No comments about Wisdom: 50 Unique and Original Portraits.

5 comments about Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS3 (Real World).

1. Fort anyone who has got themselves to the stage where they are ready to embrace RAW and move further inside the digital system which is revolutionising photography there are certain steps which must be taken.
   
   Naturally, you will require a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) and start taking those pictures - saving them using the RAW option. Allied to this, you will require a suitable computer with Adobe Photoshop CS3 installed. This book is not going to teach you how to install and the basics of CS3 - so those skills will have to be mastered before you take the next step.
   
   That next step is this book and the only way to appreciate the content is to sit down at you PC (or laptop) and start at the first page. It's a slow process but all journeys commence with the first step.
   
   Laid out in a manner which allows the reader (user) to build on each lesson as they progress, this book is may be turgid in places but, at least you can go back and go over any point again and again until mastered.
   
   Quite frankly, if this was the only book on the subject you ever consulted, there would be very little missing from your overall skills once the content has been digested "and" fully understood.
   
   NM



2. I really got a big step forward in my RAW convertion skills and my photos too :-)



3. This is an outstanding book. That is not surprising because the authors are legendary. Jeff Schewe has continued the high standards established by the late Bruce Fraser and expanded on it.
   
   The first half of the book offers you the basics of the technical issues and explanations of how Camera Raw works. The second half takes you through the actual process of using these controls.
   
   Since studying this book recently, I am now using Camera Raw to perform most of the major changes I make to my files and very little subsequent work is needed in Photoshop.



4. Fine book .... very informative and written in a clear style.
   Great for a beginner as well.



5. This book has helped me understand Camera Raw a lot better, and helped with my work flow of both images that were shot digitally as well as analog images that I scanned via my Epson scanner. It is a bit technical at times, and I think that it could have benefitted from more samples/examples in it's explanations, but overall it does contain quite a bit of material to digest and incorporate into one's use of photoshop. Nice book and recommended.

5 comments about What Matters: The World's Preeminent Photojournalists and Thinkers Depict Essential Issues of Our Time.

1. A picture tells a story better than a thousand words. The author presents socially conscious photographs. i.e.
   
   o 5 cent rental rooms in 1889
   o a 1968 Saigon street execution
   o inside an ice cave up North
   o the dwindling Penguin population
   o glacial changes in Athabasca and Pasterze
   o windmill farms
   
   Each photo is presented in breath-taking color. The volume is worth the price of admission.



2. The stories in this book could serve as a primer for being a globally-aware citizen in an evolving world. Despite the grim nature of some of these photos, the book's message is not one of despair, but of hope, as evidenced by the thorough "What You Can Do" section in the back.
   
   Some of the most interesting work in the book is from photographers under most people's radar. Shehzad Noorani's Children of the Black Dust and Stephen Voss's Economic Miracle, Environmental Disaster both examine underreported issues with excellent photos and strong writing. The book's impact comes not just from the photographs, but the excellent writing that accompanies them. I highly recommend What Matters as a hard-hittng and opinionated book that is both journalistically-sound and passionate.



3. This book is a testament to a simple truth: the still photograph still matters. The stories here are carefully chosen to give the reader an intimate and truthful look at the most pressing issues of our time. The accompanying writing both complements and extends the story-telling ability of these images and the essays are excellent across the board, from Pulitzer-Prize winning author Samantha Power's passionate and vivid description of the genocide in Darfur to Jeffrey Sachs' story about a village in Malawi that accompanies James Nachtwey's images of poverty.
   
   
   From a technical standpoint, the photographs are brilliantly reproduced and sequenced well, in a way that most poignantly and directly tells the story. This book is highly recommended both as a great read and a visual document of our times.



4. Hard to see, impossible to turn away
   Issues and images combine in 'What Matters,' a powerful and passionate new book
   
   By Michael Zajakowski
   Chicago Tribune Book Review
   September 6, 2008
   
   Great documentary photojournalism, squeezed out of mainstream newspapers and magazines in an age of shrinking column inches, has had a hard time gaining traction in other venues. Although it has found new life on web sites and in books, the age of the topical visual long form is in remission.
   
   But nobody has told the 18 photographers in "What Matters: The World's Preeminent Photojournalists and Thinkers Depict Essential Issues of Our Time."
   
   These are photo essays by some of today's best photojournalists following the great tradition begun over a hundred years ago with the exposés of New York tenement life by Jacob Riis. Through the doggedness of these photographers--who are clearly committed to stirring us out of complacency--all the power and passion of the medium is evident in this book.
   
   David Elliot Cohen, who co-created the famous "Day in the Life" series of photojournalism books, had a keen eye in selecting the photo essays and coupling each with cogent commentary from writers such as Samantha Power, professor at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government; Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute and Columbia University professor; and Elizabeth C. Economy, director for Asian Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
   
   The book is an engrossing journey from pristine wilderness to glittering Rodeo Drive boutiques with stops along the way focusing on genocide, global jidad, child labor and AIDS victims in Africa, to name a few.
   
   In a provocative bit of editing, James Nachtwey's searing photo essay about global poverty, "The Bottom Billion," is jarringly followed by Lauren Greenfield's "Shop til We Drop," a vivid but embarrassing look at another extreme, which is only slightly less shameful than the first.
   
   Some of the pieces will break your heart, some will anger you. All will make you think. To channel your thoughts and feelings into action, the book ends with an appendix "What You Can Do," offering hundreds of ways to be a part of the solution to these problems.



5. At a time when the world is in great transition it is important to remember what really matters and what really matters is poignantly illustrated in this book. This book is essential for people who want to understand and for those who want to make a difference.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS3 Studio Techniques.

1. The price was excellent and condition fabulous, didn't recieve this particular book in the time I needed for classes compaired to other shipments I have had but the information the book provided was priceless and I learned so much from it.



2. I have been to a 2 day Photoshop seminoar hosted by Ben Willmore. Much of what he taught came from this book. Ben is recognized around PS circles as a guru. I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I feel this book is written for someone who has been using PS for awhile and now ready to dig a little deeper. The book is well written and presented in a nice swquence of chapters. If you are looking for a good intermediate book on PS this is your man. I also like Scott Kelby's books expecially if you are first learning to use PS.



3. The author, Ben Willmore, is the hardest working Photoshop "Guru" that I know of! His head is overflowing with things to do in the "latest" evolution of Photoshop, whatever that may be (currently CS3). I have been to his seminars and buy his books FIRST when the kind folks at Adobe release another dynamite, dynamic piece of software. Ben even puts out the first "Up to Speed" book that I look for, so I don't have to rehash all the things I already know.
   
   About this book, I have only skimmed the surface of what's available inside. If I had gone cover to cover upon receipt of this book, I think my head would have exploded long ago! Don't let the title scare you away...you DON'T need to have a "studio"! A lot of this is the same stuff you get at the seminars Ben does, only more detailed than the handouts!
   
   In my opinion, you can't go wrong with anything written by this man. He is a wonderful speaker and author! 5 Stars!



4. Don't get me wrong, this is a decent book but if you own the previous one on CS2 there is little to justify the purchase - hence the low rating.



5. I love this book! It makes using Photoshop easy, but doesn't treat the reader like an idiot. It walks you through useful editing techniques step-by-step so that you can get the most out of Photoshop. It provides helpful examples to assist the reader in understanding the concept as well. A great purchase!

No comments about Sierra Club 2009 Wilderness Calendar.

No comments about Hollywood Pinups.

5 comments about Black and White Photography, Third Revised Edition.

1. This books is a detailed guide to understand how your camera functions and how different aspects work together to produce an image. Horenstein does a good job of introducing technical concepts in simplistic terms. Not only so, each chapter is short and to the point.



2. I bought this book for a photo class, and I barely used it, but it's still an interesting book. I enjoyed it



3. I did not like this book at all. For starters, the printed Images, are of such poor quality that, for a photography book, it belies belief. This is the sort of book that could be written by anyone willing to spend the time "Googleing" for some information. Do not compound yor error, by purchasing Kim Mosely's companion volume "Workbook for Black & White Photography". It is merely a litany of questions the answers for which are presumably in Horenstein's Basic Manual. It might be useful to a High School Photography teacher using his book, but I cannot imagine any photography teacher using it.



4. its an amazing book! especially for beginners. I am a photography student and this is our text book. If you want to start learning manual black n white camera then this is the book you want in your bookshelf. It teaches basics of photography including step by step film processing and developing. If you are a photographer or interested in learning manual black n white photography, this is the book you should definitely buy



5. Covers the basics of camera, negative and print for the absolute beginner with no technical inclinations. If you are an analytical personality with a little technical education, you will miss the math. I want the equation for depth of field! I want the grain size in mm! But that's just me ;)

5 comments about Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Location Photography.

1. Got it yesterday, finished it last night, and again today.
   
   An excellent book, giving a lot of information on basic "minimalist lighting" how-to. He knows whereof he speaks, and covers lights, synch, equipment, how to carry it, and shows how to use it in several situations.
   
   A person could do worse than to copy his set ups for each and every assignment. They would be guaranteed a well lighted photo.
   
   Sure, the man shows Nikon equipment, and Canon,too So? He USES Nikon. Canon owns about 60% of the market, and Nikon about 30%, so most pros use either system. He is a pro, likely with multiple thousands of $$$ in heavy equipment in his studio, which he doesn't use as often as he once did.
   
   And, he explains the use of the latest lighting technology, which is marvelous, but expen$ive. He never claims that minimalist equals "low budget", except relatively.
   
   You could make a very useful "ghetto" lighting equipment package, complete with some automation from the information contained in the volume. Worth every penny!



2. The best way to learn how to become an accomplished photographer is to get hired as an assistant to a pro. The second best way is to read the best photo books and practice, practice. Here's the best photo book I've come across in a very long time. Kirk Tuck is a pro who has been there and done that, and he not only shows why location photography needs to change, but, more importantly, how to change it. This clearly written book tells you what equipment you need, how to use it, and gives numerous case histories of how actual assignments were shot. If you are new to portrait photography, or serious flash photography, or if you want to dip your feet into the pro world, you need to read this book. This is the breakthrough book, the one that is starting a lighting revolution. Others are under way (Bill Hurter's book, "Simple Lighting Techniques" just released, and Joe McNally's book due late this year). You also need to check Kirk's website. Kirk's next book will focus on minimalist studio lighting.



3. I really thought this book was well written with clear concise ideas and examples. I dont know if I would call it all "Minimal" but as a book for different types of location lighting, its a good book with great information. I think for more advanced users its a nice review but for newer photographers it really shows clear ways to correctly light a professional portrait..something that is lacking in so many newer photographers images.



4. I was really anxious about this book whiile interested in minimalist scenarios for location and portraits. By the end, I got a feeling of good hardware book describing how to understand equipmets, brands, choosing and so. For those who is expeting Portraits techinics go for Master Lighting Guide for Portraits "Christopher Grey" - *****



5. Photographers who shoot on location with traditional studio lighting equipment may spend more time packing equipment than designing beautiful light, but photographer author Kirk Tuck has discovered a better method, using small computerized battery-powered flash units and light accessories to achieve the same results. MINIMALIST LIGHTING is a revolutionary title and a 'must have' for any serious photography library or practicing photographer's reference set. It provides all the ins and outs of acquiring and using such equipment.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

4 comments about Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds (Playboy).

1. Of course this is a stunning collection of photographs. However, this edition as opposed to the large format edition is bound, literally, to disappoint. The binding method has lead to a large slice of each photograph being obsured. In some instances that means that it is not much use having included the photographs at all. The larger "full size" edition does not suffer from the same problem. I bought this book through Amazon but if I had seen it in a bookstore I would not have bought it because of the fact that the binding lets down the whole concept.



2. I was to young to take an interest in girls when Playboy started publishing. By the late 50s, I had an avid interest in Playboy but prudence required caution. Miscellaneous copies were a teenager's access to the centerfolds. I followed Playboy through the 60s and early 70s and always checked the centerfold first. Older, married with children I stopped following each issue and in time, lost track of Playboy's centerfolds. However, the Playboy centerfold is always part of my life. Depending on the centerfold, I am in High School, Viet Nam or a number of other places. They provide an instant mnemonic that recalls a flood of memories. Most men have the same reaction, the difference being when they started and ended checking out the centerfold.
   The Playboy Centerfold has always been a "looker"! Even the one you consider a poor choice is a knockout by any reasonable standard. What is "looker" a in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond has changed. This book is a history of beauty and sexuality from the 1953 to 2007. Over fifty years of centerfolds allows you to follow the changes in hair, makeup and physical appearance. In addition, you can see how the definition of allowable nudity changed during this time. While Playboy was always on the leading edge, they never got to far ahead of public decency. That fact means that Playboy moved with America's majority on nudity.
   This is a well-done book. Every centerfold from Marylyn Monroe in the 1953 unnumbered issue to December 2007 is present. This is the centerfolds, without the staples or folds. The introduction and other observations are nice and do not distract in any way. What you are buying is a photo of over 600 of the best-looking women, naked and a history of America's concept of beauty.



3. Playboy has been publishing since 1953, its centerfolds reflecting the standards of beauty throughout the decades. This book gathers every centerfold (over 600 of them!) and is an interesting way to take a visual "tour". As you go thorough the book you'll see hairstyles, fashions, make-up, and body types change. You can see when women go from shapely to buff, from coiffed to gelled, from natural hair to ultra-manicured "down there". You'll also see the first African American playmate, the first set of twins or triplets and more. Its especially interesting for those who are looking for a certain style of woman; maybe you prefer 1950s over 1980s?
   
   If you collect the actual centerfolds from magazines,this is a great cheatsheet to help you with your collecting. It is also a great way to collect autographs is you are one of those fans that pursues that. You'll never have to guess which issue Jenny McCarthy, Pamela Anderson, or Marilyn Monroe appeared in.
   
   Finally, it is a perfect size and price for gift-giving.



4. I've loved pinups & more importantly, PLAYBOY forever, so needless to say - this book was a MUST have for me! It's the positively most PERFECT size (A bit longer than your average book, but about the same width) for carrying around @ conventions for autographs or whatever else you may have in mind for it. I cannot wait to take it to my first Glamourcon next year! It'll be no hassle to fill w/autographs as it's rather light to tote around - much easier than 100 bulky magazines.
   
   It's an amazing quality, just as you would expect from our beloved Playboy, & although the first sets of 50's centerfolds are about half a page, it's worth every penny! I picked up my copy for $30, but would've easily dropped $60 - it's perfect! Buy it! You will not have a SINGLE regret except that ya haven't bought it prior to this second!

5 comments about A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005.

1. It's likely the first time you browse through A Photographer's Life, you will use it as a peeping tom would use a window, as a voyeur, looking in on the lives of famous people -- and perhaps that's the intention. But then, go back and gaze at the photos as art, looking for the lighting, the mood, the context. Leibovitz's photos of herself are almost too revealing, but use them as the introduction to herself as she intended. The photos she took for Rolling Stone of rock stars and politicians are as rich as the articles for which her photos were shot. Read them as you would the article itself. You will learn much.



2. I was very excited to win this book as a prize for a photo contest tied to the Annie Liebowitz exhibit in SF, CA. My photo was related to families. I acknowledge the other reviewers. The graphic layout of the photos reduced the value of her beautiful work. This book is important. It's production should have accorded it the same treatment. Who was in charge of its publication? Was Annie consulted? I can't imagine it. Actually it would make me feel better to think that she wasn't included in the approval cycle; how could you do this to yourself?



3. A beautiful and touching collection of her life and friends in her own words------photography. I have her first book and this one is just as great. A beautiful, interesting coffee table book. Every time you look through it you see it again differently.



4. After reading some of the other reviews, i have to agree with the comments about content however i believe it's important to understand that this was a publication for an accompanying exhibition at the brooklyn museum of art. It is an exhibition that is still touring around today. I saw the exhibition and was struck by the quality of the photographs as well as their diversity. It is as the title suggests, "A Photographers Life" and should be seen as such. I really liked the exhibition for it's incite into the life behind all of the famous photograph's we have come to know annie leibovitz for.



5. Book was brand new in plastic, at a deeply discounted price. Couldn't ask for more!