PROCESSING AND PRINTING

At first glance, these three books are similar in content, format, and price. However, whereas both Midzal!s Black & White Photography for 35mm and Garrett!s Black-and-White Masterclass provide a broad, introductory overview of black-and-white photography, Busselle!s Processing and Printing concentrates on darkroom techniques for making exquisite photographic prints. Generously illustrated with examples of finely printed photographs, Busselle!s book is sumptuously printed on quality glossy paper. It guides the reader through virtually every step, from setting up a darkroom to the storage and presentation of finished prints. Written in a clear, detailed, and fairly thorough manner, this book will be of great value to amateurs with limited experience in printing black-and-white photographs and will also appeal to professionals, who will be greatly impressed by Busselle!s darkroom artistry. Mizdal and Garrett have both written very useful titles, particularly for those who would like to learn the basics of black-and-white photography. Both books emphasize 35mm photography, although Garrett also briefly discusses medium-format photography. Curiously, given the popularity of black-and-white photography, there are few good, current introductory manuals, and these two works will be welcomed by anyone interested in photography. Both books cover everything from film and cameras to caring for equipment. Written in a succinct manner, Mizdal!s work will appeal primarily to beginning photographers. Although also quite suitable as an introduction, Garrett!s book discusses toning, retouching, and other techniques in a little greater depth and detail. It also includes several helpful case studies. All three titles are recommended for photography collections in public and academic libraries. An especially fine book, Processing and Printing is highly recommended, particularly for libraries where patrons are interested in photography as an art form."Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.