5 comments about The World of the Polar Bear.

1. This is is a beautiful coffee tableThis is a beautiful coffee table book that is under-serviced by its photos online. The quality of the pictures, text and even the manufacturing are excellent. It makes for an amazing gift for anyone who appreciates Polar Bears, Nature or even art books in general.



2. Norbert Rosing's gorgeous full-page polar bear photos capture the world of the Far North like no other, appearing in an oversized presentation to properly display the full-page color photos and polar bear information. Here are seasonal shots accompanied by a lively text melding personal observation and experience with natural history fact. Sure to be a popular browsing choice for any public lending library with patrons interested in bears or wildlife, "The World of the Polar Bear" is a highly recommended acquisition.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. This book is beautiful. It is all about Polar Bears up-close and personal. It's a keeper for sure.



4. This book is amazing in several aspects! The photography itself is breathtaking and not only includes the polar bear as subject - but also it's habitat,(and the other species that share it)with it's seasonal changes. The photography itself increases in incredibility when you stop to think of the ardous task of photographing this beautiful animal without disrupting it's daily life; it's almost as if the polar bears are performing and posing on cue! The photographer brings this process to life in the journal-like entries. This book is appropriate for all ages as it does not exhibit any frightening scenes and only sparse vague descriptive dialog of feedings. Several of the photos are alternately touching and amusing. I hope this book can serve as a wakeup call in preserving this vanishing amazing animal!



5. Do not pass this one by. THe World of the Polar Bear is a visual delight. To me it is the epitome of a book for a prominent spot in your home or library. 'Wonderful gift for anyone and especially one who loves wildlife.
   
   The book is stellar because it is not only full of superior photography, but because the photography captures this beauty of nature in poses and landscapes that one could only experience up close in the wild. The work is beautiful.
   
   The book is appropriate now because the bears face possible extinction and having such a timely book will only raise awareness of this issue and hopefully provide motivation for people to support solutions.
   
   I find it hard to be any more specific about this book as how can one put beauty into specific words. It is what it is and I remain awed.

5 comments about It's Complicated: The American Teenager.

1. My 15 year old received this book as a Christmas present. It has remained out and open since then. All of her friends have picked it up and found entries that they found interesting and compelling. The book truly represents the cross-section of the teen experience in America. The author's compassion and concern for the teens as individuals is evident throughout the profiles, allowing it to speak to the universal truth about making it through those teen years. "It's Complicated" indeed.



2. This is such an extraordinary collection. The kind to be viewed over and over again in different moods and for different insights. In particular I recommend this collection for libraries and other resource rooms where teenagers roam - my own high school students have been glued to it since it arrived and I love hearing them reflect on what they see. Thank you Ms. Bowman for providing us with this entry into our past, present, and future, and for those young people who are young right now - for giving them insight into their peers - near and far.



3. I sat down with this book with the intent to peruse, but found myself totally absorbed for the entire evening. The photographs are amazing on their own, but the coupling with interviews opens up the experience - I found myself wishing I had been in that car with Robin as she explored the teen world. Robin has left me with wanting more... I'll be sharing this book with my teenage daughter to offer perspective on her life in this day and age.



4. Although my teenagers are in their 30's now-I read this with much interest. The photography was beautiful and captured the spirit of these people. You could see that they really trusted Robin and her camera. A wonderful idea. A wonderful book for me to share with my children-who have children and for friends who are wondering who their teens really are! Thanks to Robin and Robert and to Umbrage who let them tell and show their story!



5. This is a dead on compilation of the most misunderstood segment of our population. Photos are honest and terrific. I have shared the book with many people and they are all capitivated.

5 comments about Ngorongoro.

1. After having visited East Africa (and Ngorongoro) 3 times and looked at dozens of wildlife photo books, I entirely agree with the previous review that this is one of the most fantastic collections of wildlife pictures. Till this day I regret not having bought the book while it was still available. I hope the publisher will reprint it (as happened with "African Elephants" also by Kunkel).



2. The high quality of the book (paper, photo's, layout) let us relive our trip to the crater. There are some really spectacular photo's. The photographer captured with his camera the beautiful but also raw daily life of one of the most amazing spots on this planet.



3. This is a lovely book - the photographs are breathtaking. I gave it as a gift to a professional photographer.
   I ordered it from the UK, and it arrived in a few days. Excellent!



4. If you ever had the desire to go to Africa and take pictures this is the book that will cause you to sell the house to make the desire come true. The photography is beyond the norm. Inspiring where mere words could not do justice. Well done in all ways.



5. Breathtaking photography. Kunkel has captured the atmosphere so brilliantly that I felt as though I was back in this spectacular place. Bravo!

5 comments about Girl Culture.

1. Just looking into the eyes of the girl on the cover, as she attempts in vain to push her chest up and together, creating cleavage that's not there, I ache for the young women of today. I, too, have done this exact same maneuver (as a younger girl, staring in the mirror; now as a 30-year-old, with the help of a Victoria's Secret push-up...unless I'm working the low-cut, Debra Messing look, which rocks, too!) The photo on the cover made me buy it...the stories inside are as mesmerizing as the accompanying pics.



2. In very brief terms, this is indicated as an examination of the way today's North American cultural superficiality often results in appearance being the sole, all-encompassing purpose of girls' lives. Indeed, even when one accounts for clear editorial bias, it is successful (and quite disturbing) in expressing to what extent this can be true.
   
   It's funny, therefore, how Greenfield as a photographer almost exclusively chooses attractive girls to photograph. Aside from weight issues, there is almost no examination of how these cultural values impact, say, ugly girls. There's this sense throughout the book that attractive girls, strippers and models, as well as their sex lives, are more interesting to the photographer and her audience than less glamourous types.
   
   It seems as if, in choosing her subjects, Greenfield is affected by the very values she is attempting to expose. After all, who wants to see photographs of ugly girls? Note the fact that the cover of this book, featuring a moderately attractive young blonde exposing her cleavage, almost reads like a clothing ad. Many clothing ads even have similar underlying dark, self-critical elements (see Terry Richardson's advertising work for example). It seems as if this cover is meant to attract readers in the same way that these advertisements do, and appeal to the very desire to see attractive sexualised young females that the book attempts to criticise.
   
   There is a fine line between sensationalism and criticism here, and certainly this book DOES make one look at attractive women differently after reading it. However, though this book does successfully expose some very interesting elements of North American culture, its focus on attractive subjects, sexualised professions and teenage sexuality gives it a very sensationalist overall feel, and tips the scale away from it being truly relevant criticism.



3. I loved this book. My only complaint was that the picture on the cover is a bit risque to make this a good coffee table book. Otherwise it was incredibly interesting, heartwarming and sad. If you're interested in anything from childhood obesity to the effect of sex industries on our culture this is a must read.



4. Everyone should check out this book. Amazing photographs. The profiles that accompany these pictures are fascinating snippets into these girls lives.



5. If you feel strongly about the issues, like how the media affects young women, then this is probably a book for you. Lauren Greenfield has captured some very powerful photographs.

1 comments about Presumed Innocence.

1. Spanning several continents and encompassing nearly the entire history of photography, Presumed Innocence examines the other side of childhood through the eyes of some of the most notable photographers in the history of the art. Not too surprisingly from the title, the outlook leans towards the bleaker side, with many of the youths pictured appearing wise, worldly, and sometimes merely old beyond their years, often because they had no choice. The collected images offer a counterpoint to the abundant smiles decorating mantles, wallets, Christmas cards and shoe boxes (or the digital equivalent thereof). Sometimes sad, sometimes disturbing, often poignant and occasionally amusing, this study of childhood demonstrates that children see, understand, and experience far more than adults are willing to give them credit.
   
   Given the Tag Suggestions as I write this review, I would stress that this book is far more representative of the American Deep South styles of photographers such as Sally Mann, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, and Dave Anderson, and the urban styles of Diane Arbus and Bruce Davidson than the romantically eroticised visions of David Hamilton or the idyllic naturism characteristic of many of the Russian schools.

5 comments about Master Guide for Team Sports Photography.

1. In this book, Mr. Williams gives photographers a "step by step" guide to success in the field of school and league sports photography. He has included an in depth listing of all equipment necessary and the marketing tips and ideas are proven winners. If you have an interest in school and league sports photography, this book is a must have.



2. I'm an aspiring sports photographer, and I found this book to be exceptionally useful. The sample images alone are worth the price. Definitely would recommend to beginning/intermediate sports photographers - especially those who are wanting to do team and individual pictures.



3. This book has everything you ever wanted to know about sports team photography. Good how-to and good sources. I recommend it.
   Steve Laitman



4. MASTER GUIDE FOR TEAM SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY by James Williams tells how to capture athletes and game action on film, from selecting the right equipment suitable for sports photography to getting league and school sports assignments, scouting locations, and posing groups and individuals. With so many participating in sports, it will prove a pick not just for aspiring pros, but for parents wishing to capture their child's sports moments in a more professional manner.



5. This is a very nice book. It gives you a lot of advices and beautiful pictures. I really recommend it.

5 comments about Joel Sternfeld: American Prospects.

1. if you want to know where the comtemporary obsession with large format color "street" work came from, this is it. newer books, by artists like alec soth and other color documentary artists, are excellent, important books, but it must at least be noted that the true groundbreakers were working a generation ago, putting out these kinds of books before it was the accepted trend. and simply put, this work along with shore's 'uncommon places' and eggleston's 'guide', are still, in my opinion, unsurpassed.
   
   on top of that, the size and reproduction quality of this book are mind-blowing. i can't imagine any photography fan not loving this book, or any serious student not wanting it (for a decent price, of course, which this actually is with the discount.)



2. JOEL IS A GOOD NAME AND THIS IS A FABOULOS WORK.This man is travelling a lot!!!I want only says that J.Sternfeld is able to meet people and discover particulary little object too that can be fundamental for go inside these pictures,he use colour in a cool way too,soft traditional in colours but in meanings is not really traditional expecially if we related his work in the world of landscape's photography.He use landscape like it was reportage.It is a way for put something else inside.That picture could be sometime strong somentime enchanting but always are intresting me.Put something strange in your picture and maybe that landscape could change his own value.
   I like a lot
   ciaoooooo



3. What a refreshing twist on the usual coffee table photography book. Sternfeld's photographs of the natural and manmade environment are so interesting. They almost have an old-fashioned hand-colored postcard-feel to them, but the images are often startlingly futuristic. Great contrasts of the ugly and rusting and vacant with beautiful natural landscapes. The publishers did a wonderful job of cleanly presenting the photos to speak for themselves and putting all the verbiage up front.



4. The title of this review suggests that I am exaggerating, but I promise that I am not. This book of photography blew me away the first time I opened it. How had I gone for so long without hearing of Joel Sternfeld?
   
   This book is full of large, beautifully printed color photographs of a quality I couldn't have expected. Each image is beautifully thought out and perfectly executed. The photographs are sometimes humorous, sometimes somber, and always carry a visual impact. Stephen Shore is an obvious point of reference; both photographers were working with similar materials right around the same time, both traveling the country capturing their view of America. I find Sternfeld's photographs to be placed on a somewhat grander scale, while Shore's photos suggest a more offhand manner. Both have a permanent place on my bookshelf.
   
   I can't recommend this book highly enough, I suggest that anyone interested in serious photography buy it right away.



5. Every thing it's all rigth, but
   Not to send to me never more with DHL, it is a true disaster.
   I order 3 items the same day.(My country it's Italy)
   The first: Uncommon places by Stephen Shore it has been delivered after single 6 days.(thanks,thanks, thanks, thanks, UPS)
   The other two "5X7" by William Eggleston and "American Prospects" by Joel Sternfeld. It has been delivered after very 16 days seeeexteeeeen days!!!!
   (The DHL disaster!!!!!)
   However, thanks Amazon
   Gastone Scarabello

5 comments about Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting (Voices That Matter).

1. I sorry Monroy fans. Although Bert's books have certainly been influential. This one, is a rehash of old tricks and just a few new ideas to pepper the pages with incongruent images. The tips and tricks are enough for the uninitiated but can be found in backdated pages of Photoshop magazine and other adobe branded periodicals. Save you time, save your money. That is unless you would like to buy my copy...
   
   T.



2. When TechTV and the Screen Savers were around I always looked forward to the segments with Bert Monroy doing a Photoshop tutorial. So, when I had the opportunity to review his new book, Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting, I jumped at it.
   
   The book may not be what you'd expect. It was not what I expected. It is not a book of traditional how-to lessons, although you will learn how to improve your Photoshop skills. Instead, it is a book by an artist describing the process he goes through in creating his digital paintings. This process not only includes how he made a table cloth with a particular pattern on it, but also going out and taking the right photographs for reference.
   
   In his Introduction Monroy explains how the book started as the traditional how-to book, but he was encouraged by several people to make it about how he paints and works. This decision was made after he started writing the book. As a result, the how-to chapters are available online as a downloadable bonus. Directions for accessing these chapters are in the book.
   
   The beginning of the book describes Bert's process for starting a painting, finding reference materials, and how he determines lighting in a painting.
   The book then moves on to its heart, the paintings. There are seven chapters describing the process of creating seven different paintings. Each chapter contains descriptions of how to achieve the same effects in your paintings.
   
   The end of the book contains a chapter full of tutorials. These tutorials might be considered your traditional how-to section of the book.
   Overall, this is a fantastic book that presents digital painting in Photoshop in a very creative way. As an artist and an art teacher, I really enjoyed reading the process and thinking that went into these paintings and other painting Monroy works on.
   
   The book is not for the Photoshop beginner. It will not teach you how to use Photoshop. In fact, it assumes that the reader is familiar with Photoshop and many of the tools.
   
   At a price of $[...] (U.S.) it does seem a bit pricey. I would be more inclined to purchase a book like this at the $[...] range. However, if you are a digital artist and a Bert Monroy fan, and you want to drop $[...] down on a book; you won't be disappointed.
   
   MyMac.com rating: 4.5 out of 5
   Originally Published at: [...]



3. Once again, Burt has hit a home run. This book takes you through some of his methods of creating portions of his art in his projects. There is some repetition to his other books, but who in this world of digital art can't use a little refresher on certain things once in awhile.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to move up to another level of using Burts' ideas not only in Photoshop, but also Illustrator and how they work hand in hand to save you time and yet increase your knowledge in both.
   
   HollywoodBob



4. If one word sums this book up its "Amazing". Some other reviews say it is a rehash and I can't address that, but if this is the first of his books you have read it is very well done. His work is unbelievable. You swear you are looking at a photograph. His techniques are easily explained and the reference pictures are perfect for the material. It is a quick read. There are also downloadable pdf files that go into more detail but the book stands on its own to me. Great Work!!!



5. As T. J. Riley said, some of the material in this book does look a lot like what's been presented in past issues of Photoshop User, and for a long time subscriber, this book may not be anything special. I do seem to recognize some of the techniques. Yet, it's still a useful compilation. The wonderful examples are inspiring. The example workflow is solid. And, it doesn't hurt to have a series of disconnected tutorials compiled, and coordinated along a theme. As a long time NAPP member and consequently a subscriber to Photoshop User, I wouldn't say that the book is a revelation but it is useful and it never hurts to go over a technique or two that I don't use often again. It also never hurts to feel like I'm looking over the shoulder of a master displaying his craft, and Bert Monroy is a master, not only of Photoshop but also at teaching it. If you're interested in Photoshop as a painting tool, you could do a lot worse than getting this book.

No comments about Digital Photography for Teens.

5 comments about I, Me, Mine.

1. Although there is not much information about George or The Beatles as we can find in other books about them, this is a touching portrait of the man behind the scenes. It worths. Berenice de Lara Silva



2. What do you do when money and career are suddenly no object, and you have everything you could have wanted, and more? You go to the end items of your internal "to do" list, and on there among other things are find out why you're here and what you care about.
   
   Harrison like many others explored alternative religious paths, and in his devotion to Hindu eschatology found a way to understand life that explained him. I think that's why he is such a shadowy figure in his own presumably autobiographical book. He wants to talk about the ideas that sustained him and less about himself, because in many ways, he had gotten over being who he was.
   
   In that salient detail I find the greatest humanity in this book. It is a man speaking about the ideas that propel him and the hopes he has, and it is an escape from most rock autobiographies and their incessant narcissism. Many people won't like it because reading it is more like taking a theology course than reading People magazine, but I would compare it favorably to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance as a walking meditation written into very familiar, conversational text.



3. A lot of reviewers seem disappointed that this book is mostly about George's music, rather than about the facts and figures of his life. As I think that George's music speaks for him, so a book about that very expression seems a perfect way to describe the man and his life.
   
   George describes his music in his own words, often with accompanying images of the hand-written lyrics. Some of the songs are described briefly, some are more significant than I would have imagined, some are less meaningful than I would have thought. Very enjoyable to read!
   
   To understand an artist, find out what they have to say about their art. This book gives a very pleasant view into the mind and ideas and creativity of George Harrison.



4. If you're a George Harrison fan, this book is great. George does a written Storytellers to a lot of his more famous songs and then includes his handwritten lyrics copied in the book. Pictures are ok--no big deal. This book is all about why he wrote the songs. Priceless.



5. I didn't like this one, but I had hoped to. Because it is the 2002 version, with input from wife Olivia, I expected something more up-to-date. But it was an odd mix of a patch-work (recorded) biography that Harrison had taped years before. And there was very little about the Beatles and more about motor-car racing? Go figure. The narrative did do a pretty good job of his early years and his interest in Indian matters, both musical and spiritual. But then it ended rather abruptly. Most of the book, however, was annoying--pages and pages of his handwritten song lyrics, juxtaposed with the typed versions. I would rather hear his music than read it. There was nothing about the man George became in later life, or his two marriages, or his son, or his beloved home (well, very little about that). There was no coherent tone to this biography, more of a "random sampling." The only thing I really enjoyed about it were the personal photographs, but inexplicably their captions were placed several chapters later so that you had to keep hopping back and forth to see what each picture represented. In the right hands, this could have been so much more.