Looking at Photographs: A Guide to Technical Terms

by Gordon Baldwin

This reference guide contains an informative history of photography, with explanations of the technical terms often encountered by gallery patrons and those taking an interest in the background to photographic excellence for the first time. What is a contact print? What is a pinhole camera? What is the difference between a daguerreotype and a tintype, or between a gelatin silver print and a halftone? This work offers definitions and explanations of the techniques, processes and materials used in the making of photographs from the 1830s to the present. Its illustrations are mostly taken from the holdings of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Genres: Photography, Art

88 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2009

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this useful for technical photography descriptions. It's a reference that basically reads as a dictionary for technical photo terminology (as the title says). When you are wondering what to call the brown spots on your image? Look up "foxing". When trying to figure out the difference between ambrotypes and daguerrotypes, this is really helpful (ambrotypes stay positive no matter the angle you look at the image).

Great reference.

[Margot Note]

Great, quick glossary to identify analog and digital image characteristics.

[Meg Clayton]

photography