Defining photography is impossible. Revealing it is another matter, and that's what The Concise Focal Encyclopedia of Photography does, with each turn of the page. History: The technical origins and evolution of photography are half of the story. The other half consists of the ways that cultural forces have transformed photography into a constellation of practices more diverse than any other mode of representation. Photographers can tell a more in-depth story through a photo like Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother than a journalist ever could with the written word alone. Major themes and practitioners: Over 25 entries, many with supporting illustrations, examine the figures, trends, and ideas that have contributed most heavily to the history and current state of photography. Contemporary issues: The issues influencing photography today are more complex than at any other time in its history. Questions of ethics, desire, perception, digitization, and commercialization all vie for attention. Hear what the experts have to say about crucial issues such as whether or not the images we take today will last the test of time, and if so, how? When material is covered this skillfully, "concise is no compromise. The Concise Focal Encyclopedia of Photography is packed with useful information, compelling ideas, and - best of all - pure pleasure.

CD-ROM includes text and pictures from the encyclopedia.

A snapshot of the past, present, and future of photography, this concise encyclopedia is a fascinating mix of topics ranging from 19th Century innovators of photographic technology; the role of photographers and the press; ethical photojournalism; photography and desire (a look into the glamour, fashion and pornography industry); to photographing virtual reality. Selected biographies of famous photographers with never before published pictures provided by the George Eastman House of International Photography and Film make this a book you just can't miss!

This comprehensive third edition covers traditional and time-honoured processes from the earliest beginnings of photography, right up to the most innovative developments of the 1990s, including electronic imaging.-Back Cover.

*Searchable CD ROM containing the entire book (including images) *Over 450 color images, plus never before published images provided by the George Eastman House collection, as well as images from Ansel Adams, Howard Schatz, and Jerry Uelsmann to name just a few The role and value of the picture cannot be matched for accuracy or impact. This comprehensive treatise, featuring the history and historical processes of photography, contemporary applications, and the new and evolving digital technologies, will provide the most accurate technical synopsis of the current, as well as early worlds of photography ever compiled. This Encyclopedia, produced by a team of world renown practicing experts, shares in highly detailed descriptions, the core concepts and facts relative to anything photographic. This Fourth edition of the Focal Encyclopedia serves as the definitive reference for students and practitioners of photography worldwide, expanding on the award winning 3rd edition. In addition to Michael Peres (Editor in Chief), the editors are: Franziska Frey (Digital Photography), J. Tomas Lopez (Contemporary Issues), David Malin (Photography in Science), Mark Osterman (Process Historian), Grant Romer (History and the Evolution of Photography), Nancy M. Stuart (Major Themes and Photographers of the 20th Century), and Scott Williams (Photographic Materials and Process Essentials)

This is a shortened version of the three volume Walford's Guide to Reference Material, 5th edition: Volume 1, Science and Technology (1989), Volume 2, Social and historical sciences, philosophy and religion (1990), and Volume 3, Generalia, language and literature, the arts (1991). There are more than 3,000 entries, forming an updated compilation of what are considered to be the basic items in the main volumes, plus some more recent material up to April 1992.