UPDATE 

The book has been launched and can be purchased at the link below.

FROM BASICS TO FINE ART

– B&W Photography – Architecture and Beyond –

€49 | $59

…written by me and my co-author Joel Tjintjelaar and counting 400+ pages, the eBook version for now, will finally be available  after 2 years of hard work.

First 30 who will buy this book will get 20% off the original price of the book.

So what’s this book about?

Is it a book like so many other photography books available these days, or… is it something else?
Agreed, there are so many books on the market these days that cover different topics on photography: books on basic camera handling and skills, books on Photoshop and Lightroom, books on Black and White photography, long exposure photography, HDR photography, strobist, portraiture, landscape photography and also beautiful coffee-table photo books with only beautiful images.
This is not such a book.

First of all, through this book, we are trying to cover photography aspects from both a
theoretical and a practical fine-art point of view, which is something not really covered yet. Yes, there are books on the artistic aspects of photography that are usually very theoretical but not many books that also give practical tips for creating fine-art photography and how to develop something so abstract as vision. What we bring new and original is that we also give you an interesting new theoretical point of view on photography in this digital day and age with the concept of (en)Visionography™ and a complete guide on how to discover your vision and personal style: The Guide to Vision™.

Furthermore we think we are introducing some new and interesting concepts on how to approach black and white photography and how to process photos to black and white: from the method of Photography Drawing™, to the B&W processing method iSGM™. In addition, we also give you a set of rules for good B&W photography called The Rule of Grays™, that are more than the usual tips and tricks that can be found in any other book on black and white photography. We are also presenting a very comprehensive guide to long exposure photography and a practical pricing list to give you practical guidelines on how to price your work as a photographer. And all of this revolves around a subject matter that can be considered the forte of the writers: fine-art architectural photography.

Testimonials

Maybe it’s better to read what B&W specialist and Luminous Landscape author George DeWolfe, Dr. Charles Paul Azzopardi and other B&W specialists have to say about it:

“Outside of Ansel Adams’ Basic Photo Series, From Basic to Fine Art, by Joel Tjintjelaar and Julia Anna Gospodarou, is the best book on B&W photography written in the last 40 years.”
(…)
“The importance of the book is reached in Julia’s and Joel’s abilities to blend the practice of classical form and content in vision and tech­nique, so that Form is Content. While others claim to have achieved this state of aesthetic grace, this is the first time I have seen it ac­complished with great skill and with a brilliant explanation of how to get there.”
(…)
“ I consider Julia’s (en)Visionography and Photography Drawing the most important innovation in B&W photography since the invention of the Zone System.”
(…)

– George DeWolfe  – Fine Art Photographer, Instructor & Writer  (Luminous Landscape)

“In today’s humankind ever-increasing urge for homogenization and uniformity, Joel and Julia stand out. Joel is the modern equivalent of what Ansel Adams did for black & white photography in the film era, always exploring new horizons, new techniques, and new frontiers to explore. Julia Anna, on the other hand, is the chimera of Imogen Cunningham and Vivian Maier, merging one of the sharpest eyes in the art world with the artistic flair to make every image canvas come alive.”
(…)
“Their book and stunning images testify to their intellectual curios­ity and desire to understand where they are coming from, who they became and where they are going, together with taking black & white art to ever higher dizzying heights.”
(…)

– Dr. Charles Paul Azzopardi – Fine Art Photographer & Medical Doctor

“I have now finished reading the book from beginning to end. For anyone who is both passionate and willing to understand what Fine Art Black and White Photography is all about, this book in an absolute must buy in my opinion.
The way in which both Joel and Julia explain everything is easy to follow and with great detail.
Not only do they explain their personal vision but also share some of their secrets in what it takes to produce some of the best Fine Art Architecture images around today.
I have been making Black and White photographs for a few years and I have learnt so much from these two photographers especially as they explain how to approach architecture, understanding the light and reaching out for a better composition.
If architecture is not your thing but long exposure photography in general is, Joel and Julia explain everything there is to know about the subject including some of the pitfalls to watch out for.
All in all, this is the one book which i will reach for time and time again for both interesting reading and also as a great reference source.”

– Ian Barber – Fine Art Photographer & Instructor

“I am quite certain that for all black and white photographers at least, that this epic new publication will rest comfortably alongside the Bruce Barnbaum bible (“Art of Photography”). Barnbaum managed to straddle the old wet and analogue process of photography, and the new, digital age. He gave us an insight into the art of the process, whether A or D, and his ideas are still relevant today. Gospodarou and Tjintjelaar have finally given B&W photography a massive – not to say transcending – push into the digital age!”
(…)
“…an amazing – not to say epic – book, which not only is a great read – especially with all its practical advice – but is a ‘good book’ as well: it will be read, and cherished, for many years to come.”

– Jack Torcello – Fine Art Photographer & Writer

“Julia Anna Gospodarou and Joel Tjintjelaar – Masters In Fine Art Photography. Julia and Joel have entered an exclusive club in the world of photography once reserved for the likes of Ansel Adams, Julius Brassai, Minor White, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. They are accomplished international award-winning photographers. (…) Their book From Basics to Fine Art is superbly presented providing all the means for creating fine art photographic images. (…) As you explore its contents you will find that they have removed the uncertainty and mystique in creating black and white fine art images. Their goal is quite simple, provide the tools and foundation to develop one’s confidence, personal style, and creative vision in the medium of fine art imagery. (…) What’s nice about adding “From Basics To Fine Art ” to your library is that it is timeless, always there for inspiration as a resource for creating superb fine art photographs. I can personally attest through their endeavor above all else Julia and Joel take pleasure in witnessing others become accomplished fine art photographers. Thank you both for sharing.”

– Richard Terpolilli – Fine Art Photographer

“If you’re interested in black and white photography, the names Joel Tjintjelaar and Julia Anna Gospodarou will probably need no introduction. The work of both photographers has helped define, and push the boundaries of long exposure photography, a relatively new genre in the fine art world. Julia and Joel have joined forces to write a new ebook called From Basics to Fine Art: Black and White Photography – Architecture and Beyond. It is principally aimed at photographers interested in using long exposure techniques to photograph buildings, with some chapters being more general and having a wider appeal. (…) You have two photographers whose work I admire immensely explaining how they create their images, from their general philosophy to the specifics of long exposures and post-processing. If you’ve ever looked at their photos and wondered how they achieved the results they do then this ebook has the answers. It’s a tremendous act of generosity and sharing. No one else seems to be doing this stuff yet, or at least doing it and teaching it, so that makes some of the content unique. If you’re a fan of either of these authors, and want to learn the secrets behind their work, then it’s a must buy.”

– Andrew Gibson – Photographer & Writer  (DPS – Digital Photography School Review)

“I’ve just spent the past 3 weeks, not just reading and learning about Black and White, Long Exposure Architectural Fine Art Photography, but feeling like I’ve shared an intimate conversation with its authors. “From Basics to Fine Art” is an echo of both Joel and Julia’s love for Architectural Photography, and it’s a book that’s far more than the pages it’s written on. (…) ” …to review this book would be like reviewing the Bible. An almost impossible task, due to the amount and depth of content to be covered.” (…) “I can only do this with words, “It’s a Masterpiece”, for anyone that has any interest in shooting Black and White Long Exposure Architectural Fine Art Photography. This title simply has to be on your bookshelf. If you’re just starting out, or already an expert in this field, again …. buy this book you will learn far more than you expect from it. I certainly did.” (…) “To conclude …. Circa 1950, Ansel Adams first published a trilogy of photography books called, “The Camera, The Negative and The Print”, widely accepted as the gospel in terms of producing and printing photographic images. I can’t help but think that Joel and Julia have produced a volume that will have the same effect as Ansel’s books did, and continue to do so to this day.”

– Antony Northcutt – Fine Art Photographer & Instructor

“I started reading books by lots of different photographers that specialized in various fields of photography, trying to rekindle that spark that made me love photography in the first place.  One book stood out head and shoulders from the rest. “From Basics to Fine Art – Black and White Photography, Architecture and beyond” by Joel Tjintjelaar and Julia Anna Gospodarou.  The title is self-explanatory. They share in detail their way of approaching a black and white fine art shoot, how to (en)Vision™ the soul of a structure, from planning to final execution. Lots of tips and tricks to sidestep the learning curve. I found the chapter dedicated to the proper processing of black and white conversions very helpful. I still have to finish the 400+ page book, but I’ve learnt so much already. Joel and Julia Anna also touch on the use of filters, other essential equipment and how to use it properly. This is an essential “bible” of sorts for anyone remotely interested in black and white fine art photography. Its an overload of information, and one of the most generous books I’ve read in terms of the knowledge that is shared. “

– Marcell van Aswegen – Fine Art Photographer

FROM BASICS TO FINE ART

– Black and White Photography – Architecture and Beyond –

€49 | $59

Julia Anna Gospodarou – (en)Visionographer

Julia Anna Gospodarou