Barry Idmess Darkroom Equipment

Photography Darkroom Supplies

Digital Photography For Beginners - Understanding File Formats - JPEG, TIFF Or RAW!

In this Digital Photography for Beginners article we are going to look at file formats. In past times, photographs would be captured onto light sensitive film. Then, after development in the darkroom, a negative would be produced. With digital photography, images are stored as a digital file. For viewing, the file is decoded - and there are 3 main types of file used - JPEG, TIFF and RAW.

Before we look at these file types, it is pertinent to explain the difference between "lossy" and "lossless" files. When a picture is taken, the camera records the data onto the memory card as a file. If all of the data is stored, this is known as a lossless file. These files are large in size. RAW files are lossless. To reduce file size, the camera can discard part of the data not easily perceptible to the human eye. A JPEG is a lossy file. A TIFF file is, in principle, a flexible format that can be lossless or lossy.

JPEG - Is the most common file format used by amateur photographers, mainly because so many pictures can be recorded on one card. Whilst the actual number will vary depending on the camera used, it is easily possible to take more than 1500 images using a 2GB memory card.

Because this is a lossy file, the images are compressed resulting in a greater amount of pictures possible when compared to lossless files (TIFF or RAW). The camera will allow you to set the level of compression, so more, or less, photos can be taken. Just bear in mind that the overall quality will be affected the more compressed the file. So, if you were looking to print images above standard sizes, you would need to choose less compression.

RAW - These files take data straight from the camera's sensor. This means they are not processed by the camera at all and represent the purest image, as taken. They are sometimes referred to as a "digital negative". Using the optimum (i.e. least) compression level, you could expect to record just 100 images, or less, on a 2GB card, using a 15megapixel camera. The major plus here is that you will be able to produce high quality prints of A3 size and over. Professionals and serious amateurs use RAW files.

Unlike JPEGs, RAW files are not universal across manufacturers. For example, Canon uses the term RAW, whilst Nikon's equivalent are known as NEF files. These are not compatible with each other. However, each manufacturer will supply software with the camera to enable you to process and print the images. RAW files are excellent for post production image manipulation, because all of the original data is still intact, and can therefore be worked with.

TIFF - In practice, TIFF is generally used as a lossless file format that uses no compression. Consequently, file sizes can be large, but retain their data, and subsequent quality. However, the file size is huge if compared to the same JPEG file. A common use of TIFF is as the working format for editing and manipulating digital images in Photoshop, or equivalent. With JPEG editing, slight degradation occurs with each new file save. TIFF is lossless, if no compression is selected, so there is no loss of quality each time a file is amended and saved.

TIFF should not be used for displaying images on the web, because of file size. Most web browsers will not display a TIFF image.

Hopefully this Digital Photography for Beginners article has helped to clarify the difference between the file formats. In summary, if ultimate quality and large printing is not required, JPEG files will more than suffice, and can also be used on the internet. RAW files are excellent for serious photographers who want the maximum quality, and ability to make detailed changes in post production. These files can be amended to TIFF or JPEG when ready. TIFF files do not lose quality (if uncompressed) so are good for working on in post production, before final saving as a JPEG.

About the Author

If you have enjoyed this
digital photography for beginners
article, and would like to discover how you can greatly enhance your photographic skills, check out
http://www.photographycourseonline.info
for more information.

Darkroom $15.26 The long-awaited sixth instalment in the Jim Rook series A spate of unexplained fires spreads across Los Angeles, killing indiscriminately, tearing up the city, destroying people's faith. There seems to be no probable cause for the fires arson and murder are not suspected but surely they can't have been started by something as fanciful as spontaneous combustion. Can they? Jim Rook, newly returned from a disastrous sojourn in Washington DC, is called upon to assist with the LAPD's investigation. The police hope that Rook, a special needs teacher with the rare ability to see demons and spirits, can look past the facts of each case and come up with some answers. Meanwhile, a mysterious portrait hung over the fireplace of Rook's new apartment sends him and his remedial English class off on an investigation into the past, where a myth about photography and the human soul seems unwilling to be forgotten. Could this really be the link he's looking for? Or will it only lead him

The Darkroom Cookbook $39.95 The art of darkroom developing and printing will never go out of style. Master darkroom specialist Steve Anchell is back to prove it in this long-awaited third edition of his enormously successful Darkroom Cookbook. Packed with over 200 "recipes," some common and others rare gems, you'll discover something new every time you open this guide, whether you're new to the darkroom or have been making your own prints for years. In addition to the formulas, you'll find tons of useful information on developers, push-processing, where to get darkroom equipment, how to set up your own darkroom, how to work and play in your darkroom safely, and much more. This handy guide will become a constant companion for every darkroom enthusiast creating prints at home or in the studio. In addition to complete updates throughout to reflect changes in the availability of chemicals and equipment, this third edition contains all new information on: *Reversal processing *Enlarged negatives *Pyro formulas *Plus expanded sections on printing, pyro, and toning prints Also included for the first time are special technique contributions as well as stunning black and white imagery by Bruce Barnbaum, Rod Dresser, Jay Dusard, Patrick Gainer, Richard Garrod, Henry Gilpin, Gordon Hutchings, Sandy King, Les McLean, Sa?d Nuseibeh, France Scully Osterman, Mark Osterman, Tim Rudman, Ryuijie, John Sexton, and John Wimberly. Be sure to visit www.darkroomcookbook.com to find useful links, an interactive user forum, and more! Steve Anchell is a photographer and author of The Variable Contrast Printing Manual, and co-author of The Film Developing Cookbook. He has been teaching darkroom and photography workshops since 1979. Steve is a member of the Freestyle Advisory Board of Photographic Professionals. "With its unrivalled collection of photographic formulae and easy to understand explanations of photographic processes, The Darkroom Cookbook has long been a favorite with darkroom workers everywhere. Now, with further additions to its formulary, more topics, and contributions by renowned darkroom experts, this new edition promises to be an indispensable Aladdin's Cave resource to darkroom enthusiasts of all levels." -Tim Rudman, photographer and author "The Darkroom Cookbook is an essential compendium of photographic information for anyone interested in high-quality darkroom work." -John Sexton, photographer *Packed with rare techniques for silver-based processing clearly explained by a darkroom master so you can create your own stunning prints at home or in the studio *Contains over 200 formulas - follow along step-by-step, or experiment with your own variations to develop new recipes! *Includes a brand-new chapter on analog variable contrast printing *Visit the new supplemental website to find useful links and an interactive user forum

The Photoshop Darkroom $39.95 The Photoshop Darkroom offers limitless possibilities for photographers looking for jaw-dropping results, using powerful and innovative creative post-processing techniques. If you want folks to ask "How did you do that?" then this is the book for you! The images in The Photoshop Darkroom will inspire you and help you unleash your creative potential. You'll learn to view your own digital photography with new eyes. Step-by-step directions show you real-world examples of how to achieve the results you want from your photography and post-processing. *Learn how to work with RAW image files *Understand the Photoshop darkroom workflow *Multi-process RAW files *Extend the dynamic range of your photographs *Create High Dynamic Range (HDR) images by hand *Create stunning black and white imagery with Photoshop *Use layers and masking for compositing *Create striking color effects using LAB color

The Darkroom: Photography and the Theatre of Desire $58.5 No Synopsis Available

Creative Elements: Darkroom Techniques for Landscape Photography $3.95 For landscape photographers who want control of the final image, this guide presents creative darkroom techniques for black-and-white.

Darkroom (Paperback) $33.51 In the aftermath of her mother`s suicide, one young woman recognizes the malleability of her reality. From her adolescence in the flat, hot Floridian landscape to a tectonic Missouri adulthood, a girl shaped by grief is compelled to create and manipulate her image of the world. As her dreams become indistinguishable from daily life, she begins to question memory, identity, and the function of love. Employing photography as its central metaphor, Darkroom tackles the tangled relationship between memory and mourning by exploring an artist`s impossible attempt to re-create the object of loss.

Photography $3.94 This best-selling, comprehensive guide to photography--featuring superb instructional illustrations--is the most cutting-edge photography book on the market. It offers extensive coverage of digital imaging--with the latest technological developments, such as Web page design and formatting photos on CD-ROMs. Chapter topics explore the process of getting started, camera, lens, film and light, exposure, processing the negative, mounting and finishing, color, digital camera, digital darkroom, lighting, special techniques, view camera, zone system, seeing photographs, and the history of photography. Step-by-step instructions include a "Lights Out" feature to help learners better identify darkroom techniques. For anyone with a personal or professional interest in photography.

Mastering Black-And-White Photography: From Camera to Darkroom $21.4 PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION: "A masterful book . . . offers a wealth of practical suggestions to improve your photography, many of which are just as useful when shooting color."--"Popular Photography" ." . . highly recommended "--"Library Journal" Now updated and expanded to cover the latest information on the impact of digital imaging and Internet technology, Mastering Black and White Photography covers every aspect of the process, from choosing a camera and building a darkroom to finding subjects and creating dazzling prints. Readers will discover expert advice and no-fail techniques for developing a contact sheet; creating a final print, using the Internet to present a portfolio, making extra prints and enlargements, and more. For any photographer looking to develop expert skills in the art and technique of black-and-white photography, this newly revised classic provides all the ready-to-use help one needs - An industry classic providing a thorough introduction to black-and-white photography - One of the most reasonably priced, accessible, and comprehensive books on the topic

The Darkroom Cookbook (Paperback) $69.93 This book shares tried-and-true techniques for the silver-based process and provides the keys to unlocking creativity through the mastery of the `ingredients` of photography - namely the chemicals used to develop, fix, stop and tone. The Darkroom Cookbook, 2nd Edition offers 170 photographic formulas, 20 of which are new to this edition, that cover film developing, paper developing, toners, stop baths, fixers, negative reductions, print reductions, negative intensifiers, paper intensifiers, and more. New information has been added on pyro developer, amidol developer, monobaths, pushing film, and low contrast development. Sections on safety and darkroom planning, as well as a listing of chemical suppliers, complete this book.

The Creative Digital Darkroom $39.99 This tutorial takes photographers beyond the quick tips and gimmicky effects of many digital photography books. Author Katrin Eismann -- an internationally acclaimed artist, bestselling author, and gifted educator -- offers high-profile work, including her own, as examples for teaching photographers how to use the digital medium to create, edit, and output images that reflect their true vision. Co-authored by photographer and teacher Sean Duggan, The Creative Digital Darkroom translates skills, concepts, and nomenclature of the traditional darkroom into digital solutions for photographers who sense that, despite the newness of the technologies at hand, there remains a timeless method for learning and practicing photography the right way. This is not a Photoshop book per se, but it does focus on the photographic aspects of Photoshop, something other books claim to do but rarely have the discipline to accomplish. The Creative Digital Darkroom includes: Four sections that cover the black & white darkroom, the color darkroom, creative techniques, and production essentials Chapters that begin with a thorough foundation followed by numerous tutorial examples that apply the theory to real-world examples Examples and a layout that enables readers to find, understand, and apply the featured techniques quickly and easily The authors are both renowned photographers and Photoshop experts Clearly, The Creative Digital Darkroom is not your typical digital photography "how to" book. It's ideal for intermediate and advanced photographers, artists, and educators looking for clear, concise, insightful, and inspiring information and techniques on how to make their photographs shine. The language, and techniques will immediately appeal to serious students and professionals, and the original tutorial images and high-profile work will make the book an important visual resource for educators and art appreciators.

The Photoshop Darkroom (Paperback) $47.2 The Photoshop Darkroom offers limitless possibilities for photographers looking for jaw-dropping results, using powerful and innovative creative post-processing techniques. If you want folks to ask "How did you do that?" then this is the book for you!The images in The Photoshop Darkroom will inspire you and help you unleash your creative potential. You`ll learn to view your own digital photography with new eyes.Step-by-step directions show you real-world examples of how to achieve the results you want from your photography and post-processing.With this book you will: learn how to work with RAW image files; understand the Photoshop darkroom workflow; multi-process RAW files; extend the dynamic range of your photographs; create High Dynamic Range (HDR) images by hand; create stunning black and white imagery with Photoshop; use layers and masking for compositing; and create striking color effects using LAB color.

Darkroom Rat Art / photography Mug by CafePress $15 Logo Mug Art / photography Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Perfect Digital Photography: Brilliant Pixels from the Digital Darkroom $45.21 Written by photography experts--including a Pulitzer-Prize winning National Geographic photographer--this full-color book is a must-have for amateur photographers serious about improving both the quality of their photographs and their proficiency in the digital darkroom. The book is the perfect combination of a technical treatise on digital imaging and an artistic exploration of light, composition, and form, allowing you to glean the essential techniques needed for digital photography without losing sight of the artistic and aesthetic aspects of the craft. Using an easy-to-follow approach, the authors explain the image conceptualization process through shooting, editing, and image correction to finished print. In addition, top photographers from a variety of disciplines offer real-world advice on how they use digital photography to create compelling images for high-profile magazine articles, advertising campaigns, and fine art prints.

The Photoshop Darkroom 2 $39.95 Award-winning photography/design team Harold and Phyllis Davis are back with a brand new volume in their new Photoshop Darkroom series. Picking up where their best-selling first book left off, The Photoshop Darkroom 2: Advanced Digital Post-Processing will show you everything you need to know to take your digital imaging skills to the next level. Great photographers know that the best images begin well before the shutter clicks, and certainly well before Photoshop boots up. Harold takes a step back, and shares his helpful tips for capturing the most compelling images possible by keeping in mind what type of post-processing you'll do before you start shooting. You'll also find complete coverage of important topics such as compositing, working with layers, and HDR. Packed with tons of eye-popping images which have won Harold national acclaim, this is a fantastic resource for photographers who want to think outside the box and create truly stunning artwork. *Compatible with any version of Photoshop *Useful case studies break information down into condensed, real-world examples which are easy to follow and put into practice immediately *Images and supplemental material are available for free on focalpress.com

Darkroom Rat Art / photography White T-Shirt by CafePress $22 The white t-shirt is a timeless classic for a reason; it should be a staple in every wardrobe. It is clean, simple, and durable. The best part is you can wear it with anything. This 100% cotton T-shirt is so comfortable you'll want to wear it to bed. Art / photography White T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The white t-shirt is a timeless classic for a reason; it should be a staple in every wardrobe. It is clean, simple, and durable. The best part is you can wear it with anything. This 100% cotton T-shirt is so comfortable you'll want to wear it to bed.

The Photoshop Darkroom: Creative Digital Post-Processing $33.94 "The Photoshop Darkroom" offers limitless possibilities for photographers looking for jaw-dropping results, using powerful and innovative creative post-processing techniques. If you want folks to ask "How did you do that?" then this is the book for you The images in "The Photoshop Darkroom" will inspire you and help you unleash your creative potential. You'll learn to view your own digital photography with new eyes. Step-by-step directions show you real-world examples of how to achieve the results you want from your photography and post-processing. *Learn how to work with RAW image files *Understand the Photoshop darkroom workflow *Multi-process RAW files *Extend the dynamic range of your photographs *Create High Dynamic Range (HDR) images by hand *Create stunning black and white imagery with Photoshop *Use layers and masking for compositing *Create striking color effects using LAB color

The Photoshop Darkroom 2: Creative Digital Transformations $33.93 Award-winning photography/design team Harold and Phyllis Davis are back with a brand new volume in their new Photoshop Darkroom series. Picking up where their best-selling first book left off, The Photoshop Darkroom 2: Advanced Digital Post-Processing will show you everything you need to know to take your digital imaging skills to the next level. Great photographers know that the best images begin well before the shutter clicks, and certainly well before Photoshop boots up. Harold takes a step back, and shares his helpful tips for capturing the most compelling images possible by keeping in mind what type of post-processing you'll do before you start shooting. You'll also find complete coverage of important topics such as compositing, working with layers, and HDR. Packed with tons of eye-popping images which have won Harold national acclaim, this is a fantastic resource for photographers who want to think outside the box and create truly stunning artwork. *Compatible with any version of Photoshop *Useful case studies break information down into condensed, real-world examples which are easy to follow and put into practice immediately *Images and supplemental material are available for free on focalpress.com

Starting Photography $3.94 A practical book for the absolute beginner. Learn how to compose your pictures for more visual effect, understand the camera controls that will allow you more creative freedom, tackle different subjects and difficult lighting conditions, photograph in a studio and process and print your own pictures in the darkroom. Each chapter is fully illustrated with colour examples and suggestions for practical exercises allow you to practice and explore different effects. Features include: * how to select and compose a good shot * how different cameras operate: whether film, digital or APS * how to use camera controls; shutter speed, focus, zoom setting, use of flash etc. for creative effect * advice on tackling different subjects * visually identifying and overcoming common faults * exploring simple special effects and unusual images * setting up an indoor studio * processing and printing your own black and white prints in the darkroom * ways of mounting and presenting your work 'Starting Photography' is an authoritative start-up guide written by a leading photography writer with an international reputation. This edition is eminently suited to practical photography courses and has been updated to cover the latest City and Guilds 9231 syllabus. It also includes projects designed to encourage experimentation. * practically orientated and user-friendly guide to get you started fast * lavishly illustrated with inspirational colour images throughout * benefit from the practical suggestions for experimental projects to improve your technique

Architectural Photography $19.95 Architectural photography is more than simply choosing a subject and pressing the shutter-release button; it's more than just documenting a project. An architectural photograph shows the form and appeal of a building far better than any other medium. With the advent of the digital photographic workflow, architects are discovering exciting new opportunities to present and market their work. But what are the ingredients for a successful architectural photograph? What equipment do you need? How can you improve your images in your digital darkroom? Why does a building look different in reality than in a photographic image? In this book you will find the answers to these questions and much more. Author Adrian Schulz-both an architect and a photographer by training-uses real-world projects to teach you how to: Capture outstanding images of buildings, inside and out Choose the right equipment and use it effectively Compose architectural shots Work with ambient and artificial light Process images in an efficient workflow based on Adobe Photoshop This book is a step-by-step guide to architectural photography for both the aspiring amateur photographer interested in architectural photography and the professional photographer wanting to expand his skills in this domain. Moreover, architects themselves will find this book motivating and inspiring. This second edition has been extensively revised and includes 80 new images and illustrations, as well as an expanded chapter on shooting interior spaces. Also included is an updated discussion of post-processing techniques and the latest technical developments in the world of photography. With this book, you will learn a variety of creative tips, tricks, and guidelines for making the perfect architectural image.

The Beginner's Guide to Pinhole Photography $13.95 Pinhole photography requires no camera, no lenses, and no focusing—just a tiny hole in a can or box provides the light to make images on photographic film paper. Richly illustrated with pinhole photographs, this book teaches the principles of photography. Starting with step-by-step instructions for building a camera out of household materials, it gives details on shooting images; developing; printing images in a kitchen, bathroom or darkroom; and building special features such as wide-angle lenses. A complete discussion of the materials needed is included.

The Elements of Photography $39.95 Photography is a complex craft. Some excel at the technical side of image-making, focusing perfectly on the subject, releasing the shutter at just the right moment and making exposures with the precise amount of light. Others are artists and storytellers, capturing a fleeting moment in time which inspires a viewer to gaze upon an image and ponder its meaning. The best photographers are masters of both. In this highly visual, informative book, Angela Faris Belt discusses the four crucial elements of photography that are essential for successful technical and conceptual image-making: the photographic frame and its borders quality of focus as determined by the aperture or lens shutter speeds and their effects in relation to time and motion the physical media used to create the aggregate image Step-by-step guidance including informative screen shots, traditional darkroom and Photoshop techniques, suggested exercises, and before and after images help both film and digital photographers improve their skills, learn new techniques, and better understand their craft. More than 300 stunning, full color images and portfolios featuring the work of over 40 prestigious artists provide visual inspiration as well as a gorgeous collection of artwork for photography enthusiasts. *Learn from an expert author how to combine your creative vision with technical accuracy to produce images that are visually provoking as well as technically inspiring *Includes over 300 stunning full color images and highlights the portfolios of 40+ prestigious artists *Contains screenshots, before-and-after images, and how-to information to help both students and photographers practice skills and learn new techniques *Follow the suggested exercises at the end of each chapter to develop your own portfolio of images