1 comments about Gypsy Vanner Horse 2009 Calendar.

1. I love Gypsy Vanners, so when I saw this 2009 Vanner Calendar, I couldn't resist! The photos are completely STUNNING *****! I reccomend this product if you love gorgeous horses!

5 comments about The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography (Sandy Puc Guide).

1. Sandy's tips and tricks are as wonderful as her final images. I have already implemented some of her marketing ideas and product suggestions, as well as, some of her lighting technique. I am just starting out but it is already working.
   Great read for sure!



2. Acclaimed children's portrait photographer Sandy Puc' covers all facets of producing a 'kid care' system to produce engaging, professional photos of kids of all ages. From designing a kid-friendly studio and using pre-session consultations to working with kids of all ages to draw them out, THE SANDY PUC' GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY offers up a host of tips and tricks of the trade and is perfect for any who would open their own studio.



3. I love this book and Sam Puc is such a wonderful person who shares without holding back. Lots of real life usable information here!



4. This book is a great guide to Children's Photography, it gives details of how to set up lighting, poses, what equipment to get. Really detailed! Almost as good as one of Puc's workshops, and at only $25- a super deal.



5. A thorough and insightful book which addresses the challenges and expectations of photographing children of all ages. Valuable tips and suggestions are given for creating a rewarding experience. Specific examples reinforce the learning curve such as what type of portrait works best for a certain age. Sandy's expertise extends beyond photography as is evident in chapters concerning marketing and sales. This is the book to own for anyone interested in including or expanding children's photography as part of their business repertoire.

5 comments about American Ruins.

1. The book was well put togetheer and had sites in it that I had not been to and knew very little about. The Photography was good and helped with the written explanations of each site.



2. It was a book I wanted. I bought it at the high price. When I got it there is so much type written words where you would expect more pictures. Also the pictures are done in Black and White. Where the ruins blend in and you cannot really see them. Also many of the pictures look the same but say different ruins. So, less type and more color pictures or a better photographer.
   Not worth the money!!!!



3. IR photography was popular some 50 years ago and remains an interesting way to view landscapes. The MOST interesting facet of the book is the selection of ruins that, in many cases are little known outside their immediate area.



4. I was intrigued when I first saw this book on Amazon, and was pleased to later receive it as a gift. But I was immediately disappointed when I discovered that the images are all infrared photos. The result is certainly not informative, nor would I consider it art. Rather, they are overstylized, self-consciously "arty," and frankly hacky-tacky. Why, when one has subjects as dramatic as these, not present them as is? Why deny the reader/viewer the chance to see these buildings and places as they really look? I recommend instead any of Camilo Jose Vergara's books. His images of American ruins are probably more journalism than art, but they at least let the fascinating ruins speak for themselves.



5. I was very disappointed in this book. I have collected many photography books on ruins since the 1970s. This is one I would not have bought if I had been aware of the use of infrared imaging. The infrared imaging makes the foliage in most photos stand out so much that it distracts from the structures being portrayed. Drooker is a good photographer as far as composition and fine black and white images. The only sections that were really beautiful, to me, were the Bethlehem Steel works, where there was little or no foliage in glaring white to distract from the objects. The buyer should be aware of his use of infrared in the description of the book. I was unaware of it because the book was "recommended" to me on my email and I did not look at the entire description. It was suggested by Amazon since I have often bought photography books and books on ruins. The description on the book's site is actually misleading - it certainly is NOT the first book to cover American ruins. I have many others in my bookshelves.

5 comments about Spirit of Place: The Art of the Traveling Photographer.

1. Spirit of Place provides an excellent overview of travel photography. It is well organized, written clearly and concisely, and is filled with beautiful photos to help illustrate the points made in the text. The author discusses techniques to help you deal with various difficulties from how to find the best vantage point when shooting tall buildings to dealing with people that you may want to photograph. One thing that I really appreciated was that he also gave advice on which equipment to use in various settings and situations.
   
   For travel photographers, the topics covered are pretty comprehensive. The author walks through some basics of composition. There is a full chapter devoted to working with various light sources and using filters to enhance that light. There are sections on skylines, architecture, shooting in the tropics, wildlife, and more. Each section is fairly brief. This book is more about giving general direction and ideas then trying to offer a detailed approach to all possible shooting possibilities. I found the level of coverage just about right. No one can provide detailed direction for every possible consideration for travel photographers so the author wisely offers some general advice to start you thinking and leaves it at that.
   
   If the book has a weakness it is that it was written back in 2000 by a photographer who obviously didn't so much as scan his slides for further editing. This is strictly centered around film photography and that definitely limits the usefulness of the material focusing on film selection if you use a digital camera. Forturnately, most of his advice is sound regardless of whether you use film or digital so I would still highly recommend the book.



2. I bought quite a few books before a recent trip to Kauai where photography was a large part of my experience. This book provided as much or more insight into how to approach a place and experience it through photography as any other I read. Part of the value of this book will be in re-reading parts of it over a few times, before any major outing, at least until you take what it's saying to heart. In the end, photography is an active thing, and reading about it will only take you so far.



3. This is film photography that is fully compatible with the digital age. It is not so much on what settings he used but on the planning and preparation that matters the most. What was in his mind when the shot was taken is fabulous. While he shoots landscapes mostly at the time when we are either calling it a day or still sleeping in the early morning, there are certain tips that opens our views on not only what, but also when and how to take a shot! This is a must have book for travellers wanting to have beautiful memories of his/her travel. We will never reproduce the same scene on a given place or event but it will surely open our eyes on what to look for and how to be a more creative photogpraher. I agree with Bob that when you know what to look for then you will realize how abundant there is to shoot wherever you are!! A must have book indeed! I give it 6 stars but unfortunately 5 is the best there is to choose from!



4. It's amazing that in 7 years since this book was released, the transition of most enthusiast's and amatuers photo capture is now almost entirely digital, that this book seems "old". However the basic's of capturing the light, composition of the photo and the steps to recording the countries, cities and inhabitants don't (it just how they're recorded).Bob Krist workflows that he outlines and the tips provided in my opinion are well suited to the beginner and enthusiaist photographer. In fact, it would be a great idea to copy the simple steps down onto a card and slip in the camera bag for a checklist when travelling.This book precedes my copy of Lonely Planets Travel Photography but is simpler and more anecdotal. A good read and recommended even if your capture is digital. This book will be the one I use for reference before my next attempt of capturing the "Spirit" of the places I travel to and not just taking the pictures.



5. Good book
   
   I got this book in anticipation of an upcoming vacation and it was worth the money. I think it serves the target market (amateur photographers on vacation) pretty well. It makes a few references to stock photography but doesn't dwell on shooting for it, doesn't mention selling it except in passing.
   
   It starts out with a basic overview of composition (rule of thirds, Depth of Field, directional light, patterns etc). Other books cover this in greater detail, it is only an overview after all. The author does include a few tips on how each might apply to travel photography. After photo 101 it goes on to cover specific environments/situations. Cityscapes, tropics, winter etc. This was the meat of the book, each subject was given and adequate overview with a few specific examples to illustrate. There are also chapters on underwater and Ariel photography. Good intros but if your going to be plunking out the bucks for that I'd look for more specialized instruction.
   
   He finished the book with some travel tips that may not apply to the non-professional (especially about packing in the post 9-11 travel climate) and on gear selection.
   
   There are plenty of example photos that more or less illustrate the point he was talking about. Most of his shots seem to come from the Caribbean or North America, a few from Europe. Preferences to the Caribbean. On the plus most of them seem to be something that a person with normal means might replicate using moderately expensive gear. He did most of his work in the 20-35mm and 80-200mm focal ranges with full 35mm film. The cameras he used were by no means top of the line. He also addresses what is realistic to expect from the traveling photographer vs the pro who has been on location dozens of times.
   
   The biggest shortcoming of this book is that it is film-centric (35mm). It was published in 2000 which was really before the digital age really took off. Most of the tips and techniques (The real meat of the book) are universal regardless of what kind of camera you use. But he does spend some time on film selection, care and feeding (especially filters and white balance) that are very different in the digital. Of course there is no information on digital care and feeding as a consequence.
   
   I'm interested to see how well this book holds up over time. Years ago when I was starting out with photography I got a book on composition. At the time I felt it was an "overview" and probably lacking something. Now after years of experience I see that book really had it all, all the subjects were there, what was lacking was my experience to implement them. I suspect in time I will come to see this book the same way.
   
   Pros-
   Good book on the subject written to the beginner-intermediate level
   Good pictures to illustrate the subjects
   Focuses on "achievable" pictures rather than the extreme works of art
   Covers all the bases
   Great advice on film (if your using it)
   
   Cons-
   Needs updating. Lots of good film info but nothing on digital and the new capabilities (and liabilities) that it provides.
   Some may want more in depth instruction on specific areas.
   
   Conclusion
   A great resource for travel/location photography. If you already have the basics down (Fstops and exposure and whatnot) then this is a good next step. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to make their vacation photos better.

5 comments about Inside Maverick's: Portrait of a Monster Wave.

1. "Are you KIDDING ME???"
   
   Those are usually the first words out of anyone's mouth when they see this book on my coffee table. And then, usually I have to throw in "Riding Giants" and change any conversation we may have been having.
   
   The photography and story telling present by Grant and team in top notch. Grant alone has spent more than a decade chronicling the history of the world's heaviest big wave, and it comes through in an amazing presentation that anyone who could possible comprehend what these guys do will appreciate.
   
   But then again, comprehending just exactly what these guys are doing is pretty much impossible.



2. The stunning photos alone make this book worthwhile, but the surfing commentary is topnotch as well. A great companion to the DVD "Riding Giants", and you will recognize many of the people from the DVD in the book.
   
   If you are in to any adventure sports or just an armchair surfer, this book is for you.



3. Inside Maverick's is an outstanding mix of excellent photos, writing and story telling. The book captures amazing stories from the unique mix of surfers that ride Maverick's. No extreme sport enthusiast's coffee table or bookshelf is complete without this book.



4. Outstanding!! A simply awesome book about one of the gnarliest spots. Five stars hands down. Buy it now!



5. A first-class trio has come together to create the latest and greatest on the big green monster that is Mavericks. The format here is a collection of intimate perspectives by an ensemble of the knights-errant who have made it their business to ride these coldwater giants. The book is nicely split between the paddlers and the tow-surfers, with narratives collected by editors Bruce Jenkins (sports communist for the San Francisco Chronicle and author of The North Shore Chronicles) and Grant Washburn (surfer and documentary filmmaker) that paint a full, satisfying, and pretty scary picture of what goes in this marine no-man's land formerly known as Jeff Clark's private playground.
   Contributors to this volume include Surfing mag editor and big-wave hound dog Evan Slater, paddle-surf advocate Dr. Mark Renneker, and a host of other giant killers including Josh Loya, Zach Wormhoudt, Peter Mel, Kenny Collins, Shawn Rhodes, and still more hugely talented riders, all of whom know how to spin a good yarn.
   In addition to his editing duties, Jenkins offers up a trio of quality profiles and a neat piece on "going left" at this predominantly right-hander. For his part, coeditor Washburn, himself one of the great Mavs surfers, contributes an excellent reflective essay on the historic death of Mark Foo here in 1994.
   But for me the big story in this book is the tremendous portfolio of legendary Bay Area shooter Doug Acton, who's been chronicling the Mavericks scene since the early 1990s. Acton has captured it all - from the biggest swells and the gapingest pits to nervous pre-session huddles and crux moments to the serene overviews and majestic lineups. With action shots bolstered by lots of images reflecting the mix of local and international camaraderie and lifestyle in and around this Half Moon Bay, California, phenomenon, this is beautifully-paced the book of classic proportions.
   - Drew Kampion for The Surfer's Path [www.surferspath.com]

5 comments about Space: Japanese Design Solutions.

1. Just love the simplicity f spaces in japan, old and modern.



2. That's right, folks! Not a one! However, that hasn't put me off this little book.
   
   I've enjoyed this one for it's nifty little nooks and crannies and the way that others can realise good living in small spaces.
   
   This is a VERY Japanese style book. I would not necessarily agree on layouts of the homes but once again, I say unto you, I buy books for inspiration and I haven't been disappointed.



3. it would make a marvelous coffee table book, except it's half the size of one. or maybe it makes a wonderful table book precisely because it is so easy to pick up and skim. regardless, don't let that deter you from getting this book, as it is remarkable in its showcasing of the creativity that small spaces foster. as you read both the words and pictures throughout the book, you will find yourself thinking "wow that makes so much sense!" and "i want that house!" over and over.
   a fantastic book, it will inspire you to either move to japan, or take the book to your architect and commission a house on the spot.



4. This book... I liked it so much I even use it as a gift! Extremely happy!



5. This book is fine in almost everything but the floor plans that are missing. It's small and compact which goes with the theme but a floor plan would have been a great addition in simplifying the readability of it. Most of all it would be great if I could learn how to do them instead and of only admiring these houses.

5 comments about The New Artist's Manual: The Complete Guide to Painting and Drawing Materials and Techniques.

1. If you're an artist seeking the basics of how to set up a studio and use professional methods in a range of media, THE NEW ARTIST'S MANUAL: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PAINTING AND DRAWING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES is for you. There are so many new materials on the market today that there's an ever-present need for a comprehensive coverage of them: THE NEW ARTIST'S MANUAL provides such depth in surveying paper and paint choices, pros and cons of controlling output under different conditions, experimenting with materials and textures, and much more. An outstanding guide aspiring artists will want to look it - and it's packed with color examples on every page.



2. This book covers just about everything, but is more informative on mediums other than oil painting. But it does give helpful tips that I had used previously, without realizing it was a standard technique used by fellow artists, but now I see why I've used them! For somebody that wants to do everything from the ground up, including making their own oil paint, then this is the book to own! Provides more instructional guidance than most other books I've seen/bought. Better artist's examples and more professional results with more advanced instructions than most other publications.



3. This book is excellent if you want to learn everything about painitng. It does not really cover drawing technique, be forewarned. This is his best book, do not buy "art class" or the "artist's color manual" if you chose to buy this book. Basically, he's complied both books into one.
   
   This book really does cover all materials:
   -paper and it's practical uses in concerns to specific mediums
   -brushes and their practical uses in concerns to mediums
   -Mediums: oil, gouche, egg tempra, watercolor, acrylic, chroma, pastels, charcol, conte crayon, ink (both traditional and modern), etc...
   -Mixing media [not to be confused w/color mediums]: linseed oil, turpentine, acrylic mediums (matte, gel, etc.), watercolor mediums, etc...
   
   It does have the same sections in "Art Class" like "where do I start?" etc. It takes you through starting from still life up to portraiture and beyond in this book. It has an additional area of subject matter which is about imagined subject matter.
   
   Overall, it's an excellent reference book, contains good advice on how to go about starting a new medium, and allows for creativity in using mediums by explaining how they work, advantages & disadvantages, starter pallet colors, and permanance.
   
   I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't claimed to be a drawing technique book...you need a foundation in drawing before attempting this book.



4. This is a great book for beginning artists. It takes you through all the steps of painting using very logical and well thought out methods.



5. Beautiful book. Covers so many techniques for a quick answer. Great reference for both beginners and advanced artists.

5 comments about The Bang-Bang Club: Snapshots from a Hidden War.

1. This is an exciting account of South Africa, as observed through the lenses of four "conflict photojournalists", roughly between the time of Mandela's release to South Africa's first non-racial elections. There is a gripping, raw and ultimately, compassionate, quality about the writing, and the photos powerfully convey the horrors that this country went through. Equally enlightening are the insights into conflict photography, and the moral issues that arise by being a witness (and recorder) of human suffering. This book would interest anyone who's ever wondered how conflict photographers get into those crazy situations, the risks they took (sometimes fatal), and the adrenaline-laced thoughts that rush through their minds.



2. This is a disturbing book. After the first three chapters I put it down and only picked it up again two months later. Perhaps I was just emotionally at low ebb the first time, but the brutal honesty of the descriptions in those first chapters got to me. Even though I am a South African and lived through that eventful period, I was unprepared for the honesty of the authors. At the second attempt I finished the book and am glad that I did as it is really well worth the read.

   The book describes the experiences of four well-known South African press photographers, at the peak of the political transition period of the country. Of the four, only two survived. Most South Africans as well as international readers interested in photojournalism, will remember the killing of Ken Oosterbroek by a stray bullet while covering an unrest situation in the townships. And the whole world was shocked by the brilliant photograph of a starving Sudanese child with a vulture patiently waiting in the background. Kevin Carter committed suicide not long after winning a Pulitzer Prize for that image. Although the book deals mainly with their work experiences, it also provides insight in the personal lives of photojournalists. It focuses mainly on events in South Africa, especially during those eventful years in the early nineties. However, there are also references to other African countries. A few months before I read this book, I also read Out of America: A Black Man Confronts Africa by Keith Richburg. This was another excellent and very honest book by a black American journalist who was assigned to the African Desk of the Washington Post. The combination of these two books gives an excellent perspective on the Dark Continent and scares the hell out of you.

   I can strongly recommend both these books. It is a must-read for anyone interested in photojournalism and for people interested in the political transition period of SA. People who enjoy biographies will also appreciate the book.




3. Great book, i've read most of the bio/autobio's about the old guys, Bob Capa, HCB ect and this is a whole new game. These guys were in my opinion, better than their older counterparts, the risks seem higher and with less payoff.



4. I had purchased this same title through Amazon last year and was thrilled with the quality. However, this time the book was terrible. All the photos were obviously very poorly reproduced, as if they had been made on a black and white copier. I needed this book for our Missions Department at the church where I work, and I was embarrassed to hand this book over to the Director of Missions. The product description should have stated something about the photos. The book I initially bought had color photos on slick paper. Thank you for your time.



5. First of all, if I were to rate the content of the book, it's a five star (at least). Exciting, touching, informative - definitely one of my favorite nonfiction books.
   
   Having said that, I unfortunately have to agree with Number Six, who complained about the reproduction quality of the pictures in the book. Originally I bought a different edition in South Africa and now I wanted to buy another one to give it to a friend. The photos of this edition here are horrible, literally like b/w copies from a 30 year old copy machine. This is especially annoying for a book about photography. Note that the pictures are b/w anyway, but the tones and contrast are just so messed up that it's truly embarrassing - definitely not suited as a gift. I recommend to try to get the other edition, it is available on amazon.co.uk from the publisher Arrow Books. Shipping to the US is naturally more expensive, but it's worth it.

5 comments about America at Home.

1. I love the warmth of this book. I travel the world and am disturbed by the misconceptions many foreigners have of us here at home. (I can't say I blame them with the present administration having devastated our reputation and the relentless negative news reports.)
   I would love to share this book with everyone abroad. It paints honest, touching, personal, everyman images of true Americans in all sorts of everyday activities in their homes.
   Whether as a gift to people abroad or enjoyed with friends and family, this beautiful book presents who we are as everyday people. Honest, simple, good, loving Americans.
   Thanks to Rick and Jennifer.



2. A beautiful and elegant celebration of american life at home.
   The authors also offer a great way to personalize the outer cover of the book with your own pictures. Very cool!! Customizing the cover makes a great conversation piece for your home as well as a great gift for friends and family.



3. I have followed Rick Smolan's books for many years. This book touched me as few others have done. My Czech wife often seems to miss the diversity of the true America. I think all of us that have suffered these past 8 years where we might not have felt proud of our country can find something to feel proud of in this book. Here one can see so clearly and beautifully the diversity, the imagination, the love of family and friends that we who have grown up in America hold to be the true America. I shared this book with my wife who I think was quite surprised to see how many America's there are and to see what the true fabric of our society looks like beyond the slick magazines and endless TV glitz.
   
   This is a book that you can give to someone who wants to see and better understand what America is truly about.



4. I have spent hours of enjoyment with this book....losing myself in faces and places unknown to me, yet at the same time hauntingly familiar. Rick Smolan has captured America at the very time when so many of us feel we are losing a connection to the vitality and promise of our country. But in every page and every essay, there are precious reminders of where our strength for the future lies...in America's people and in our homes an communities. Thank you, Rick Smolan.....



5. I was very pleased with this book. I've been wanting to buy it in hardback and found it for 4 times less than at the bookstore.
   
   It is a great family-friendly photojournalistic approach to catching America at home, no matter what 'home' might be.
   Great book!

5 comments about 100 Naked Girls.

1. I got the book for my boyfriend and he honestly hasn't even looked at it, just flipped through. I looked at it though and just thought it was cheesy. The girls all look the same and they just aren't very sexy. I was disappointed. Poo



2. Interesting piece of work, with Petter Hegre's quality. High quality printing and presentation. The only downside of the product, looks no different from the material from Hegre you can see in the Web for free.



3. 100 Girls. I like 100 Years by FFF better. Out of this collage I preferred, or flagged about 6 or less pics. Granted in another's opinion, one may prefer 38. It's just on what you visually prefer. This item will be kept as the book and pics are well put together. Happy Viewing.



4. Hegre has some amazing skills and amazing talent working for him, but unfortunetly not much of either is shown here. Even the breathtaking Marketa looks undirected and bored beyond belief. Save the money and take a free tour of his website. You will get better quality.



5. Norwegian photographer Petter Hegre has done an admirable job with this very different book of photos. It has 192 pages, the pictures are divided into mini-chapters for each model is listed alphabetically, & most of the photos are inside apartment settings. These pictures are of real women in realistic situations, poses, & environments.
   
   The photographs are done to show the natural character of the model, & many are truly stunning in their natural sensuality. The women featured are generally unaltered, as in no touchups. He successfully attempts to take pictures from their best angles, he does not hide or cover moles, freckles, or anything else that is so often covered up in modern photography using models. These women are presented as they are, not by some unheard of perfectionist myth. I will deduct 1 star because Asian, Black, short, & overweight women were left out, & some of the portraits were too small to show the models at their best.