The Photo, Issue 1, Marshall Cavendish Publication (1981)

A couple of decades ago I acquired 98 issues of this amazing series of weekly photography magazines which have languished in my cupboard since then.  I've made a web search to see if any of these issues are online in PDF format, which they aren't, so I thought I'd share every issue by scanning each and every copy.  This is a highly ambitious task but I thought that dedicating 15 minutes of my time for each issue over several months would make this fascinating series of publications available to the world again.  Of course, as these were first published in 1981, equipment and photographic styles will be dated, but will still spark ideas and techniques which will forever be integral to photography.  As film is back in fashion again, maybe this aspect will find renewed relevance to readers of the PDFs

This first issue serves as a comprehensive guide to improving photography skills, covering techniques, equipment, and creative approaches.  Perhaps my highlight within these pages is the article re Chris Bonington's photography taken in extreme mountainous environments.  I have memories of being taken to see Chris Bonington give a talk, with a slideshow, of his mountain climbing about the time this magazine was published to an audience of 50 or so at the Ballgreen Hall, Strathaven.

I have used AI to summarise each issue above its respective PDF:
​
All about Photo ​

• Photography is accessible to everyone, with many owning cameras.
• The document aims to help beginners and experienced photographers improve their skills.
• Articles cover both technical and creative aspects of photography. ​
• Symbols indicate whether articles focus on technical or visual content. ​
• Tips for economical use of film and resources are included. ​

Improve your technique ​

• Understanding shutter speed is crucial for capturing sharp images. ​
• Fast shutter speeds are necessary to freeze motion and prevent camera shake. ​
• Recommended minimum shutter speed for hand-held shots is 1/125 second. ​
• Use faster shutter speeds for telephoto lenses to avoid exaggerated shake. ​
• Slow shutter speeds can be used for still subjects in low light. ​

Equipment file

• Zoom lenses are popular for their versatility, allowing a range of focal lengths. ​
• They can replace multiple fixed lenses, making them convenient for photographers. ​
• Common zoom ranges include 80-200 mm for telephoto and 28-50 mm for wide-angle. ​
• Zoom lenses may have poorer light grasp compared to fixed lenses. ​
• They can encourage less movement and creativity in composition.

Creative approach

• Good photography requires thoughtful composition and avoiding common mistakes. ​
• Use the viewfinder to frame subjects and eliminate distractions. ​
• Simplifying backgrounds enhances the main subject's impact.
• Depth of field can be controlled to create a sense of depth in images. ​
• Experimenting with angles and perspectives can lead to more dynamic photographs. ​

Understanding...

• Depth of field refers to the range of sharp focus in an image. ​
• Smaller apertures increase depth of field, while larger apertures decrease it. ​
• Telephoto lenses have a more restricted depth of field than wide-angle lenses. ​
• Depth of field scales on lenses help gauge focus range. ​
• Using a depth of field preview button can assist in achieving desired focus. ​

Darkroom

• Darkroom work allows for creative control over developing and printing photographs. ​
• Essential equipment includes an enlarger, developing tanks, and chemicals.
• A bathroom is often the best space for a darkroom due to its waterproof features. ​
• Blackout screens are necessary to ensure a light-tight environment. ​
• Basic darkroom processes include developing, fixing, and washing prints. ​

What went wrong?

• Common mistakes in photography include incorrect loading of film and exposure issues. ​
• Film can be ruined by improper engagement on sprocket drives or misalignment. ​
• Scratches on film can result from dust or grit in the camera. ​
• Understanding these errors can help photographers avoid costly mistakes. ​
• Correct loading techniques are essential for successful film photography.

Coming in Part 2...

• Future issues will cover topics like film speed, action photography, and processing techniques.
• Insights from professional photographers will be shared to enhance learning.
• The next issue will also address common problems and solutions in photography. ​
• Readers are encouraged to explore their local environments for photographic opportunities. ​
• The document aims to foster creativity and skill development in photography.

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