The Art of Infrared Photography

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Summary: THE BEST BOOK ON INFRARED AVAILABLE
Review: Simply put, the best book on infrared I have read, and I've read them all.Makes it clear and concise how to put this unique film to best use. Using wonderfully written text and expertly shot images, takes the reader by the hand and walks them through it all step by step. The new bible on infrared. Portfolio of photographs in b&w and color infrared will astound you. Rush out and read it now!

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Summary: A great book to have
Review: The Art of Infrared Photography 4th Edition

by

Joseph Paduano.With some knowledge, a desire to try something new and the willingness to experiment, you can enter the world of infrared photography. There are things you must know about infrared film, however, in order to create the haunting, dreamlike images this unusual film can produce. Learning how to use infrared film need not be difficult or complicated, and photographer/author Joseph Paduano proves this in his book, The Art of Infrared Photography. Paduano covers all that needs to be known in clear language and uses a portfolio of his work to demonstrate his points. Enough infrared theory is discussed so anyone unfamiliar with the film can understand what makes it different and why. But Paduano does this without using terms and language that only a scientist could understand. The qualities that make infrared images so different and interesting are the grain and the haunting white appearance of some subject matter photographed. In detail, Paduano explains what subject matter photographs best with infrared film and why. For instance, certain trees-- pine, firs, spruce, for example--don't record as well on infrared film as trees with large leaves. The reason for this is that, "The chlorophyll leaf and blade structures in a healthy plant absorb visible light and reflect most of the infrared radiation to which the film is sensitive." Paduano goes on to explain which objects and colors best reflect or transmits the infrared wavelength and offers his photographs to illustrate his comments. There are clear illustrations and instructions that explain how to handle the film, load your camera and unload and prepare for processing this sensitive film. Infrared film could not be discussed without the rules of focusing and the use of filters being addressed. Filters for infrared, filter factors and exposure compensations are listed in an easy-to-read chart. Again, Paduano's images illustrate the differences the various filters make. Film speeds, image grains and why these components are important to the success of your photographs are covered in detail in chapter 4. Chapter 5 goes into greater detail about exposure and filters and the different circumstances that effect the film. In chapter 6 you will learn how to expose the film by using timed exposures and/or flash. Specific instructions are given on processing and printing your film in chapter 7. Once you have mastered infrared photography you may want to further enhance your images with toning or hand coloring. These techniques are explained and illustrated as is the use of color infrared film. Digital infrared cameras are described, explained and compared in chapter 10. The last half of the book contains a portfolio of Paduano's images. These photographs clearly show the variety of effects you can achieve with infrared film and are fuel for any photographer's imagination. I found this 100 page, soft cover volume easy to understand, thorough in explanations, encouraging and motivating. An excellent addition to your photography library, I give The Art of Infrared Photography a healthy four out of five stars.

Marilyn Dalrymple

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Summary: A useful introduction toward understanding infrared film
Review: The Art of Infrared Photography is an excellent, up to date look at the black and white and color infrared medium. It explores all aspects of infrared photography, as well as how new films(Kodak, once the industry standard has been joined by Konica, Agfa and Ilford) render images in significantly different ways. The book skillfully guides the reader through all the procedures necessary to produce high quality black and white and color infrared images. The text is written in concise language that any photographer ( novice or advanced ) can understand and impliment toward his or her art. There is also a chapter devoted to toning and hand-coloring black and white infrared prints. The chapter on color infrared film is enlightening and shows how this medium can also transport the reader to an ethereal world of specialized photography. The portfolio section consisting of black and white and color images is stunning and inspirational. By far, the best sourcebook on infrared photography on the market. Raises the bar by setting a new standard for the art of infrared photography.

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Summary: EXCELLENT BOOK ON INFRARED
Review: This book has now become my primer on infrared photography. What a well written and photographed book. Mr. Paduano's book has been in print now for 20 years and it is easy to see why.He truly is a master of this medium.The text is well written, thorough and easy to follow.Detailed text and images are contained in this edition. Covers black and white as well as color infrared. Chapters on filters,exposure and printing take the guess work out of this mysterious film. The infrared images are superb!The author updates each priniting of the book to keep it current also. If you own just one book on infrared, this is the book to own.A true delight.

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Summary: THE PERFECT BOOK ON INFRARED
Review: This is the best book on the use of infrared film I have read so far. I've bought other books, but none were as thorough and easy to understand as this one. The author is very detailed in each chapter and escorts the reader through each process, so that you can acheive the best results with the film. Mr. Paduano is tops in his field and he not only writes with authority, but his photographs are exquisite. Well worth every penny I spent and a book I will refer to time and time again as my infrared information source guide. Highly recommended!