1 comments about Joakim Eskildsen: The Roma Journeys.

1. This book is wonderful for its abundance of truly great, intimate, revealing photographs -- and for its intelligent and insightful brief texts about a Gypsy culture that has been little understood for centuries.
   
   The book is arranged in seven main sections, each representing an in-depth insider's perspective of the daily lives of Roma Gypsies who live in communities in seven very different countries. We are able to soak up the visual richness of the Roma's personal surroundings and unique ways of living while they adapt to (and resist) the influence of the dominant cultures of Hungary, India, Greece, Romania, France, Russia and Finland.
   
   Overall, The Roma Journeys is an important document and exploration of a unique group of people as they live their lives in the midst (or on the fringes) of seven distinctly different cultures. At the same time, it is a beautiful photo book.
   
   We are made to understand the level of prejudice and hatred that the Roma suffer almost universally in the world. We bear witness and begin to understand, too, how and why they refuse to adapt too much to outside cultural influences. We are also able to see the daily celebrations of the simple things in life, and the love and joy they share along with the hardships they endure.
   
   We are told: "Throughout their history, the Roma have been subjected to persecution, expulsions across Europe, slavery in Romania, prohibition on the use of the Romany language, and other creative attempts to misuse, assimilate or extinguish their people. Many Roma still have to deal with discrimination on various levels, and in all European countries, the general attitude towards them is at least suspicious."
   
   This book is the result of seven years (2000-2006) of travel and living within each of these communities in an attempt to understand the people and their culture.
   Joakim Eskildsen took the photos (all remarkable, and with a lovely mix of color 4x5s and black-and-white panoramas). His traveling partner, Cia Rime, wrote all of the texts, which read like an engaging mix of journalism, sociological study and personal diary notes.
   
   The book is big, heavy, beautiful, and not a bit too long. It is equally pleasing to read it straight through from cover to cover (over several days or weeks), or to flip through it at random and soak up the richness of the imagery. The differences in lifestyles within each national culture is quite surprising, too. The gypsies in Finland seem very, very different from their cousins in Hungary or Greece.
   
   The book also includes a CD of a "sound collage" of music and daily life which is perhaps the only weak element in this project -- but it's worth listening to one time while looking through the book.
   
   Hats off to everyone involved with this book. It is the kind of book you can enjoy and treasure for a lifetime.

5 comments about WORLD'S TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS: LANDSCAPE (The World's Top Photographers).

1. This is an incredible collection of photos from today's master photographers.If that isn't enought , Each artist also gives personal insite to their approach . My personal favorites are the photos by Burkett , Cramer and Fatali.
   
   As one reviewer mentioned earlier , It also has the benefit of comparing the different approaches of the same subject taken by Dykinga and Fatali , One that is a great learning tool within itself since the Fatali photo is also a accident that turned out to be my favorite photo. It shows what is possible using double exposures.
   
   If you are interested in photography and learning by other artist efforts , you will spend a lot of time reading this book. It is money well spent.



2. I normally do not write reviews but here goes...I find this book very inspiring! Not only to see the works of these wonderful artists, but to gain insight into their craft. This is a great way to see and own these works considering the actual value of their prints. The best aspect of this experience is to see how an artist visualizes their subject which puts you right there with them, which is the best experience for any photographer in training.
   
   I have had the great privilege not only to own some of these works, but to have actually photographed along side Michael Fatali. I have to say that his work goes well beyond what you can see in his images since much of what is recorded in the print was more emotion and spiritual than can be visible in an image. I am a firm believer that art does not stand alone but is always better understood and appreciated within the context of the creator. Therefore getting close to the artist, which a book like this provides, is a great way to help us understand the work in the context of those who created it. If you can get a hold of this book and you love photography or art in general it is a must have!



3. This is a gorgeous collection of images from some of the leading landscape photographers in the world today, including some well-known photos by the late Galen Rowell. While no book can ever be a substitute for the actual experience of viewing the original prints, as I learned from a few visits to Galen and Barbara Rowell's gallery in Bishop, California, the reproduction quality here is quite high. And some of these images are simply stunning! One of my personal favorites is an image of desert geysers by Michael Fatali where the sun and moon are both present. What an unusual photograph! It was so refreshing to realize that I had never seen most of these photographs before, despite my frequent perusal of photo books. In keeping with the tradition of landscape photography, most of the work here was done in 4x5 or 8x10 format, though there is also a smattering of medium, panoramic, and 35mm formats. This is definitely not a how-to instructional book, but does serve as an excellent source of inspiration for any budding nature photographer. Sure, there are a few omissions of great landscape photographers today, most notably the large format work of Carr Clifton. Nonetheless, this is an outstanding overview of the best landscape work being done today, a small percentage of which is still in black-and-white. As anyone familiar with this art form already knows, the most important quality of a good nature photographer is an obsessional love of the land itself, a love at least strong enough to compel a person to drag themselves out of bed at the most unspeakable hours to be in a position to catch the first rays of dawn. It is interesting and instructive to read the various stories accompanying the photographs that describe the incredible lengths to which these photographers will go in an effort to capture their finest images. Their sheer persistence, patience, and resolve in trekking untold miles to a predetermined location, often in cold and inclement weather with several pounds of large format gear strapped to their backs, can make a rank amateur like myself feel shamefully lazy. If you think you may have an interest in landscape photography and the images in this book do not inspire you to hit the hiking trail, perhaps you should consider selling your camera on e-bay.



4. this really is a treasure of a book. looking through the photos, i feel inspired by the beauty of the earth. almost a spiritual experience.



5. This is a really beautiful book! Very nice print, beautiful photographs, short biographies of authors and short description of every photo makes it a very nice book for relaxation. Beside that you can learn a lot about landscape photography and be inspired to just get out there and enjoy the photography and landscapes.
   
   The only downside is that when I saw this book I bought the entire series (wildlife, portraits, photojournalism, nudes).

4 comments about The PIP Expanded Guide to the Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi (PIP Expanded Guide Series).

1. One of the best books on the Canon 400D/XTi Rebel camera. Easy to read and understand. Great presentation and feel to this book! I have other books on the 400D/XTi and they are not as nice.



2. The PIP Expanded Guide to the Canon Rebel XTi is accurately named. Many so-called guides to camera products are really dumbed down versions of the owner's manual, coupled with some chapters on basic photography. Not so with this book. In an orderly, comprehensable, and comprehensive way, this expanded guide opens the door to the amazing feature set of the XTi, and for each item in the set explains how to access it, what its for, how to use it, and why and when to use it. After reading this book, I felt as though I had a whole new camera. To get the full value of the amazing Rebel XTi, this book is essential. I'd even buy it instead of a new gadget--and that's really something!



3. excellent book made understanding the cannon XTI easy the book is well written and easy to follow



4. Excellent book on how to use and operate Canon XTi camera. Very helpful and very useful pictures

No comments about Yo Bro!: My Brother, My Friend.

5 comments about Mrs. Ballard's Parrots.

1. Mrs. Ballard is truly gifted! As an artist, I am impressed with her obsessive devotion to her wacky vision and to producing her costumes and sets. As the owner of two parrots, I am amazed at her ability to enlist their cooperation in her endeavour. We have owned Zeppo, a Mexican Red Head, for almost thirty years, and I can't even get him to wear a hat.



2. Not only lots of photos..but the history of how they came about. Being a fellow parrot owner, it was delightful.



3. There are photos of parrots dressed as famous actors and actresses. Great little coffee table book. I gave one to my neice who loves dressup as I thought she would really appreciate the costumes on the parrots.



4. A book filled with parrots dressed up in costumes and photographed in appropriate settings. I would have loved to be in the room when this was proposed to the publisher.
   
   The result is page after page of hilariously enchanting, fun, and meticulously created scenes. So meticulous that once you stop laughing, you kind of HAVE to sit back and wonder about the person who clearly dedicated many months of long, long days to get these just right. It's very existance is a reason to smile through your day.
   
   If you have any sense of humor at all, get this book today. You will never regret it.



5. Mrs. Ballard's Parrots
   
   The most amazing book and story. I love it

5 comments about Videomaker Guide to Digital Video and DVD Production, Third Edition.

1. This book is excellent and extremly helpful. It is a great introductin to digial video production. The book is comprised of many short articles that give you all the ins-and-outs production. I use this book in my digital video editing class, it's a great reference!



2. I have not finished this book completely, but so far...so good. This book literally seems to cover every aspect of production. Whether you're fresh out of school or well established in the business, this is a great book to keep on hand.
   
   Go for it.



3. I wanted a book that would help my amateur videography skills. I decided to go with the Videomaker Guide based on its original Amazon rating, and the history of Videomaker magazines.
   
   I found a lot of useful information in the book that I'm just starting to use such as lighting, filters, sound, and shooting angles. I've already started to apply the information from the book into a music video and a short film. So far, the information has been a plus, and I've used the book for reference to expand my amateur knowledge.
   
   A minor negative on the book was that some chapters (back-to-back) seemed to state the same message. Although they were written with different examples, the same points were expressed.
   
   A major negative on the book is that most technology and software that was referred to are about 3+ years behind. I was thinking some chapters might be updated to reflect the future of DVD production and using updated software video editing programs. However, there were no updated chapters. Lucky for me, most of my current knowledge of video editing is with today's software programs and hardware.



4. Great compilation of Videomaker articles!! These are written by the pros, and each one shows that the research and experience of the author come to bear on the subject at hand. The tone is generally light-hearted but often heavy on details, both of which I love. It's easier to read than you would imagine. And the breadth of topics is substantial. As a first-timer doing research, this was great. The only shortfall is that it needs to be updated - several topics were behind the times (cost and availability of media like P2 storage cards for Panasonic HD camcorders, for example). Of course, these high-tech gigs change so quickly that it would be difficult to publish often enough to keep up. And you can always visit their website to get the latest info, which I do constantly.



5. Video production book is very creative and fun to read. Ray West from Rayscorner fame is also another rare source of brilliance.

2 comments about Associated Press Sports Writing Handbook.

1. This handbook is a very basic introduction to sports writing. It's written at what appears to be a junior high/high school level for kids looking at sportscasting as a career. I was expecting something a little more comprehensive, something along the lines of an MLA styleguide...But, then again, it is "just" sports writing. Doesn't take a genius, I guess!



2. To call this a handbook is a joke. That implies it is for professionals working in the field. In reality, it's dumbed down to a junior high level and seems to be written for kids who think they want to be sports writers when they grow up.
   That's nice, but I bought the book after making a career change and was hoping to find useful information about my new field. Unfortunately, I found none here.

1 comments about Aerial Photography and Image Interpretation.

1. This book is an outstanding, in-depth introduction to the science of aerial photography. At the outset, it must be said that this book does not tell you how to bring in, register, or project your aerial photo in a particular GIS application. What it does tell you is how that photo came about and how it might be interpreted or used. The text reads well, but does require the reader's full attention to absorb all the information.

5 comments about PhotoSecrets Yosemite (Photosecrets (Series).).

1. I read the blistering negative first review of this book and almost didn't buy it. It would definitely have been my loss. I can see where Photosecrets of Yosemite is going to be a great help in several ways: Taking better photographs, of course, but also in deciding what, when and where to go to view the sights. I don't know what else you could want in a book of this type. There are lots of beautiful photos with suggestions as to how to do your own. I see nothing wrong with the quality of the book itself -- I don't know what the first reviewer was even thinking! I bought three other books to help plan our Yosemite trip: Complete Guidebook to Yosemite, Photographer's Guide to Yosemite, and of course, Frommer's -- ya' gotta have a Frommer's wherever you go. All four books are excellent and will definitely add to the planning of our trip -- and I'll certainly have them along with me on our vacation. Thanks, Andrew Hudson -- I really like your book.



2. I read both this and the Frye book before visiting Yosemite. Both had good info, but the Frye book went into a great deal more detail. It also had general photography tips, similar to those covered in more detail in "Understanding Exposure".
   
   I enjoyed both, but carried this one in the park, since it was smaller, lighter, and had all the info I needed.
   
   If you haven't read "Understanding Exposure" or learned the basics of photography, get the Frye book. If you don't need that refresher, and don't need areas outside the park itself covered, get this book.
   
   Better yet, get both!



3. Nice book. Very informative with very detailed instructions of where and how to take some awesome photos.



4. I agree with other reviewers, that this book is good only for getting "snapshots", not really good photographs. If you want stunning photos, even from a compact camera or superzoom, check out Frye's book on the same topic.



5. Great pictures. Although the author wrote it to help others get great pictures, I will never get back to Yosemite and these picture are wonderful for my memories.

5 comments about Angkor: Celestial Temples of the Khmer.

1. Through his magical photographic eye, Jon Ortner has created a wondrous collection of striking images and scholarly prose. His perfectly lit photographs and well-documented historic descriptions allow one to easily understand this complicated ancient subject. Each temple is clearly organized into relevant sections from the central Angkor area to the rare and never-before-seen temples in the outer lying areas. If you have visited Angkor - Ortner's book is the perfect addition to your library. Or, if you have not visited, this book provides the perfect impetus.



2. Wow, what a spectacular book, truly amazing. I was blown away by the quality of the photography, the reader actually feels like they are in the jungle amid the ruins of Angkor. I have never visited Angkor Wat and probably never will, but after experiencing this book, I feel somehow that I have been there. The quality of the book is superior and the book even comes in a wonderful case. The publisher should be congradulated, it's a luxurious book. Some books are extremely expensive and you wonder why, I can assure you, you will not ask that about this one. If you have any interest in this subject or just like to own beautiful things I urge you to purchase this book, it will be a jewel in your book collection



3. I purchased three books on Angkor Wat after my week visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia and this book was by far the best I have seen. The photos are excellent and the narration in very informative. It is expensive but worth it.



4. Angkor, Celestial temples of the Khmer Empire is a photobook limited to the Angkor Site and some outlining temples. Although the quality of the photo's is excellent, the book itself with regards to the informative value is disappointing. An exception to this is the chronology of sites. Angkor: Temples et monumentsThe Treasures of Angkor: Cultural Travel Guide (Rizzoli Art Guide)Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide)Ancient Angkor (River Book Guides)Angkor Cities and Temples



5. Excellent book! I wish I had known about this book before I went to Angkor Wat.