Colour Photography by Christopher Trent, part of the Collins Nutshell Books series, is a concise, practical guide to colour photography aimed at the amateur enthusiast. Published in 1962, it reflects a period when colour film was increasingly accessible but still posed technical challenges for hobbyists. The book’s 128 pages combine clear, non-technical explanations with numerous illustrations and full-colour photographic plates, showing techniques, effects, and examples of successful composition. Trent covers essential topics such as selecting film, using cameras and filters, exposure considerations, developing processes, and achieving pleasing colour balance. Written in the straightforward style characteristic of the Nutshell series, the guide is small, portable, and focused on practical application rather than theory, making it ideal for photographers learning on the go. Beyond its instructional value, the book also serves as a snapshot of mid-twentieth-century photography trends, capturing both the excitement and challenges of working with colour film during a formative period in amateur photography.
