5 comments about Galen Rowell: A Retrospective.

1. If you have every looked at Galen's photos and wanted to see more, this is it. With his life cut short, at least we still have archived material that can be released in a book this nice to bring us more glimpses of his world. The color is amazing, the subjects grand, and Galens storys bring it all alive in my livingroom.



2. If you are familiar with with the work of Galen Rowell I don't need to elaborate on the beauty and quality of his work, if you aren't familiar with this man and his work it will be a valuable addition to your knowledge and enjoyment of photography. Galen Rowell had an unfortunate and untimely death
   after a very active life of globe trotting for photography that transcends
   the material plane. The book presents many of his best works in a lovely format. A coffee table book that will get noticed.



3. this book was amazing, the pictures are stunning, and the stories about him are almost unbelievable. I highly recommend this book for fans of photography or anyone who loves the outdoors.



4. This is more a short biography with too few of the beautuful photos this talented outdoor photographer made. I would have like to have seen more full page photos and more of them.



5. Spectacular Photos and what an athlete. His death was a loss, but he lives on in these images

5 comments about The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite.

1. There are many glowing reviews of this book and it does provide the goods on how and where to go to get good shots. The maps (5) and sections are also quite simple to read. In addition, the sequential numbering of the points of interest is a help.
   
   I was disappointed to find so much coverage of photographic technique. While some technique discussions directly relate to the unique character of Yosemite (for example talking about color and the lack of it in granite) most of it feels more like filler, and indeed makes it harder to navigate to the sections of interest.
   
   The book also lacks an index so the only useful navigation tool is the brief table of contents. Without that table of contents it would be hard to find any particular section and even with it, you're going to have to resort to man-made book marks to find what you want. For example if Pohono Bridge and Fern Spring caught your fancy but you didn't remember to book mark it or remember its number you'll have to resort to scanning all of the maps and/or all of the numbered interest points because despite the page of content, there is no entry for this viewpoint in the table of contents (and remember there is no index).
   
   I would prefer the maps be all together at the front or back so that it would work better as a reference book. I would also have liked to see some more examples of "out of the way" hikes to desirable vistas.
   
   Finally, I would like the author to have provided some sort of "effort vs eye-appeal" rating to help me focus on which sunrise locations are the "not to miss" areas and which are "ok". Perhaps the author can even suggest a few itineraries. These more useful things could replace the "choosing film" techniques section and others like it that are a bit basic and detract from the otherwise good "where and when" information.
   
   I'm tempted to get Harold Davis's book "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite & the High Sierra" just to make a comparison.



2. Whether you're an amateur or a pro, this book has a lot to offer. It's loaded with information on how and when to take fabulous pictures while you're in Yosemite. It's well organized and it's easy to read. It's loaded with beautiful photographs that serve as good examples.
   
   It's small and can be easily packed with your stuff as you venture into the valley.
   
   A must-have for those who are visiting the park and want to take great pictures!



3. Even though I did not really use this book for the photography information, it has great suggstions of places to visit and good directions on how to get there. I highly recommend a trip to Sentinel Dome, what an amazing view from the top.



4. When I went to Yosemite in 2007 I saw this book at the visitor center and picked it up. But the trip was already planned so we didn't have much time to go through the book then. This year I went to eastern Sierras and chose to drive through the park (tioga pass road). So I went through specific sections of the book and could utilize my time very well, and came back with a bunch of shots (from nearby trails, lake view points, etc.) that I would have otherwise missed. For amateur or semi-pro photographers who don't have all the time in the world, but still want to come back with memorable pics from the Yosemite park, this is a very good guide. The book includes information on visiting in various seasons, where to go for the best pics, specific info on trails and sample pics from the end of such trails, etc... but also relevant info on when and how to expect moon rises and sunrises etc., dates of full and new moons, shooting rainbows in the various falls, etc. Overall, a very valuable book in a small package that I could pack in my photography backpack easily. I wish the author had books on Yosemite, Grand Canyon etc. but I guess for now I have to buy the guides by other photographer/writers.



5. Yosemite is one of my favorite places and I own many books on the subject and usually am there shooting photos once a year. I love this book, first it inspires me then it teaches me and then it pushes me to go again. I hike and camp constantly and have books on the many places all over the country but this one is usually out for others to play with. If you havent been go if you have go again, it is nothing less than magnificent!!

5 comments about Sculpting with Light: Techniques for Portrait Photographers.

1. As a big fan of Amherst Media books, this one will definitely be a favorite for anyone looking for help and advice on shooting portraits. Allison Earnest does an excellent job of conveying how and why she shoots different faces. There are numerous examples of lighting styles, ratios, and patterns. I highly recommend this book! It's one of MY favorites as well!



2. As an experienced wedding photographer of 13 years, this is an outstanding book that is very helpful in improving my work. I really like the fact Allison Earnest incorperated the science of photogaphy into practical and easy to understand advise. I highly recommend this book if you are just starting in photography and even if you are a master photographer. This will be one of those books on my book shelf that I will be referring to frequently.



3. Photography literally means "writing with light" and here you have it - how you do exactly that - in words you can understand and concepts you can immediately put into practice, no matter what your proficiency with a camera. If you don't invest the time to understand light and how it affects your images - learning how to control the light to achieve the image you see in your head - you are doomed to be a snapshot shooter forever. Cameras don't take pictures; people do. Here is a conversational approach to light control - with wonderful images to illustrate her direction - that tells the story in words and pictures. Allison has a easy to read writing style and the production values - the reproduction of colour images - are very impressive. Someone watched over this project with a careful eye. Nice job. Good book. Great execution.



4. There are many books out there dealing with lighting for portrait photography. This one stands out among the rest because of the accessible way Ms. Earnest presents the information. It's as if you are having a one-on-one workshop with her. She uses both photographs and diagrams to explain various lighting situations. She discusses the camera settings that produced the various photos. She provides some background about the models, which lends a human touch to the technical information. I especially like the "before and after" photos - very helpful in understanding what the light really is doing. The "info arrows" in the photos of the lighting setups are an excellent teaching device!!
   
   Bottom line - I'm very glad I purchased this book. I know it will help me grow as a photographer, even though I, as a fine art photographer, photograph "things" more than "people." Having a better understanding of how to use light doing people portraits transfers readily to doing portraits of things: still lifes, trees, flowers, trains, etc.!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in expanding his/her understanding of light in photography.



5. Allison Earnest's SCULPTING WITH LIGHT provides portrait photographers with essential keys to using studio lighting for optimum results. The focus on using such lighting to 'sculpt' results in a flattering way makes all the difference between professional and amateur results, with the book covering not just lighting basics, but common face shapes and how each should be lit for maximum effect.

5 comments about Wood.

1. Goldsworthy's art isn't what he makes. It's what he does to things that are already there to make them fresh and beautiful to the jaded eye of an average human. Simple things work best in his art, evoke more raw emotion and longing: he lines tree branches with dandelions and red maple leaves; he hangs large snowballs in trees; ribbons of leaves trail off into the water and spiral icicles circle tree trunks. It's all so simple and captivating, it's really quite astounding. Goldsworthy's art is fleeting. The only reminders of his non-permanent works are photographs. In Wood, Goldsworthy goes beyond the confines of this material and shows us his mastery with the entire spectrum of natural media - snow, ice, rock, leaf, etc. The book is subdivided into sections dealing with each specific medium, the last being Tree - each work is centered around a low-lying branch of a large oak. Nevertheless, I must say that this collection of Goldsworthy's art is slightly inferior to his Collaborations with Nature, which is a better first choice if you are unfamiliar with his principles.



2. It's a big and invigorating book. If you like earth art this book (and there are others) offers some of the best of Goldsworthy. The concepts and execution are as inventive as they are cerebral. While I've never seen his work in person the photos and narrative of this book really feel like they capture the detail. In other ways the book itself is as well presented and printed as any book of art I've seen. If you can't afford it (it was expensive for me) try and get your local library to invest. It would be a great contribution to your local enclave.



3. All the books featuring the works of Goldsworthy are stunning. His work is unexpected and a joy to anyone who loves nature.



4. I wish all of the pictures took up the entire page but many are small. The art itself is flawless.



5. This book just makes you want to go out into nature and create a masterpiece. As a gardener and sculptor I find the photos of his work inspiring and will definitely be attempting to create my own version of environmental art.

5 comments about GIMP 2 for Photographers: Image Editing with Open Source Software.

1. The Gimp has evolved over the years, with pieces tacked on here and there to add features that help it keep pace with Photoshop (at a much lower "price.") Originally a program written by propeller-heads for propeller-heads, the program has actually become useful for photographers who don't have a computer-programming bent. Even so, the interface can be confusing, and that's where this excellent book comes in. It helps you sort out all the features of The Gimp so you can get up and running and actually use this program. Then, it shows you what you need to know to move into more advanced image editing. Highly recommended.



2. This is a book that I did like. And yes Grokking the Gimp the online book is about as good and free. But if you want a book by your side for gimp. Get this book.
   
   Sherm



3. The book is very well written and provides a lot of background information that is helpful.
   
   For instance, in primary school (pardon the pun) we were taught about primary colours and how Blue plus Yellow gave you Green. The RGB system however has Red, Green, Blue as its basics, and Yellow becomes a Red Green composite.
   
   I enjoyed it, and will obtain the basic online GIMP documentation and another text from Amazon to get me going.
   
   I want to create some derivative sketches from photographs, and creating layers which derive from the original, and merge together to form a basic sketch.
   
   I was looking for a 'cookbook' approach, but this book tries to give more depth without getting so technical that you lose interest.
   
   Thanks Klaus Goelker for writing it.



4. I found this book a good start for beginners but not sufficient to address the need of intermediate or advanced image editors. Well written but poorly binded.



5. It nicely covers the 2.4 version of gimp. The book is well structure and pleasant to read. It covers all the basic functions of the gimp.

5 comments about Through the Shopping Glass: A Century of New York Christmas Windows.

1. This book is one of the most beautiful christmas books I have, maybe even the most beautiful.
   
   This is the perfect book to put on your coffee table for the enjoyment of your guests (and yourself) for over the christmas holidays. The pictures are just amazing and really have sharp detail that really enhances the christmas mood.
   
   And the plastic cut-out windows, 4 of them, really add an extra amount of 'beautiful' to this most perfect christmas book. These cut-out windows can actually be used on both sides of the pages and give you the appearance of 8 christmas window displays.
   
   Not only would I recommend you get this book for yourself but also as gifts for others who enjoy the wonderful images of christmas.
   
   A huge, 5 out of 5 star christmas book!



2. My wife loves this book - she says it would put anyone in the Christmas Spirit. My wife and daughter love to walk the streets of New York at Chrismas time and check out all the intricately decorated window displays!! Great History on the tradition of all the window displays!!!
   
   Billy Wannyn



3. Such a promising premise and such a disappointing book. Not only are the photos substandard, this book also fails to capture the spirit of Christmas in New York. I would return it if I could. Try to see a copy before you decide to buy.



4. I just got this book today and I don't think I can gift it to my mom. It's cheap looking - there's no nice cover, just fabric as if it has lost its cover. Also, the pages don't turn easily due to the occasional "window" throughout the book. It's actually stiff plastic. But mainly, the windows weren't that interesting. I figured I'd see something terrific from today's era....all of the examples looked very old fashioned. The past 30 years should've had some neat windows. Not.
   I don't think it's worth the money. I'm giving it straight to the Goodwill pile. Not worthy of a coffee table.



5. This is a lovely book with great pictures. It is a perfect gift-giving book. I am always looking for new and unusual Christmas books to give as gifts and this will be one of my choices for next Christmas!

2 comments about Lead Belly: A Life in Pictures.

1. Whether you favor the two-word or the single word version of his name, this pictorial biography of Leadbelly is just outstanding! Truly a labor of love by the authors and it should be well received by all Leadbelly fans as well as by any who are interested in folk-music and blues. Particularly poignant are the photos showing Leadbelly just months before his death holding Alvin Singh and/or his guitar. This book is highly recommended!



2. Many people have loved Lead Belly and his legacy, but none perhaps so much as John Reynolds, one of the listed authors of this book. Although John is listed last of the 4 contributors to the book, this is really his project, and one that he has labored on for many years to bring to fruition. Lead Belly (or Leadbelly) was a seminal force in our understanding of 'American' music, and his influence has informed even those who have never heard of him.
   
   This book is a beauty, and is not meant to be an exhaustive biography, but rather a celebration of the man, his times, his influence, and his music. As such, it succeeds spectacularly. I highly recommend that you search www.youtube.com for Lead Belly videos to accompany your journey through this book. It will add much to the experience, and actually enhance the fact that this book is a wonderful keepsake and motherlode of visual delights and insights in our understanding of this man.
   
   My favorite page was "The Leadbelly Method" by contributor Glenn O'Brien.

2 comments about Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities.

1. Natural Affinities
   Written by: Barabara Buhler Lynes, Sandra S. Phillips, and Richard B. Woodward
   Published b "Insightful" y: Little, Brown, and Company
   Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com 9/2008
   ISBN: 978-0-316-11832-3
   "Insightful" 5 stars
   I was familiar with Ansel Adams, but I did not know about Georgia O'Keeffe. I suppose that alone tells you that I am not an art fan. Anyone, even those who do not typically appreciate art, will love this book. Adams and O'Keeffe produce art for the masses.
   Both focus their work on the South Western part of America. O'Keeffe is described as more aloof. Perhaps the most interesting fact in this book is that both O'Keeffe and Adams have vivid memories from even their infancy.
   The majority of this book is paintings and photographs. That makes this a great coffee table book for both home and the office. This would also make a great gift.



2. I just saw this show at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. The show was very well put together, except that the Ansel Adams photographs were over matted covering a slight amount of the border and Ansel's signature.
   
   Copies of this book were available at the show and after seeing the actual art I was very disappointed in the quality of the book. The color reproductions of O'Keeffe's work were OK, but the reproductions of the photographs were just awful. The reproductions appeared flat in comparison to the photographs but also in comparison to many other better reproductions of Ansel's work. No only that but there appeared to be a lot of dust on the photographs when they were reproduced. For instance the black sky in his iconic 'Moonrise Over Hernandez New Mexico' has several dozen white spots in the sky. Other photographs suffer from this same problem. It is unfortunate since the show included a couple images I had not seen reproduced before.
   
   The publisher of this book (Little Brown) has recently published several of Ansel's books in the past including 'Trees' and the excellent '400 photographs.' Both of these books were printed in Western Europe. For some reason (probably to save money) they decided to go with a printer in Singapore for this book, the quality unfortunately suffered.

No comments about Spot the Differences: 100 Challenging Photo Puzzles.

2 comments about Is This Thing On?: A Late Bloomer's Computer Handbook.

1. 
   I loved this book! It's not exactly one that I picked up because I needed to learn about computer basics, going digital, and playing/working on the Internet. But I thought it was well written, well outlined, and definitely on target for people over age 50 who are hands-off when it comes to personal computers. The book claims to have 25 chapters in 378 pages. However, I view it more like nine chapters with 25 sub-chapters interspersed therein as follows:
   
   1. There is nothing to fear but technology itself (1-3)
   2. Where will it sleep and how often do I neeed to water it? (4-5)
   3. Go for a test drive (6-8)
   4. Let the shopping begin (9)
   5. Baby's first day home (10-12)
   6. The newlywed game (13-15
   7. Welcome to the neighborhood (16-20)
   8. Exploration and discovery (21-23)
   9. Make new friends and keep old (24-25)
   
   About 10 years ago I took it upon myself to teach my mother how to use a PC. She was a high school librarian at the time, and it was a natural thing for her to learn in order to help her with her work. The lessons taught in this wonderful book are the same ones I went through with my mom ten years ago. And then two years later I was the lead instructor in teaching my grandmother (my mom's mom) how to use a PC to surf the Net, and most importantly get/send emails to/from my mom and my cousins. My mom was the teaching assistant who helped my grandmother pick up on computers. And the two of us used the same lessons taught in this book to teach my grandmother.
   
   In this book you will learn (if you want to) how to: (1) shop for a PC, (2) set up your PC when you get it home, (3) sign up for Internet access, (4) use your PC and the Internet, (5) use a printer with your PC, (6) use email, (7) surf the Internet like a Pro, and much more.
   
   The author has been teaching what she has included in this book for the past 10 years. And it is the same approach she used to teach her mother how to become computer literate. As far as I know, the system described in this book has been successful when applied to at least three seniors. And I know of no failures. If you are a senior and you have a desire to learn about computers and the Internet, then I highly recommend you get a copy of this book. 5 stars!



2. I saw this book at the Tattered Cover bookstore in Denver and couldn't put it down. I love the cover and everything in it.
   
   I bought my wife a laptop for Christmas last year. She is not very computer literate, to say the least. She went through this book and learned how to right-click, copy and paste, setup an email account, and much more. A lot of us take these things for granted. But Abby Stokes puts everything in plain english, with good screen shots, so that any novice can learn how to use a computer.
   
   Good job, Abby! I highly recommend this book.
   
   Mitch Paioff, Author, Getting Started as an Independent Computer Consultant