5 comments about Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing, and Retouching Faces and Bodies.

1. This is a must have book for anyone shooting professional portraits or stock photos with people in them. It explains everything from lighting, to photoshop. Very well written!



2. I haven't really read all the chapters yet but this book is very professional in terms of the processes they use to enhance images. Everything from different kinds of lighting to the steps through photoshop to printing. With that said, this is not a beginner book. Prior photoshop experience is needed or else one will easily get lost.



3. Behind the scenes look at the art and technique of glamour/nude photography. Includes discussion and many wonderful photos to help understand the concepts. I learned several techniques that I was not previously aware of. If you are interested in this type of photo work, I recommend the book. A good value.



4. I'm an experienced photographer and retoucher with Adobe Photoshop. I own many books and think can make a sincere judgment. Well, that said ...I have bought the book based on the many good reviews, but it was a real disappointment. It's outdated and very, very basic. Even the only chapter that actually covers the title of the book about correcting skin tones wasn't useful. Save the money, there are much better books and sources on the Internet. For example do a Google search on `Gry Garness'.
   
   If you're a photographer or Photoshop user with zero experience, then this book might bring you some knowledge, but for the rest it will only be in your book closet unused.



5. I have worked in a pro photolab for 12 years. Photography and Photoshop are always a main topic in conversations at work.
   This book is not an "intro book", if you want to learn photoshop or photography basics, I recommend looking somewhere else (try the digital photography book vol 1 or vol 2 {they're both excellent but different} by the author scott kelby). What this book is, however, is one of the best all around books on intermediate portraiture skills that I've read. It has a broad spectrum of topics all relating to making skin look like you want it.
   
   The book covers:
   physical characteristics of digital capture and lighting
   positioning of the lights and camera (a couple are a little over the top)
   monitor calibration
   retouching for flawless skin
   other miscellaneous photoshop tricks and techniques

5 comments about True Norwegian Black Metal.

1. This book is a must have for anyone interested or curious about the world on Norwegian Black Metal. Beste's documentary photography takes you into a world that most of us will never get to see first hand. The timeline, Metallion essay and ephemera section in the back are all invaluable resources.



2. Was able to purchase my book and recieve it before Borders even called to tell me they could get the book. Thank you!!



3. ....congratulations to Peter Beste, there is only one word to describe the work on this book, amazing.



4. If you are a fan of Black Metal, you probably already have this, but even if you don't know and love the music, this book is still worth purchasing. The photos and presentation are gorgeous, and I was happy as hell with the book even before I reached the last few pages which offer a quick historical record of the rise of Black Metal, from a smiling Euronymous and Count Grisnackt, to the early magazine articles, burning churches and through the aftermath of the infamous homicide. Horror fans will also enjoy the images in this book; it looks like stills from the greatest horror movie never made. Truly inspirational!



5. When this came in the mail I was initially mainly impressed with how big it is. It's a coffeetable book because it won't fit on the f###ing bookshelf. Anyone visiting me is doomed to have to stare at the large photo of Nattefrost covered in blood on the cover because it's always sitting out. At least the stupid cross he's always holding matches his shirt. I can't say anything against his fashion sense. Flipping through the book, one finds little in the way of text aside from a few quotes, some short essays and a timeline detailing things like the birth of H.P. Lovecraft and the death of Dead.
   
   The bulk of the book is comprised of photos, mostly of members of Gorgoroth, Carpathian Forest (though only two of the photos of Nattefrost covered in crap in his bathtub), Darkthrone, 1349, Enslaved, Mayhem and a few others. There are some photos of fans, sheep heads, houses, trees, and some unidentifiable strips of black stuff in Nattefrost's sink. The last several pages are on non-glossy paper and reproduce old interviews and articles.
   
   The magazine articles were kind of hard to read, so I was glad I had read them elsewhere. The zine articles were reproduced well and were more fun than the magazine stuff anyway, though I'm terribly sick of reading interviews with Varg, as he tends to come off as a pseudo-intellectual halfwit. In general a nice book though, good photos, some interesting text, nice binding.

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

1. Most of us have gotten used to moving an image through Adobe Camera Raw quickly and doing all the real work in Photoshop. In earlier versions, this may have been the right thing to do, but the new ACR is a much better tool than PS, and you can easily back out changes. The only sort of things you must do in PS are the localized changes, and there are all kinds of things you can do in ACR that you just can't do in PS.
   Jeff Schewe and the late Bruce Fraser explain ACR's capabilities in a clear easy-to-understand way, using mostly the language of ordinary human beings rather than super geeks. If you are using ACR blind, without the techniques explained in this book, you are missing out on a lot.



2. A great book for learning more about the wealth of possibilities using the raw format in photography. Invaluable when learning more about Photoshop CS3 and photo editing.
   The layout of the book is very well done and thoughtfully laid out.
   The sample photos in color lend a great deal to the book.
   
   Recommended



3. This book, along with the video from Luminous Landscape, are an asset to a photographer.



4. Reading this book has greatly enhanced my ability to process RAW quickly, easily, and with better results. If you use Photoshop and you shoot RAW, buy this book - period.



5. This book is one amazing guide on the inner workings of rendering an image from raw camera files. If you capture raw files AND you use Photoshop CS3 for your image processing, then this book is a must have. Not only will it help you render better images from your raw files, it will help you do so in less time. While always practical in intent, the book gives the reader the opportunity to understand the camera raw plug-in, tab-by-tab and preference-by-preference.
   
   Since I've been working my way through the book, I've also found less need for tweaking much on the file after I have my initial render. The camera raw plug-in has so much capability - it is one of the wonders of the software world. This book helps one tap into all that is available. It's always best to get it right in the camera and this resource allows you to make the most of what you've captured.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC.

1. Martin Evening's guide to a better understanding of that indespensable piece of software, Photoshop CS3, is indeed very good and very comprehensive. Not many aspects of set up, adjustments, editing, or indeed any other action you take is left uncovered by this volume. As opposed to other reviewers I don't find the text lenghty or incomprehensible, but rather on the spot and easily accessible. The pedagogical way of colourcoding shortcuts for both Mac and PC makes it easy to find and use these, thus increasing your editing efficiency.
   
   This book can be used as a sort of encyclopedia, looking up solutions for problems whenever you encouter such, or it can be read from cover to cover, which ,dull and trying it may be just because of the sheer quantity of information in there, I would recommend. It does give a nice, comprehensive, and effective overlook of Photoshop for any digital photographer.
   
   Highly recommendable.



2. This is one of my favorite Photoshop CS3 books; I have quite a few. The quality of the book is excellent and I have learned so much from the lessons. The book comes with a very good DVD that makes this book an outstanding value. I have read some of the bad reviews. I think they expected a "dummies" or "beginners" type book. This is for a photographer who wants to get the most out of Adobe Photoshop. You can tell that Mr. Evening came from a photography background. Is this book a bit on the complex side? Sure. But I already know Photoshop basics and I did not want a rehash. That is why I highly recommend this book.



3. This is a very comprehensive, easy to follow Photoshop CS3 resource. Being a photographer, I especially like that it focuses (excuse the pun) on those features of CS3 that pertain to photography. The accompanying DVD is a plus that includes video tutorials, source photos for the examples as well as valuable chapters and charts from previous versions of the book that were too big to include in print. I have been going thru the chapters sequentially, but it's an easy task to go to any section and be immediatly productive.



4. I enjoyed this book very much. I am a novice photographer (2 years exp) but an long time photoshop user (7+ years). I wanted to take my photos to the next level in post but I typically ended up with a great photo more by accident than by design. I wanted to be able to *really* know how to get a certain effect or look without having to fiddle around for an hour.
   
   The book is bound very well. For such a large volume with a paper spine, it has held up remarkably. That said, I am considering having the chapters spiral-bound separately because the book doesn't lay down flat very well.



5. This book is fairly comprehensive with regard to content on enhancing photos using photoshop techniques.
   I definitely would recommend this guide for both beginning and advanced photoshop CS3 users.

5 comments about Quiet Corners of Paris.

1. I bought this book based on previous reviews. It is a wonderful little book with lovely photographs. I plan to use it to plan my next trip to Paris. The fact that all of the places mentioned are free to the public , is an added plus for travelers.



2. This book is wonderful. Not only can one locate unusual spots to explore and soak up atmosphere; it is a treasure trove of historical and cultural minutia which add greatly to your enjoyment of these out-of-the-way finds. This is like having a Parisian friend who loves history and an entire library of reference books rolled into one. Kudos!



3. A friend gave us this book before we left for a month's visit to Paris. We had been there, done that three times before, so we welcomed a guide to the kinds of places we had overlooked on previous visits. This book accomplished that. We visited more than half of the places and enjoyed almost all of them immensely.



4. I have been to Paris many times so I have seen the major sights and want to some lesser sights for my next trip. This book recommends many of these type of sights with good descriptions. I will take and use the guide on my next trip



5. A charming book that will lead you to places known to seasoned and local Parisians. Not the run of the mill tourist spots. You will become part of "secret Paris".

5 comments about A Time it Was: Bobby Kennedy in the Sixties.

1. I got plenty of information about this order. When it was slightly delayed, I was informed, as well as when it shipped. I was very impressed with the service.



2. This book of pictures was a wonderful walk down memory lane for me. At 16 I was to join the Kennedy campaign as a volunteer after the California primary. On the morning I was to depart, my parents woke me with the news of his shooting. This book, however, reminded me of the promise unfulfilled Robert Kennedy represented--how much better we would have been as a people, as a country, as a government had he been president in 1969 instead of Richard Nixon.



3. it's photgraphs of the campain are stunning the brief narrative gives a true sense of sumer 1968



4. This book and its images were all the more gripping having been an observer at the time. The photos and the words provide an image of a nation trying to be the sum of its promise, only to be plunged into a tragic self assessment after the assassination.
   It is paramount, 40 years later, that we take the opportunity to remember how far we have come. This book reminds us that we can do better, that we must do better, that we are better.



5. Bought this for my dad for father's day. Great pictures of a memorable time in history with a visonary who lost his light too soon!

5 comments about 2008 Photographer's Market.

1. The whole format of this book needs to be updated, maybe include a cd with direct links to website for sections like stock & galleries. More info & participants need to be listed. Personally this book might of had value once but now I can't seem to find any valuable info or leads in it. If it doesn't get a complete redesign any future year will have no value either.



2. This book provides valuable information that helps you get your photo published.
   
   Submission requirements, direct access to photo editors, etc. are very beneficial to the reader.



3. Great resource for any photographer who would desire to sell their work. Opened my eyes to a new avenue of income potential. Nice layout that makes since to the reader.



4. While there's lots of marketing help here, listings for the religious markets are not all inclusive. Hence for one who already is familiar with that field, I didn't pick up much new. Maybe other fields are better covered.



5. This book was very informative for photographers hoping to sell some of their work. I would recommend it highly

5 comments about Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition).

1. Bryan Peterson's book,Learning to See Creatively, is an extraordinary treasure trove of photographic techniques and tips. The book helps the photographer to step out of the regular view and discover a whole new angle on life, be it from below or above. The photos inside the book are awe-inspiring, and show Peterson for the photographic genius he is. There is so much to learn from this book, everyone should keep it as reference book. And Peterson does a great job of teaching without getting boring, keeping a sense of humor the whole time. I would recommend not only this book, but all of Peterson's books, to any photographer who wants to improve his photos, no matter what skill level.



2. I first read Peterson's Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition), and while it's filled with useful information, techniques, and photos, this one gets me much more excited and inspired to get out and shoot. Peterson's enthusiasm for photography and teaching is obvious, and contagious. Once I got a basic handle of the technicals off photography, I find myself asking, "Okay, what do I shoot now?" Peterson's book demonstrates that you can find compelling images all over the place.



3. The book is a must read and the author has an exceptional style in delivering the information in a very easy yet rich way.
   If you already have an SLR camera and want to truely master photography, regardless of what camera you have then you will get a lot of help from this book.
   The author has provided several effective exercises that help develope a "photographic eye" and makes you become comfortable using the different kinds of lenses. Plus the settings and lenses used under or next to each picture on the page.
   Structured in a very systematic way, each subject in the book is more interesting than the one before it.
   You may be able to operate your camera really well but lack the creative ideas or can't see the perfect picture when you look into a scene. This book will help you overcome that limitation and allow you to break your own barrier, taking you and your photographic work into a higher level.



4. A very good book of instruction and fabulous examples are given of creative picture taking.



5. Bryan Peterson's book is excellent for beginners like myself. He walks you through basic prinicples of design and composition with many excellent examples. Most importantly he walks you through his thought process. Each picture has information about how he shot it and often why he shot it that way. The book also includes several useful excercises to help you develop your eye. Although it could be argued that the book doesn't cover all topics and is not as thorough as other books, it accompishes its purpose which is to get beginning photographers to see the world around them differently. This book rapidly improved my shots because the examples and principles are so clear. Now I am ready to move on to more complex and complete books. I highly recommend this book to get started.

5 comments about Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide.

1. For whatever faults this book may have it is certainly an improvement over the Nikon Manual for the D80. The D80 has all the bells and whistles but you need this roadmap to make it work.



2. This book is definitely a step-up from the included camera manual. The quick start section and the sections describing the camera controls are very complete and helpful. Also, the section describing how best to setup your camera for specific picture settings is great.



3. You will want this book if you have a Nikon D80. Easy to read and understand and much more informative than the owners manual. Well worth the small investment.



4. This book is a big help for new owners of the Nikon D80. It is easier to understand than the owners manuel that comes with the camera and is in color. I use it as a field guide and keep it in my camera pack.



5. We just bought the D80 and was intereted in getting an education on the manual settings. We took a trip along the Alaska Highway and took 10,000 pictures in 7 days. We were able to take each setting and work on it while taking some extraordinary pictures. What you can do with your camera and then once you have downloaded the pictures is great. Overall, the best new product manual we have ever used.

5 comments about Hot Chicks with Douchebags.

1. The "War and Peace" of my generation.
   
   I was torn between the abject beauty of Hotts contrasted with the nausea inducing Douches. On second reading, I wondered, "Are the douchebags really childlike in their quest for acceptance? Are they not victims of one to many 'Rock of Love' episodes?" Perhaps, but in the end they are still Douches. Do they know their fashion comes from the gay underground? I'm repulsed, yet intriged.
   
   Still, one must marvel at the dedication of the douche to their craft. Tattoos, fake tans, and even the haircuts are things that normal men wouldn't allow happen to them, let alone seek out. A star on the bicep or a faux-hawk. But these DB's wear them with pride. It's tragic to look at a bunch of clubing man-whores trying to stand out so much that they all look the same.
   
   [...]



2. HOT CHICKS WITH DOUCHEBAGS is really smart, quirky, edgy and a real howl. DB1 knows how to get in there and make you laugh, twist your mind and it's a great approach to pop culture insanity, while poking, chiding and being academic -- rolling it all into one hilarious joke. You can read it through all at once or flip through it choad by chaod. There is something for everyone in this book. I bought 20 copies for gifts. It's a deal and the 4 color photos and large format look like it's worth a lot more than the going price.
   Whoever this guy is, I can't wait for book two. WHat a HOOOT



3. So this guy has people send him pictures on the internets, makes snarky comments about the people in said pictures. You can look at the pics and read his comments for free in the internets. So he decides to make a coffee table collection and sells the stuff you can get for free, and you people buy it? Gee, I wonder who the douchebags really are?



4. I totally disagree with the One Star comment. The fact you can get much of the material for free on his site (and goes the commenter's point, why spend money on the book) is irrelevant. I love the site and even if the book contained nothing but material already there, i'd still buy it to support the author.
   
   however the book is chock full of stuff not on the site. There's a great narrative throughout which shows his walk through searching for his inner douche. His insights are dead on and face it, pretty much every guy on earth has found himself scratching his head in amazement at this phenomenon.
   
   The book catagories each douche and offers brilliant and biting insight in the process. The pictures of the Hotts are superb and showing them on the glossy paper is a great touch. I can't think of a better Coffee Table book to have - so I guess that makes me a douche according to some of the commenters. Well, if that makes me one, I'm proud of it.



5. Buy it, for the children. Before, in the words of Neville Chamberlain, we have "grease in our time".
   
   Do it for the children.
   
   And one-star guy can felate a mailbox.