3 comments about Simple Lighting Techniques for Portrait Photographers (Amherst Media, Inc.).

1. A book that steers away from complex lighting situations and enters the realm of lighting techniques in a more basic form. Advantages of this philosophy are outlined and examples to reinforce are illustrated throughout. A nice characteristic of such a style of lighting is that it does not matter if you are working in or out of the studio. A lot of good information that is clearly written make this book highly recommended.



2. If you're new to studio photography and looking for a great book to help you get going, Simple Lighting Techniques for Portrait Photograhers by Bill Hurter is an excellent start. It's definitely a book for beginners that talks about light, lighting, and how to control it. There is discussion about the classic lighting set-ups and how to achieve them, it provides tips from some of the Masters of light, and it will answer many questions that one may have as they set up a studio. The sample images are beautiful and do a great job of conveying the theories being taught.



3. Photographers often spend thousands on the latest lighting and photography gadgets when they should be seeking simplicity: that's the contention of neo-pro Bill Hurter, which covers the basics of understanding light and how it works in photographic results. From designing two-light studio setups for natural portraits to taking photos on location, the idea is basic: simplify approaches yet preserve natural, professional results. Any public lending library or photography library needs this, which comes packed with color examples throughout.

4 comments about Idora Park: The Last Ride of Summer.

1. I found the book to back great old memories of the greasy french fries and rattly old coasters. The old train was my favorite



2. Anyone who lives in and around Youngstown, Ohio and those who are devotees of the amusement park tradition in America will find this attractive book to be both informative and nostalgic. The Last Ride... is an intelligent, intriguing look back through time to the park's opening in 1899 through to the fire which sealed its fate! The book is beautifully and thoroughly illustrated with copious photos and other interesting items; including a summary list of the events, groups, bands, etc. who were part of the park's history. This book is a must for everyone who's ever set foot in the park wither during its glowing years or during its decline.



3. Another fantastic trip back down the amusement park midway, courtesy of Mr. Jacques. This well researched and colorful book manages to chronicle the life and times of Youngstown's Idora Park - without reading like your typical history lesson. Filled with hundreds of pictures, this book is a must read for any amusement park enthusiast. Although I have never been to Idora, or even Youngstown, this book put me right back on Idora's midway and in the front seat of their infamous Wildcat and Jack Rabbit roller coasters.

   Mr. Jacques' book also includes many unique behind the scenes stories and anecdotes from countless interviews and local archives. Personal photos and individual recollections of time spent at Idora Park take the reader back to a time when the traditional amusement park was the highlight of our summer days.




4. Fasinating book! Great history of the Youngstown, Ohio area during the start-up of the city as it rapidy grew during the 1800's through 20th century! Anyone with a desire to learn more about what Yougstown was about during the boom years should purchase this book, the history of Mill Creek Park, and Steel Valley.

5 comments about Principles of Three Dimensional Computer Animation.

1. While Mr. O'Rourke's book does a very good job of explaining in depth the terminology of 3d computer graphics, the book is very sparse in illustrations that display how the concepts translate into final rendered imagery. With the exception of the middle of the book, which has glossy reproductions from actual computer generated 3d scenes, the book looks and feels like a high school algebra textbook.



2. I agree with prior reviews that this book is well written and provides an excellent introduction to 3D computer graphics. If you're new to the field and want to learn about the general terminology and techniques of 3D computer graphics then this would be a top choice. Just don't expect, however, that after finishing you'll be ready to plunge into creating your own rendering engine or even be up to speed on using an existing engine. If you're looking for technical detail, then you'll have to look elsewhere.



3. As an instructor in 3D computer animation I find this book to be an excellent text for the classroom. O'Rourke knows his stuff and presents the material in a well-thought out, logical format. The only negative is that it's time for a new release.



4. I'm entirely new to 3D modeling and animation. I found this book to be exceptionally well written. The author provides a clear and concise explanation of the principles of 3D computer graphics, with easy-to-understand examples throughout. As stated in other reviews, it is not software specific. If you are looking for an introductory but thorough 3D primer, I recommend this book without reservation. It should provide a solid foundation for those who have little or no prior computer graphics experience.



5. This book is excellent in giving the reader the "big picture" of foundational knowledge needed to learn technical animation. I strongly suggest using this book in introductory courses that teach technical-based animation, looking at techniques, not creativity.

5 comments about Behind Adobe Walls: The Hidden Homes and Gardens of Santa Fe and Taos.

1. I was specifically on a quest for inspiration for Santa Fe style decorating with bold color schemes, somewhat off-the-wall furnishing choices and the like. This book fit my needs perfectly, I'm happy to say. I agree with other reviewers that the book is rather limited in scope, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Beautiful photographs, clear writing, overall a very dynamic book.



2. I would NOT loan out my copy of this book! I live in Taos (moved AFTER reading the book) and have since been to some of these homes, they are wonderful...and not at all pretentious...as one reviewer said. I use this book even today for inspiration in my own Taos home.



3. Unfortunately, the sample pages are in black and white. Never fear, they're actually IN COLOR in the actual book!

   Got this for my Mom, she loved it!




4. I am a native New Mexican and even though the others did comment on how nice a book about "real" New Mexicans would be, I do love this book for the excellent photography. It is on my coffee table now and I just love looking at it!



5. This book is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Perfect condition and rapid delivery. Excellent service.

No comments about Pema Chodron 2009 Datebook.

4 comments about Photographing Architecture and Interiors.

1. I'm a professional photographer, still young, and I work mainly with architectural subjects; well, this book is one of the most astonishing and well written I've ever read. All the photographs are simply wonderful, explanations are useful, too. This is a book I always like to read and read it again. Shulman made the history of architectural and interiors photographing, and his photographs are still so amazing, effective and at the time simple to be "read", that you only learn from each shot. The notes about the composition and lighting are, nowadays, still solid milestones to be mastered from beginners to pros. I strongly suggest this book !!



2. I learned a lot from this book. The only problem is that I was under the impression that it was updated, but it isn't really, and it was originally published in 1962. The only new information is an intro by Shulman and an interview with him. So, although his explanations and examples taught me a lot about light, use of camera movements and the trade of the architectural photographer, and there are many fantastic photos (of course), I found myself skimming through several sections which give completely outdated information on things like proper flash bulb size, modern new light meters (from the 50s) and places to publish photos (like Life magazine).



3. Shulman was the master. The guy was lucky enough to breed the fresh air of modernism and make the most of it throughout his career. The study of his photographs is therefore mandatory for any contemporary architecture photographer and any insight into his work is a gift. This book is such a gift, although most of the techniques highlighted are definitely outdated. Personally I found revealing the case study illustrated at the end of the book. Buy it for the insights, leaving technique to other sources.



4. A retrospective of the photographer's work, not useful as a guide to how to. And of kinds of buildings we're not likely to photograph today. Didn't help me with clues to photographing interiors.

3 comments about Araki (Taschen 25th Anniversary Series).

1. Araki, currently Japan's most notarized and sought photographer, blurs the line between obscenity and art. However there is no denying that ALL of his works are photographed with the precision and skill that can challenge even the works of Robert Mapplethorp.
   
   
   
   This particular book, assembled by Taschen, is perfectly executed. All facets of Araki's work are prominently displayed. The cityscapes flow with the eye's movement, the images of flowers are so sharp your nose will be fooled, the nudes capture the models' spirit, and most importantly works from Araki's first book "Sentimental Journey" and "Winter Journey" (images of his marriage, honeymoon & death of his wife) are contained within and elicit emotion like no other.
   
   
   
   I highly recommend this publication for anyone who has a serious interest in Erotica, art and/or photography. Again these images are not for the faint of heart: fornication, S & M, prostitution, deprivation, are just to name a few of the subjects!



2. if you like japanese bondage and dirty old man type of stuff this book is for you. I can't really comment on this book because it's just not my thing. i see what dude is going for but i wasn't that interested. tying girls up, trying to make fruit and flowers look like genitalia. not real fun for me. but that's what he's known for. he does it here. if you're a fan im sure you'll like it if not, you could easily pass on this book



3. This book is heavy, thick, very well printed and in a beautifull box...
   The content is basically what I was looking for: a little bit from all his work, in high quality prints.
   So, i't's nice if you are looking for "ONE" book about Araki's work.
   The bad part is that the order of the pics is nosense, I thinks this is because Araki thinks that the "time" and moment where the pic was done is irelevant.

5 comments about Writing Down the River: Into the Heart of the Grand Canyon.

1. I haven't received my copy yet but I can certainly review the experience. I saw Kathleen Jo Ryan on PBS on Sunday morning and as each photograph flashed up on the screen I just gasped because I too made this journey last summer and each photo brought back to me the precious days on that journey of a lifetime, recognizing each cave, slot canyon, falls and utter and absolute peace that I found in that place. Words just can't do it. I could go on for hours about it (and often do) The only words that I can find that come close os to say simply that it touched my soul. No one who makes this journey can ever be the same again. If you do nothing else in your life -make this trip. See Ms Ryan's book for an introduction.

   I plan to go again next summer. I look forward to my copy of this book of memories to keep me warm until I can be back on the river again.




2. Writing Down the River grabs your heart and broadens your understanding of the power of the western landscape. The photographs are amazing in themselves; the essays stunning.

   Sybil Downing, award winning author of Ladies of the Goldfield Stock Exchange




3. Writing Down the River grabs your heart and broadens your understanding of the power of the western landscape. The photographs are amazing in themselves; the essays stunning.

   Sybil Downing, award winning author of Ladies of the Goldfield Stock Exchange




4. Very good reading, with excellent comments on the Grand Canyon, the experiences of rafting the river and essays on how the canyon touches people in different ways. I have just completed an 8 day trip of over 280 miles in the canyon and experienced every emotion and awe-inspiring moment described in the book. The photographs are worth the purchase price alone. A must read before and after taking a trip down the wonderous Colorado in the Grand Canyon



5. this book was confusing and very not meaningfull i thought that page lambert did a bad job.

5 comments about Creating Photomontages with Photoshop: A Designer's Notebook (Designers Notebook).

1. The creation of a photomontage is one of the most creative and distinctive forms of digital art. Most photographers use Adobe Photoshop to edit and enhance their photographs and creating photomontages with Photoshop is a natural evolution.
   
   As with all books in the O'Relly Designer's Notebook Series, the eight professional artists featured in this book discuss in detail, with full color examples, how he or she created their digital art. These artists represent a wide range in subject matter and creative techniques; from a beautiful and baroque-styled photomontage of an angel bathed in candlelight to a fun and playful photomontage of a frog drenched in a rainstorm. Each artist discusses the techniques he or she used to obtain their individual style; from setup, lighting and photographing the scene to the finishing touches in Photoshop.
   
   The photomontage starring the frog, entitled On The Web Rain or Shine, was created by Bernard Rossi. He shared his technique for superimposing three separate photographs of the same scene of the frog; one dry, one wet and one with falling raindrops. Of course, he accomplished this using layers in Photoshop.
   
   Another featured artist, Patrick Collandre, created a photomontage entitled Exotic Products which represented the interrelationship between software applications. Collandre began by discussing the special challenge in photographing live fish and a uniquely shaped aquarium. Next, certain sections of each photograph were isolated, masked and blended together using layers in Photoshop.
   
   My favorite was the beautiful photomontage of a candlelit angel entitled From Woman To angel. Texture was the secret ingredient that the artist, Odile Pascal, used to eliminate the symmetry that gives most digital art that "computer generated" look. He discussed in detail the filter effects and the stacking order of the layers that he used to create his textured, timeworn look with Photoshop.
   
   The eight artists featured in this book are Patrick Collandre, Didier Crete, Guillaume Daveau, Lamia Dhib, Tai-Marc Le Thanh, Eric Mahe, Odile Pascal and Bernard Rossi. The book was translated by William Rodarmor from the original, Photomontages creatifs avec Photoshop - Les cahiers des Designers 04.



2. I liked the projects in this book, as they really showed you how to use Photoshop to achieve professional results. Anyone who wants to learn how to combine many different images into one slick final presentation should check out this helpful guide.



3. The book is not bad ,but the sample is too simple...but it has detailed walkthroughs of the creation ..so maybe it's very useful for the people who just begin to learning photoshop.



4. I was excited to receive this book - I love learning about how other users master the techniques of Photoshop. Boy was I disappointed! I've seen these illustrations before - rehashed and rehashed - and if you're using Photoshop CS or CS2, don't waste your time. If you're still working with Photoshop 4 and have never done a collage, I guess you should buy this book. although you'll learn more on Adobe's tutorial website than you'll learn from this book!



5. This book provides great insight into the process behind the work. It is especially interesting to see how the artists found inspiration in unusual places, such as the use of a stone wall for the texture on the cover work that looks like parchment. It does not go into the microsop details of how each piece was built, but it is a great introduction to the style and shows how to accomplish a lot.
   
   A couple of the pieces are mediocre at best, but better than I could have done, so they are still interesting and educational.

5 comments about The Confused Photographer's Guide to On-Camera Spotmetering (The Confused Photographer's Guide to . . . Series) (The Confused Photographer's Guide to . . . Series).

1. This book covers in details all one will ever need to know in order to get the correct exposure from the camera. Don't get confused by the title, it's not how to use the spotmeter, it's rather how to evaluate tones and make manual corrections (override the meter reading)to get the proper exposure. Those that don't have the spotmeter (like Canon Rebels), can use the partial metering, just zoom all the way through, to narrow the angle.
   
   Yes this book is oversimplified, as some readers have already stated, so even the second graders would be able to read and understand it :) There are too many explanation and repetition, author even assumes that you have a hard time to make a division by 2 :)
   
   On the other hand I've found analogies (like FedEx and Train examples)very helpful. The book really does what it promises to, to help the reader to understand how to get the correct exposure. No matter what you level is, you will definitely understand the concept, author makes it extremely simple.
   
   I would highly recommend this book for beginners, or those that never shoot on fully manual. For people that understand the 18% gray and know how to override camera settings, there is nothing new.
   
   Compared to other Bahman Farzad book "The Confused Photographer's Guide to Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System". Those books are 98% the same. The later is some what expended version of the "The Confused Photographer's Guide to On-Camera Spotmetering". I would recommend against buying both of those books no need for that. I think the later book (the extended one) is a better choice, as it also has a new and updated edition available on February 2007.
   
   Compared to "Understanding Exposure" by Peterson. Peterson book doesn't go into much details, I felt like author tries to stay away from complex subjects, it's excellent book never the less, but not for beginners. Those books can't be compered directly, since they cater for different audience. For those that never used fully manual, I would recommend to start with Farzad book and then progress to Peterson book.



2. I have read this book withing two days.
   I am somewhat experienced at taking pictures but this method is easy to follow and remember.
   
   After reading this book I went out during the night to take a picture of a bridge in the city of Warsaw. The picture was perfectly exposed and it did not need any adjustments from its raw settings.
   
   Some people might find that this is sometimes too easy or repetitious but I suppose this is what is needed to get the points accross.
   
   One last word about the excellent tips at the end of the book and the appendices. I really appreciated the tips on how to photograph silhouette of a person, see through cloth lit from behind or fireworks.
   
   I truelly recommend this book if you want to see the light with exposure.



3. After reading this book, I feel as though a veil has been lifted. I always wondered why my photos, although looking good, just lacked a certain "something". My camera, a Rebel Ti, does not have spot metering. Now I am able to understand how to do spot metering with a partial metering system.
   
   I never thought about "tonal" quality as it applies to a photograph. Now I can look at the computer generated settings and make the necessary manual adjustments to take tone into account.
   
   Very good purchase.



4. Until I had this book one takes photographs that the camera takes. After reading this book you can be in control. The Author gives a very detailed and easy to understand explanation of why some photographs don't turn out the way we expect them to and tells you how to manipulate the new electronic exposure meters built in to today's cameras.
   
   I recommend this book to all budding photographers. That's the only way to pay tribute to this book and author.



5. As a guide for using your in camera spot-meter I think this book is great. The illustrations are easy to understand and well explained. Spot-metering can be tricky, but this book takes all the guess work out of it. If you follow the illustrations carefully, you will enjoy and improve your photography. The main thing here is practice, practice and more practice. You have to be patient and visualize in your minds eye want you want and follow the techniques. Even though the book uses for instruction purposes slide film, once you learn and practice, I believe you will improve a great deal even if your camera has all the bells and whistles. The camera meter is just a tool, you have to decide what you want and that involves good technique. Happy shooting to all!