5 comments about Block Island: Rhode Island's Jewel.

1. An absolutely beautiful coffee table book. Even if you have never been to Block Island, this photographer is extremely talented. His photos are so beautiful and peaceful. It really captures the beauty of a special Island.



2. This is a wonderful book for all Block Island lovers! Block Island natives all love Malcolm Greenaway's photos...they're in many, many homes there. To have an entire book of them is divine! It makes a great gift for anybody who's ever been there, on top of which the photos are wonderful for anyone who loves the sea and it's islands.



3. This wonderful book arrived quickly even with the Christmas rush. Very pleasd, would order from this supplier again.



4. When you look at the many gorgeous pictures compiled here you almost FEEL like you are on Block Island. It is a very special place to me being a Rhode Islander and to have it photographed so amazingly makes me proud. I love opening it up and flipping thru it on a cold winter day knowing that with each summer, Block Island will be there in all its glory and beauty! Amazon's price is more in line vs the every day bookstores. While the compilation of pictures is fantastic, you can buy one of Greenaways prints for what the book retails for.
   It is a book to share and foster memories created on a special piece of land known as "the block".
   The sky in many of the pictures is breathtaking....well done!



5. My husband and I have been visiting Block Island for the last six years for our wedding anniversary. The book is a lovely compilation of the island's delights. It is a great addition to our coffee table collection and reminds us of the memories we share of this great vacation spot. We stay at a bed and breakfast called the "Island Home" that is run by a wonderful couple (Dina and David), who we look forward to seeing each year on our return to the "Block"!!

5 comments about Earth under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing the World.

1. This book shows people being affected by climate change now, and give them a voice in both words and pictures. Scientists give reports about how climate change impacts all aspects of our survival. You will be given ideas of how to make a personal impact about climate change. Readers with prior knowledge and those just starting out will both enjoy this book.



2. Very important topic clearly presented. Photographs prove the losses the planet is suffering and man's wanton disregard for the deterioration. The photographs are extraordinarily beautiful, the yin and yang of this issue.



3. Did you know they've moved the lighthouse on Cape Hatteras 2800 feet back from the shore due to rising sea levels? Me neither, but this is one of a myriad of telling tales Braasch brings into play to sound the alarm about global warming. He literally circled the globe--east to west and north to south--to gather information and photos for this book. He then combines these with easy-to-read narrative in a large-format work to tell the tale of a changing world.
   
   Braasch's research is meticulous, and he goes out of his way to note dissenting views, but the conclusions are crisp and clear as a warming Arctic winter day--the planet is getting hotter and this can only mean trouble. If you have time to read one book on the current reality and looming consequences of global warming, this is it.
   
   Sample info from Earth Under Fire: Stand-by mode of electronic gadgets consumes 6 percent of US electricity--one coal-fired electrical generation plant produces as much CO2 as 1.5 million cars--coal power plant pollutants kill 24,000-30,000 US citizens every year--and 10 times that many Chinese.



4. This book shows photographic and published documents about global warming stemed from devastation, pollution, and careless attitude of humans concerning the exploitation of world natural resources. Photos and citations of data obtained from several publications make up a good source of information on this subject. Photos taken of the same natural locality aiming to compare the conditions of such areas after some period of time, should present specification of time of the year they were both taken (the reader supposes they were both taken in the same month or season!).This book would worth more in economical and ecological terms if it had come out in paperback!



5. My experience is that journalists often write the best books, because they know how to research and how to write. Gary Braasch's book is in this category, the result of 8 years' worldwide research with climate experts and regular people, and taking photos with impact. He has created the first "coffee table" book on global warming, which also contains A-Z information and essays by several top scientists.
   
   I have followed this issue for years, and still learned from his "Global Warming and Climate Change Explained," and from his history of the UN Climate Treaty and Kyoto Protocol (two pages or less for each). Fully documented, one quarter of the book is about solutions. Suitable for everyone, experienced and new. I gave a copy to an environmental educator friend and to my 16 year old goddaughter.

2 comments about Karl Blossfeldt: The Alphabet of Plants.

1. Form is highly mimetic in nature. A limited number of what might be called prototypical patterns find their way into an infinite number of fomal structures. For example, it is apparent upon close inspection that branching patterns of trees (best seen in winter, of course) eerily resemble arterial branching patterns of the heart as revealed by cardiologic angiography. Despite divergent functionality of the two systems, the formal architecture is almost identical! This is no accident of nature, to be sure. Karl Blossfeldt: The Alphabet Of Plants is a survey of some basic forms in nature. Its premise, as articulated in an introductory essay by Gert Mattenklott, is that "the architectonics of the modern age are built upon archaic, elemental forces. The rationally calculated workings of machines is in secret correspondence with the eternal rythym of life, and the plant serves as the model." Thus a careful, aesthetically mindful examination of the plant world is important in the first instance because it has the power to inform and expand our perceptual vocabulary. And, following on from that, to enhance our capacity for developing efficient, durable industry and for creating visually resonant art and architecture. Indeed, Blossfeldt was a sculptor by training and so the primacy and importance of form in his photography need hardly surprise us. What does surprise, however, in this eye-opening series of high contrast, texturally detailed duotone photographs (created some seventy to eighty years ago) of mostly quite unusual plant morphology, is the obvious correspondence of the geometry of plant life to so many of the constituitive and ornamental forms that make up the physical manifestations of modernity. There are only a limited number of (archetypal) patterns to be made use of, it seems, and their inventory is definable.



2. The photographs in this book of nature will inspire any artist or crafts person...or architect. The work provides inspiration when it can't be found in the field or back yard. Its a book that is pleasurable to leaf through.

5 comments about Trek: David Carson, Recent Werk.

1. what i enjoy about carson's work, and what this book represents, is a lot of inspiration that can be applied anywhere. i've always felt carson works from a foundation of ideas that root the work, but then a certain immediateness, a looseness, that allows the work to feel fresh and contemporary. thank you, david, for another great book.



2. What else can you say to this book when you see 400 pages plus of David Carson recent works? This book is one of a kind design book that will answer all your design influence. This book is marveleous and superbly done and when the first time i open this book, the first thing that came out of my mouth is "Oh! My God!". For those who missed Ray Gun a lot, then Trek will answer all your misery of missing Ray Gun.
   
   If you a designer that love Pop Art and Fonts very much, then this book is the right answer. For me, this book is the dictionary of design influence and idea. Don't buy this book if you not a designer because you won't like it.
   
   From the first time i opened this book, i've been using this book as my guide book of all my design since then. Truly, David Carson is my idol!



3. Trek is a journey of David Carsons later works....proving that he has an eye for great 'instant' photographic images..the digital age..again a 'tool' in this techno age we live in...yet, Carson has the ability to place the image within a graphic context...making the work appear carefree and accidental..the volume of work and time, cocooned in this portable library is overwhelming..the dedication involved, along with the editing process are themselves masterpieces..take a look if you step outside the 'norm'...



4. This book got me real excited, before i'd even received it. I waited for it to come from the US to the UK so I could buy it at a price I could afford, and today it came. What a big, beautiful, inspiring book. I'm already a Carson fan, but this book is superb, it's got the lot. I've had and sold all of his earlier books, and figured that this one would make a good replacement for it. I underestimated it's value and content. This book is ten times better than all his other books rolled into one. It's got all the best bits, then some. It's up to date, it's full colour, it's a MASSIVE visual experience. Now I'm a painter, and occasionally a photographer, but I used to be a graphic designer. This book inspires me now. It makes we want to go paint, to go shoot photos, to make collage.
   
   Get it, now, while you can, you couldn't possibly regret it. It's an awesome bargain...



5. I think, its one of those books which are useless and less informative... yes it has unique visual appeal but thats not new now, since the age of photoshop all desktop artists are experimenting Design, Type and Photography...So thats what you will find in this book, after every 2 months i try to open it and try to make any sense of this huge,heavy dumb book...but invain. I think its better to buy his previous books rather than buying TREK or TRAP.
   Its Sick!

5 comments about Loretta Lux.

1. Beautiful mysterious odd photos of a lost unreal childhood. Really well done repoductions and an inspriation to artists and viewers.



2. Ultimately beautiful and unsettling, this book contains a collection of highly stylized and manipulated photographs that are deceptively simple.
   
   This is only one of many paradoxes that this series of photographs seems to straddle.
   
   It is nostalgic and modern
   It is familiar and fresh.
   It is modest and complex.
   It is frank and secretive.
   It is austere and playful.
   
   Published by Aperture, the printing is flawless. The reproductions are arresting and I don't doubt that only the real prints can trump them.
   
   The only two adults featured in this book are Loretta Lux and The Hunter. The other portraits are of children--an oft featured subject matter of many photographers; But whereas others before her dress kids up like bumble bees and/or sunflowers, Lux chooses to posit an altogether different assessment of children and childhood.
   
   To be sure, there is nothing "cute" about this book. That, in and of itself, is an impressive feat as overly saccharine and trite photos of children run rampant. The word "cute" never even crossed my mind.
   
   Interesting indeed: they say that a picture is worth a thousand words but these images evoke a quietude that transcends.
   
   Simply said: Lux leaves the viewer quite without words. Utterly. Speechless.



3. Ever since I saw Loretta Lux's "Boy with Drum," I've been fascinated by her work. She manages to mix photography with painting and produce works that just stay in your mind (at least in mine). Her subjects are amusing, beautiful, and even slightly subversive. Everything in the images, from the colours used, to the clothes worn, and even the backgrounds, all combine to create unforgettable pieces that take the viewer back to a time that never existed. In my mind, this book conjures up a semi-Hitchcockian dream world where children are in control.
   
   Her pictures are incredible and truly unique (something that cannot be said of most) - you know when you are looking at a Lux. Every time I pass the book, I pick it up. And each time, I am surprised by how intrigued I still am about her work. The book is timeless... A phenomenal book! Buy this book and you will not be disappointed.



4. This is a stunning collection of beautiful images that inhabit a no man's land between photography and painting. Lux's images are weirdly nostalgic but at the same time remote and impenetrable. Perhaps the highest praise that you could give a collection of photographs is that they're like not like anything you've ever seen before and that was certainly true of this collection for me. This is an essential addition to any serious collection of art photography books.



5. loretta lux is a stunning photographer with a sharp critical eye. from the first time i saw her work 8 years ago, it has stayed with me. her book truly captures the intensity and clarity of her images, which stay with you, even haunt you.
   her work is simply incredible and truly stands out as a unique voice, and not just for the sake of being different, as is much of the work of contemporary young artists. her vision is singular and with purpose and graceful technique.

1 comments about American Circus Posters.

1. Wow, this book of circus posters is amazing! I love the old circus and needed to find good illustrations for an elaborate tattoo. I can't stop flipping through the pages. Anyone will enjoy this book!

5 comments about Teaching Photography: Tools for the Imaging Educator.

1. For anyone who teaches imaging (and that includes me), this book is a must read. The book is informative and entertaining. . . filled with quotes that will make you smile while inspiring you - to become a better teacher. For example: "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius. All I can say is that we are fortunate that Dr. Zakia (whom I have met) chose teaching.



2. This book is a great book for those who are teaching either advance photography or at the college level. I am teaching a beginning class and this book was not much help. I was hoping for more lesson plan ideas and there were not as many as I had hoped. This book is probably a good book to read during abreak or over the summer, but not a good book for quick resources.



3. Most of this stuff we learn in school...however, it's an excellent book if you're into the philosophy of teaching. A good book to read on sunday morning, with a cup of coffee. Do not expect a reference book.



4. As an instructor, I have relied on the shared experiences of the many contributors contained within this gem of a book. Its audience is a bit narrow, but I highly recommend it for anyone engaged in teaching imaging or working in imaging forensics.
   
   This one is on my must have list.
   
   Jim Hoerricks
   http://forensicphotoshop.blogspot.com
   Author of Forensic Photoshop - a comrehensive imaging workflow for forensic professionals



5. Finally a book for the photo educator!!! This is long overdue and am thrilled to own it. As a relatively new high school photo teacher, it is a wonderful resource that discusses the technical and artistic considerations a teacher must deal with as well as writings on how to create assignments, test, assess, and work with your employing institution for betterment of the program. There is even more in it than I've listed here. For anyone interested in teaching photography I highly recommend this book. Although I have been trained in educational practices, so many of my colleagues have not, they are photographers who happen to teach... this book helps summarize so many points that I have discussed with them as they learn to teach.

No comments about Beyond Digital Photography: Transforming Photos into Fine Art with Photoshop and Painter.

5 comments about John Shaw's Focus on Nature: The Creative Process Behind Making Great Photographs in the Field.

1. This book has everything you expect in a John Shaw book and more.
   
   While there are beautiful shots and a detailed descriptions of the equipment, location and the time of that the photos where taken. The book is really more about the thought process that goes into the shot, the hardware involved, lighting, lens focusing, filters types, framing and composition.
   
   The book also details the environment weather it's a desert conditions or lush landscape, time of day and time of season and how to handle lighting, exposure and what types of filters to use based on this.
   
   He reminds us that sometimes there will be a good shot but patience will turn it into a great shot if you a willing to wait for light conditions to change. Look at your framing and composition and deciding what elements to emphasize and what to leave out or minimize. Practicing good stewardship of the environment and making sure to leave things as you found them.
   
   The photography in Focus on nature is breath taking as always. While the book pre-dates digital media it does not detract in any from the book because with the exception of the discussion of film everything else is applicable to the digital and film photographer.
   
   The book cover to cover is hi-gloss paper and all photos are in color and oh-so vibrant.
   
   I own several of Johns books and I would have to say that alll are outstanding and this is no exception.
   
   5 stars and then some.



2. I was not impressed with this book.
   
   Very little technical data, no data on many of the excellent images in the book.
   
   The writting was flowery and arty rather than concise with information to convey.
   
   If your looking for a book to teach you something, I would not recommend this book.
   
   John Shaw's Nature Photography book is, however, outstanding.



3. All of John Shaws books are thoughtfull, well written and aesthetically valuable. This one is specifically oriented towards Shaws photographic values, i.e. what is his view of how to photograph nature. What I took away from reading "Focus on Nature" was the abstract sense of how Shaw dedicates his techniques to achieving high quality photographs. This book does not teach creativity however. That is up to the individual.



4. This book focuses more on the why and how he took a photo than the technical stuff. Makes a great companion to his field guide.
   
   All of John Shaw's books are great. There is some overlap between them as he goes over the basics but they are all worth a read for any aspiring nature photographer.



5. Even though I respect C. Weinstein's comments about John Shaw's amazing book "Focus on Nature" in that I agree that you cannot inherently teach "creativity"
   (something it sounds like Mr. Weinstein was looking for), I am glad he didn't overdo such comments.
   After capturing very beautiful nature photography myself for many years, I can say that having owned, read and studied John Shaw's "Focus on Nature" helped put me into a higher
   level of expertise. John's extraordinary work gives readers a glimpse into the mind of a truly great photographic visionary. One may understand exposure, focal lengths, aperture/shutter speed
   relationships, neutral density filtration, the zone system and all the latest digital wizardry, but still may not be able to "see" what other truly great photographic artists can. Indeed, it
   is that very essence which the book provided, and helped me greatly improve "seeing" as an artist, and therefore (in my case) DID teach me creativity or at least unleashed that part of my mind and
   has allowed me to improve. Shaw's book, and Art Wolfe's wonderful "The Art of Photographing Nature," are the two TOP books I recommend to any upcoming nature photographer on how to improve their
   composition. And any great photographer worth his or her salt knows that composition is the most difficult area to learn. Thank you John Shaw for such a wonderful look into your mind's eye.
   J.Singley, Pro Photographer

1 comments about Fun With Family Photos: Crafts, Keepsakes, Gifts.

1. This book was new and in excellent condition. It has a lot of very good ideas. I purchased it to give to my niece but liked it so much I decided to keep it myself and instead make her one of the suggestions in the book. I plan to make a couple more for some other friends and relatives.