and equipment, step-by-step instructions, and pictures of finished products. Materials and equipment are inexpensive and readily available, e.g, colored, transparent candy wrappers are used as filters, and magnifying glasses are used as close-up lenses. Technical vocabulary is kept to a minimum, defined contextually, and repeated on a final glossary page. Vivid, well-labeled illustrations in primary colors are attractive and informative. The strength of this presentation lies in its clear conceptual approach as well as in the author's realization that early photographic efforts rarely yield completely satisfactory images. Construction of a pinhole camera and a camera obscura will readily lead young photographers to the concept of a negative image, while the zoetrope clearly explains the mechanics of motion pictures. Montages, collages, concertina cards, and miniature theater backdrops are a few of the activities that recycle usable portions of less-than-perfect prints. This visually appealing title will lure young patrons as well as their teachers, who may want to use it in whole-language instruction.
Nancy E. Curran, Decatur Public Schools, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4-7. The latest addition in the popular, colorful My First series is packed with practical tips on how to take "creative" pictures and make great projects with the photographs. The supplies needed for each project include easily found items--poster board, paints, glue, and so on. Each step of the instruction process is accompanied by a photo with a caption containing short, simple directions. A life-size picture of the finished project and suggestions for using it are other helpful aids. The projects are many and varied, ranging from a play theater to photo frames and a camera case. Many children will be attracted to the book's large format and bright colors, but older kids will have the most success in completing the activities on their own. Young ones might enjoy doing projects as a classroom activity or with the aid of a parent or older sibling. Lauren Peterson