Primitive Photography

A Guide to Making Cameras, Lenses, and Calotypes

Alan Greene

UK/Europe: Buy 'Primitive Photography' from Amazon.co.uk

USA: Buy 'Primitive Photography' from Amazon.com

Synopsis

Primitive Photography combines the simplicity of pinhole photography, the handmade quality of alternative processes, and the precision of large-format. For those seeking alternatives to commercially prepared material as well as digital photography, it provides the instructions for creating the entire photographic process from the ground up.

This text considers the hand-made photographic process in its entirety, showing the reader how to make box-cameras, lenses, paper negatives and salt prints, using inexpensive tools and materials found in most hardware and art-supply stores.

Step-by-step procedures are presented alongside theoretical explanations and historical background. Streamlined calotype procedures are demonstrated, featuring different paper negative processes and overlooked, developing-out printing mehods.

• Paperback - 235 pages (1 November, 2001)
• Focal Press;
• ISBN: 0240804619

Review from AlternativePhotgraphy.com

A book born from the desire to make photographs from scratch.

Detailed descriptions of how to make negative holders, build a camera body and designa simple lens it gives you the know-how of how to buiold a simple camera.

It also guides the reader step-by-step through the calotypes and vax process, ending up with a large format negative. A hands on book, not for the beginner.