3 comments about The Education of a Photographer.

1. I'm only halfway through and can only ask why such a book only surfaces now. Previous concise compilations of writings on photography concentrated on the mediums origins and historical figures. This one gives us a more contemporary context (ie the 50ies) and goes on from there until today, focusing on the ideas of key figures. Thank you editors!



2. Since I purchased this book, however many months ago it was,I have yet to sit down and read through any of its essays. I did scan over a few and found that many of the authors were more interested in flexing their extensive vocabulary to convey their abstracted views of photography and the meaning of the photograph. Not really what I had in mind, though there might be some treasure buried within the pages. I don't think I'll start digging for a while.
   
   It's not an entry level read. I was hoping that the book would contain life experiences and advice from seasoned photographers. It might, though I haven't found it. Before you buy see if you can find it at a bookstore and read some of the chapters. Then consider whether it's worth the money.



3. If a photographer might think that a picture is worth 10,000 words, why would one need a book of words about photography? Wouldn't a few well chosen photographs have obviated the need for this book? Probably not, because the aforesaid major premise is probably wrong, or at least overstated. There are some concepts that are so complex that they can't be expressed in pictures. That presumably was the thought of the editors.
   
   In his introduction Charles Traub, who is the chair of the School of Visual Arts' department devoted to photography, says that the world of photography has changed in recent years and that the writings included in the book are designed to prepare the fine arts student to enter into the world of contemporary photography. In order to do this the authors have divided the book into four parts: "Reflections on the Medium: What It Means to Photograph; How Others See Them: Considering the Photographer; Finding an Audience: Working with the Professionals; and Guide for the Uneducated: Higher Education and Photography. Each Section contains several short essays ranging from less than a half page to 11 pages. Although the editors disavow any idea of providing photographic instruction, the piece by Henri Cartier-Bresson comes the closest to instruction. On the other hand, the piece by Dave Eggers, in which he describes the thoughts running through the mind of a young women waiting to take a gritty but artistic photograph might be interesting to a creative writing student, and while a bit of fun, does not seem to be useful to a photographer. The interview with Charlotte Cotton, a museum photography curator, seemed the most accurate and insightful description of the current photographic art market. For me the most useful piece was an outline of how to critique a photograph by Ralph Hattersley.
   
   The Amazon star system is not useful in the evaluation of a book like this. The readings in this book are a mixed bag. I suspect that most photographers, including those earning a living from their work, will find little to benefit them here, although they may find some of the articles of interest. On the other hand, for the individual earning a Master of Fine Arts in Photography, and interested in entering into the contemporary art photography market, the essays may prove useful.
   
   If they have not done so already, those who want to read more about photography, with an emphasis on its history as well as its philosophy might do better to read an old classic, "Photography in Print: Writings from 1816 to the Present" by Vicki Goldberg.

5 comments about Part Asian, 100% Hapa.

1. The illustrations themselves speak louder than words and its a good teaching tool to help people of different ethnic backgrounds that have mixed race in them, especially parents of two different cultures who are married with kids who are mixed race to teach them and show them there are people out there in the same situation as them. I bought two of these books for my friends who are going to have kids of different cultural backgrounds. A must have.



2. I am so glad that I bought this book for myself and my little sister.
   
   Growing up, I always felt out of place. Caucasians saw me as asian, and asians saw me as caucasian. When every exam you take at school asks you to check a box for your coresponding race, but you feel your race is not listed, what do you choose? It's very clear as to what I am not, but what exactly DOES that box labeled "other" mean?
   
   This is a wonderful book full of beauty and humor. It gives those that lie in the spaces between clearly defined boxes a feeling of belonging and pride.



3. Being hapa myself I definitely could appreciate everyone displayed in this book. It really makes me feel proud of the diversity in myself and in others.



4. I'm one of those people who get uncomfortable when filling out applications and reach the dreaded "Race" section that says "Select only one."
   
   I guess I'm supposed to pick whichever one I identify with the most. I usually skip that section and come back to it at the end. After staring at it for a solid half-hour, I hastily pick something and put the paper out of my sight. I try not to think about the answer I chose, and the ancestors I denied. My answer differs every time.
   
   Half my family views me as white (just "white" - because white people have no ethnic backgrounds or interesting cultures, right? There's no English, Irish, Dutch, German, Swiss, etc. - it's just "white"). The other half views me as some strange Mutt they don't quite know how to interact with.
   I'm sick of being too white or not white enough. This book helped me realize I'm not the only one.



5. I'm half Japanese and half Euro (German, Swede, Scottish) and I sure wish this book had been around when I was a kid many moons ago. It's striking in it's simplicity, very profound. I enjoy looking at the unique faces and reading the individual hand-written commentary by each subject. I will keep this in my library, for our daughter, who is Ukrainian, Italian, et al.

5 comments about Nikon D50 Digital Field Guide.

1. This book is a big help for the beginner to digital photography, with very easy to understand illustrations and tips. It is a good tool to keep close to your camera bag for quick and easy reference.



2. Why do manufacturers of such splendid kit as the D50 supply such impenetrable manuals? It wasn't until I bought the D50 Field Guide that I was able to fathom and use many useful features. Excellent and heartily recommended. A bit big for my back pocket, but you can't have everything!



3. The "Nikon D50 Digital Field Guide" is more than just that it is a D50 owners necessity. This will easily explain how digital images taken specifically with your D50 gives insight to the menues and electronic functions of the D50.



4. The D50 was my third DSLR after two Canons...a 10D and a 300D. I got this Nikon D50 and immediately liked it better than the Canons. So much so that I've already upgraded to a D70s, sold it and upgraded again to the D80. Now I'm looking for a good deal on the D300.
   
   But, back to the D50 Field manual (which I sold with the D50). Good book, clear text and nice slick pages and color photos. Sure it talks a lot to generic DSLR photography but it also addresses specific functions of the D50 in great detail. Did I like it ...yeah! How much? Well...I'm waiting for my D80 Field manual to arrive and if I ever get the D300, well I'll probably get a Field manual for it too!! This is a Good Buy!!!



5. I love the way the author walk me through on using the D50 by Nikon and his tips on photography was more than I expect on book about a camera. In fact the author inspired me to work harder with the camera and gave me wonderful ideas on using the camera.

5 comments about The Photographer's Guide to the Oregon Coast: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to Take Them.

1. I am what most people consider an advanced amateur photographer. Last week I went down to Portalnd on Business and used David's book as my guide on a little detour I took on the coast.
   
   I had only one day to drive through the coast. The book was extremely valuable in helping prioritize where to go, and save time by driving right to the good spots. Thanks to this book I was able to take amazing pictures in Cannon Beach and other places.
   
   Absolutely recommended for anyone visiting Oregon, even if you are not a photographer, this book is much better than any tourism guide I have seen.



2. Having this along with my on my recent trip up the Oregon Coast was absolutely invaluable. It helped me choose which turnouts to take and which to bypass. I loved the included suggestions of what to do according to the weather, since several of my days were overcast and drizzle, rendering some of the views drab or nonexistant. I wish there were more books like this available for everywhere I want to go!



3. Covers alot of ground and offers more photo op suggestions than one could ever hope to take in one visit. Used it extensively to plan a photography vacation on Highway 101.



4. This book was amazingly specific in directions of how to best view an incredible scenery. It was great more for its direction of where to go, park, or stand than the photography tips. The author gave great detail such as tips for how to find the best parking lots, how to avoid the tourist packed spots, and how to find unmarked trails to find fantastic angles in isolation. We used it as our primary guide for three days down the coast and really loved it. Note that the order of the book is generally north to south.



5. I loved this book! The author shares many great secrets for finding out-of-the-way places to photograph. If you are looking for a book on technical how-to photograph, get another one. This book is all about location.

5 comments about An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar.

1. It's really amazing all the work and effort that was put into creating these images. I saw her show at The Whitney like the other reviewer, and i really enjoyed her work so i bought the book on amazon (I'm not trying to plug amazon, but it was a lot cheaper here than other places i looked) The photographs absolutely stand on their own, but the captions are extremely important to the images. The book is simple, as are the images, but it is definately unique and unfamiliar.



2. For people who are interested in photo art Simons Book ist a must have. Her intelligently chosen situations - the hidden and unfamiliar - remind me in their cool and calm way of being photographed the work of Edward Hopper. Simon absolutely knows how to catch the right moment and the right light. You get a view deeply below the surface of our modern civilisation.
   Beside of this, the book is of great heavy quality, it's worth its price.
   Well done, Taryn!



3. This subject matter and the photos are interesting, but as a book it is lacking. The book is what I would call 'pretentious', in that there is alot of space wasted in the pages to make it look more 'arty'. Waste of paper is waht I call it. The photos are also too small for the available paper space. All in all, good intentions, but the publisher seems to have ruined it. Not recommended.



4. This book creates its own space in a way only a few can do. Its images are (almost all) just right - including the right size. They aren't large but they invite intense observation and they look terrific.



5. it wasn't as i expected, small pictures, as unique as they were very few were visually stunning.

3 comments about Edward Sheriff Curtis: Visions of the First Americans.

1. This book includes photographs and/or information on the Apache, Jicarilla, Navajo, Pima, Papago, Qahatika, Mohave, Yuma, Maricopa, Walapai, Havasupai, Yavapai, Teton Sioux, Yanktonai, Assiniboin, Apsaroke, Hidatsa, Mandan, Arikara, Atsina, Piegan, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Yakima, Klickitat, Salishan, Kutenai, Nex Perces, Kwakiutl, Nootka, Haida, Hopi, Hupa, Yurok, Karok, Wiyot, Tolowa, Tututni, Shasta, Achomawi, Klamath, Kato, Wailaki, Yuki, Pomo, Wintun, Maidu, Miwok, Yokuts, Dieguenos, Washo, Tiwa, Keres, Tewa, Zuni, Chipewyan, Cree, Sarsi, Wichita, Cheyenne, Oto, Comanche, Peyote Cult, Nunivak, Eskimos of various bays, islands and capes, as well as others.
   
   I found this book shortly after Christmas of 2007. There may be larger or multi-volume offerings of Edward S. Curtis' photographs, I'm not sure, but this is a very nice one at an affordable price. The background history does not treat him blindly as a hero or villain. It illustrates both his faults and better attributes. The book mentions pictures that are staged, as in the case of Red Dog on page 66. Curtis described the Sioux as living in terrible poverty on the reservation when he photographed them, but one would not know that from the regal photo of Red Dog that clearly points back towards much better times.
   
   The book includes many regions, tribes and ages of people, and in some ways even some of the more negative aspects of his photographs are invaluable because they informed much of the mainstream American (worldwide, really) mythology that surrounds First Nations peoples of North America. The photos are somewhere between documentary and romanticism. Where he could have taken straight documentary photos of poverty and tattered Western/white clothing, he instead staged warrior meetings on horseback and the like. In one sense though, even those seem valuable to me. Not so much as historical data from, say, 1903 when a given photo was taken, but just in the sense that these were the sorts of scenes that the older people in and around these photos would have remembered from their youth.
   
   There are a couple famous faces, such as a lesser-known photo of Red Cloud. You'll also see men who were there at the Battle of the Greasy Grass... er... Little Bighorn.
   
   Curtis' work will always be viewed historically as having good and bad aspects. His work now (even the pay-offs, etc...) is part of American history, and that makes this book important for those of us who can't afford something huge, or whose libraries don't have big collections of the original volumes. One way or the other (and I would guess both), the book will move you.
   
   The paper, binding and cover are all very nice. It feels like a quality book that belies the fact that it's only $20ish for such a big, hardcover book.
   
   I wish there was some way that books like this filtered money back into the communities today. This is by a UK publisher and printed in Hong Kong. At least you can also pick up the fantastic, original "homeland security. Fighting terrorism since 1492" shirts at the westwindworld site where the money does go where you'd like it to go.



2. This 16 3/4 X 12 inch book with sewn binding and semi-gloss pages with 2 large photos on each page is a great value. At 256 pages, one would think the paper itself would cost more than the book price. Selected from a vast series of photographs Curtis took near the end of America's Westward Expansion, the book includes a biographical account of Curtis himself and a brief description of the American political context in which Curtis made the photographs. This description is insufficient in relaying the impact of all the treaties broken by the American govt. in the course of removing the Indians from their lands and their means of existence. The book points out that Curtis often had to ask his subjects to don their traditional garb for the photograph because by the early 1900s many wore the same clothes as European-Americans. THIS IS NOT A STAND-ALONE BOOK; it provides a rare and rich visual account by a former studio photographer who spent thirty years trying to capture the sympathy of white Americans on behalf of the people they had recently nearly killed off. For that reason, and because Curtis considered himself to be documenting the death of a race, the emphasis is on the past, the "heyday" of Native American cultures. No doubt naivete on Curtis's part, it served well the need of Congress to obliterate the fact that Indians still exist and want justice. Thus the book can also be read as a portrait of good intentions and their insufficiency when they privilege the values of the reigning culture. At least read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee in conjunction with this book. Within these constraints, the photographs are stunning.



3. Great book! Photograhs are rich with history. Presents Native Americans as they were. Gives a hope for the future. It is a BIG, heavy book. Not for lap reading, but an excellent resource for any home library.

No comments about Life: Picture Puzzle Holiday (Life (Life Books)).

No comments about The Photoshop Lightroom Workbook: Workflow not Workslow in Lightroom 2.

5 comments about This Is Who I Am: Our Beauty in All Shapes and Sizes.

1. Every woman should have a copy of this book. She then needs to share it with her children, grandhcildren, nieces, friends' children ... The photography is incredible and the personal reflections are poignant, timeless and moving. I purchased five additional copies as gifts. My only regret is I'm not in it!



2. "I think if people are graceful and have some peace within them, then they are beautiful." Ellen, 52 (page 108)
   
   
   Rosanne Olsen's book, This Is Who I Am is an absolute must read.* The pages are filled with women, each beautiful and courageous, and their thoughts about bodies and beauty. Every woman's story resonates in me. "I could have written that." "That was me." "That is me." "Will that be me?"
   
   This book is a reflection of me. Of every woman.
   
   I have yet to meet a woman who is completely in love with herself, her body, her being. The women in Ms. Olsen's book are no different.
   
   And yet, their words are inspiring. Full of hope as they each strive for peace.
   
   While each woman's words echoed in me, the most profound statement which sums up the theme of this book came from Jami, a wise woman at 19, "Perfection is a myth." (page 69)
   
   Perfection most definitely is a myth. Beauty is found in the imperfections. In the wrinkles and cracks, scars and sags. It's in these "blemishes" that our uniqueness lies. Our uniqueness is what makes us beautiful. Each and every one of us.
   
   Rosanne Olsen celebrates this uniqueness in the pages of this book. Her skill with the camera captured each woman's soul with gentleness and respect. The women glowed from the pages, making their words come alive. I could hear each woman speak to me, through their eyes, their expressions, their body positions.
   
   I found myself talking to these women.
   To Rae Ellen, 59 (page 56), who described her attempts to lose weight over the years, I cried, "You're beautiful just as you are! Stop the dieting cycle. Stop the yoyo!"
   To LaRae, 25 (page 58), when I read, "Maybe I can inspire women everywhere to love themselves, no matter their size, naked or clothed," I shouted, "ROCK ON!"
   To Susan, 48 (page 86), who wrote "It frustrates me that this is a lifetime challenge: the tongue versus the chin, the taste buds versus the circumference of my thighs." I moaned, "No! I refuse to believe that it has to be that way. I refuse to believe that one has to choose deprivation to be healthy."
   
   The women in This Is Who I Am are powerful. Each is amazing. It is only fitting that Ms. Olsen chose to end this book with Maya Angelou's poem, "Phenomenal Woman." Each of these women are indeed phenomenal. I applaud their courage in showing themselves to the world - emotionally and physically.
   
   I applaud Rosanne Olsen for her bravery. For showing to the world that beauty is inside each and every one of us.



3. That model on the cover, Dana, could you ever believe that she has doubts about her loveliness? Her brief blurb about herself sounds far less than certain about the incredible beauty of a perfectly ordinary woman like her. That is a crime and a tragedy, one that this collection confronts directly.
   
   The models range from 19 to 95, with every decade between represented. Constance, age 80, peers back at the viewer with an elfin smile. Kia, at 37, stares off with a gaze that seems far older than her face and figure. Moods of the other models range in every direction. Emily, an archetype of blonde slederness, battles betrayal by her body as genetic lung disease takes its toll on her. Mothers and mothers-to-be bring children to the images they use to define themselves. Beautiful women from East Asian families talk about how they were too tall, or curvy, or tawny, or strong to be worth a second look back home - what a difference a continent makes!
   
   Beauty does not mean being pretty, although the two do appear together some times. Instead, it's about the varied and complicated lives people live, and about the figures and features from every corner of the human planet. It's about all of people's ages too. I wish all women happy loves in their lives, however long they live. For that to happen, the woman and the one who loves her must love her look at every age, and after every demand on her body. This book is really about loving all those looks.
   
   -- wiredweird



4. This is a lovely book that will appeal to many, especially to women aware of or working on body-image issues. The wide range of ages (up to age 95) and body types, as well as each woman's text that accompanies the photo, help create the wide appeal. A photographer-friend loved how well the photos capture the unique beauty of each woman. The short personal vignettes bring up wide-ranging body issues including self-esteem, health, strength, and outer vs inner beauty. When the book arrived, my daughter (age 21) and I (55) looked at it together. We both found it amazing. The photos are art-quality, and the book contains such good messages that I leave it on display in the living room. Rosanne Olson has provided a great service (to both women and men) by turning her insights about beauty into published reality.



5. Being a semi retired photographer and a former medical tech. I say Ms. Olson hit the nail on the head. This book is an anthology of how women see them selfs and to awaken the people of the world that we all need to take time to appreciate our own bodies and when looking at others to look deeper than the surface and don't be so judgemental. The media has put pressure on both men and women that you must look like this or your not worth anything.
   I have photographed both men and women clad an unclad and unclud (nude) when they get comfortable the radiate which brings out the inner beauty.
   I would strongly suggest this book to people I know and anyone else that might ask.

5 comments about Long Way Round: The Illustrated Edition: Chasing Shadows Across the World.

1. I couldn't wait to get this book. It sounded like a great story of adventure across several continents. After the first chapter I deeply regreted my purchase. What had great potential turned out to be two guys boasting about their popularity and how it was going to be difficult being celebrities. Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't know them at all, despite their numerous references to the movies they've been in. I thought I was getting a book about the challenges of travel abroad and pictures of these places. What I got was a book with too many pictures of the authors, weak stories of the places they stayed in and the food they ate.



2. Long Way Round chronicles the around-the-world motorcycle adventure of Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor. It's unlikely I'll ever do anything like that in my life, but the book gave me an idea of what it's like. Both of them are entertaining writers and it was a really inspiring book. A great tale of taking an adventure and making it a dream come true; of friendship; and of overcoming obstacles. A great companion to the dvd set.



3. What an awesome book, recording an awesome experience. As a biker myself, I was attracted to the book just to read about a trip that is beyond my means and abilities, but the book ended up meaning much more than that to me. It showed me, yet again, that wherever you go in the world (And I've travelled a fair bit of it myself in my work as a seafarer !) people everywhere are just people like you and I, when you get past the religious, political and economic differences that can so often divide us. It also highlights the fact that people who make a living in the film industry are not necessarily unapproachable, self centred and addicted to adulation. They can be warm, human and prone to the same joys, fears and desires as the rest of us. In short, they are human beings who just happen to have a good job. This is not just a good read about a motor bike trip of a lifetime, it is a book that rekindles hope that the world, and its varied people, is a beautiful place after all, and not half as dangerous as some would have us believe. Whether you're a biker, an armchair traveller or just someone looking for an exciting and inspiring read, then this book is for you. I can't praise it highly enough.



4. The photos are great and compliment the journey and the text. A must have for any touring motorcyclist.



5. I have this story on DVD and thoroughly enjoyed it so I decided to buy the book. It closely mirrors the DVD's, and had lots of pictures. Needless to say, I would highly recommend both. I've just started reading, "Long Way Down", and within a few pages have become as captivated as before. These adventures are the type of thing I would have loved to do 20 years ago, I can kinda get a feeling of what it must be like through Ewan and Charlie's travels. Thanks, Guys, for a really good time!!