Davis, Phil. Photography by Phil Davis. (First Edition)

William C. Brown, 1972. 1st edition in spiral bound wraps. [This is the quite uncommon first edition of a popular book published in at least seven editions. With printed email message from the author Phil Davis to the seller about the editions laid in.] Very good  in wraps with slight creases and rubbing, publisher's address taped to first title page, signature of previous owner, Ed Meyers (formerly Executive Editor of Popular Photography). Summary:

Photography by Phil Davis (published in 1972 by Wm. C. Brown Company) is a foundational college-level textbook that established a rigorous, scientific, yet accessible approach to teaching traditional black-and-white photography. Designed for both beginning and intermediate students, the first edition provided a clear bridge between the technical physics of photography and visual artistic expression.

Core Themes & Key Content

• Technical & Mechanical Foundations: The book offers a comprehensive breakdown of camera mechanics, lens optics, shutters, and exposure metering systems, demystifying how light is gathered and controlled.

• Darkroom Chemistry & Processing: Davis provides systematic, step-by-step instructions for black-and-white film processing, chemical mixing, and enlargement printing, emphasizing consistency and precision in the darkroom.

• Introduction to Sensitometry: The text introduces sensitometry and photographic tone control in a clear, practical manner, laying the groundwork for Davis's later, highly influential "Beyond the Zone System" methodology.

• Visual Composition & Aesthetics: Beyond technical mechanics, the book addresses fundamental principles of visual design, lighting, framing, and tone, guiding students on how to use technical mastery to serve artistic intent.