4 comments about Ansel Adams: Our National Parks.

1. This book is really beautiful. The pictures have been really well selected. I think this book would make a perfect gift for almost anyone, since it has pictures from all over the United States.



2. Ansel Adams was our photographer-advocate laureate of the national parks. This outstandng volume combines a look at his efforts both to capture the meaning of the parks and to lobby on their behalf. Fortified with a Guggenheim Fellowship in the 1940s, Adams was able to travel throughout the U.S. to visit the many national parks outside of his beloved, native California. This volume greatly benefits from those travels in creating his ideas and the 80 black and white images contained in it.

   As Ansel Adams reminds us, "The National Parks, are, indeed a phenomena of an advanced society . . . ." When Yellowstone was established by President Grant in 1872, it was the first national park in the history of the world. Since then, we have been in a race between despoiling our wilderness environment and retaining some of it in national parks. The challenge is heightened by the pressures to commercialize and increase access to wilderness areas. How many people should visit Yosemite each year? These are the questions that Ansel Adams anticipated and helped us address. These questions are even more relevant and important today than when he first raised them. "Possessions, both material and spiritual, are appreciated most when we find ourselves in peril of losing them."

   "There is a constant erosion of the concept and the reality of wilderness." Unfortunately, Adams was much more successful as a photographer than in achieving his environmental vision. Will his final epitaph of the future be of someone who captured images of what does not exist any more? I certainly hope not.

   I recommend the preface by William A. Turnage very highly to understand Ansel Adams' vision and its effects on our society. The preface also contains a delightful section by Nancy Newhall on what it was like to be Ansel Adams' assistant for his dawn photography treks.

   This book contains much more written material by Ansel Adams on conservation and the national parks than in any other book of his photographs that I have seen. I enjoyed reading about his ideas, and they helped me understand his photography better as well. He is trying to show us "the clear realities of Nature seen with the inner eye of the spirit [to] reveal the ultimate echo of God."

   As I mentioned in the title to this review, the publisher put these images on pages that are too small to capture the detail of Adams' work in most cases. In fairness to the publisher, I should also point out that remarkable efforts have been made to reproduce these images well in the small format. Compared to other small reproductions of these same images, these are by far the best I have seen.

   Some compositions in fact succeed in overcoming the limitations of the page size. These include:

   Cliff Palace Ruin, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 1941

   Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, 1942

   Forest, Early Morning, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, 1949

   Leaf, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 1948

   Forest, Beartrack Cove, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 1949

   Teklanika River, Denali National Park, Alaska, 1947

   Mount McKinley from Stoney Pass, Denali National Park, Alaska, 1948

   Cinder Cone in Crater of Haleakala, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, 1956

   Mount Lassen from Devastated Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 1949

   Mount Clarence King, Pool, Kings Canyon National Park, California, 1932

   Many of the other photographs will be familiar to Ansel Adams' fans. If you have seen them reproduced in larger sizes, you can use your memory to add the missing detail. In this size though, the details being indistinct is like erasing chapters from a novel. Adams often accentuated reflections of details between different natural features in his compositions. When some details are obscured in small size, the reflections thus are not available to stimulate your mind.

   In keeping with the spirit of Ansel Adams, I suggest that you consider becoming active in organizations (like the Sierra Club, which Adams belonged to for many years) that fight to save wilderness areas. If your great grandchildren are ever to experience the spiritual cleansing of the wilderness, we each must act now.

   "Solitude, so vital to the individual man, is almost nowhere."




3. The Ansel Adams book put together by Barry Pritzker is a nice arrangement of Ansel's great landscape photography. I like the large format of this book, roughly 14" x 12". The photos are gigantic and very beautiful. The size is representative of the work. One of the complaints I have is about the images themselves and the darkness of them. Ansel's work is full of contrast, which I really like about his photographs. However, the shadows in these prints are almost pure black. They should have been enhanced just a tad bit, maybe dodged in the shadow areas for reproduction purposes only. Viewing original prints and reproducing originals are going to have extremely different outputs of tonal range. I do like that the author created an introductory section to familiarize the readers a little more about photography and its roots. It shows pioneers such as Alfred Stieglitz and Paul Strand. It's a segway into the work of Ansel Adams.

   I would have loved to see maybe some type of commentary about each image and how it was captured, a type of "Mind's Eye" insight for other photographers to understand the ideas behind the actual work. The title of the book is Ansel Adam's, so I really would have liked to see a little more diversity of his work. I'm pretty sure he must have made a portrait here and there in his entire lifetime. I know he couldn't have devoted his entire life to just landscapes alone. There has to be some other images, that even an Ansel fan like me, has never previously viewed before. I purchased the book because it was Ansel Adam's and his photography is very beautiful. I must be honest, when I opened the book and flipped through it, I was disappointed at the design of the book. It left me wanting more from the book itself. Out of a possible five stars, I would have to say the book is about two and a half stars.




4. Most people know Ansel Adams' iconic photographs of gorgeous natural scenery in US national parks. But Adams' passion for national parks went farther than documentation. He was also a forceful advocate who spoke and wrote in defense of preserving wilderness in national parks. This small gem pulls together familiar Adams images of national parks with his writing, both formal and informal, on national parks especially his most beloved Yosemite.
   
   Adams' most significant contribution to conservation was popularizing the concept of wilderness as spiritual retreat; a concept that demands we protect wilderness from too much human use, too much human carelessness, and even too much human love. This is where this book offers something enlightening and became more than just another pretty compilation of Adams' photos. The images illustrate the places his words seek to describe, defend, and protect within the historical context of the national parks system formation and development at critical junctures.
   
   The images are smaller scale than we are used to seeing them; however, they are sharp high-quality reproductions. This is not a comprehensive treatment of Adams' views or a complete compilation of his writing. The selections in this book introduce his views to new readers and remind those, like me, who may have overlooked it that Adams was a serious conservationist.

1 comments about Royal Weddings.

1. I borrowed this from a friend. I loved the changing styles and the colorful, bright pictures. The history of each wedding from different era's is truly amazing and a pleasure to see. This is definitely a keeper, if you are a royalist or an Historian.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop for Underwater Photographers.

1. This book is real helpful. Has some great tips with a number of nice shortcuts



2. A great resource for those who know, or are just begining to use photoshop. It helps you apply this powerful program to the unique problems of underwater photography, with easy hands on demonstrations. Version differences sometimes get in the way a bit, but the concept is clear and you just have to figure out how a newer version does what they may have done on the version this was written on.
   
   All in all a very helpful book, with many great tips and concepts. I have used photoshop for a while, and been shooting UW for several years, this has already helped me get better photos and I have not hit the water since I got the book. I revisited some shots with specific problems that I learned a fix from in this book. Paid for itself in the first week.



3. It sure made it easier to navigate through Photoshop. I still have a lot to learn, but it's easier with Sue and Jack's help.



4. I have never used PS before. But with this detailed and step-by-step instructions of this book, I found PS is quite easy to handle. love it, recommended to those who are truly beginners like me!



5. While this book does not offer the in depth of the latest techniques of Photoshop CS3 it is an excellent reference to address the most common problems.

1 comments about Wedding Photography NOW!: A Fresh Approach to Shooting Modern Nuptials (A Lark Photography Book).

1. I've read many books that are supposed to serve as an introduction to wedding photography for serious amateurs or budding professionals. This is the best book that I have found.
   
   1. This book is comparatively slim at 128 pages. Most of the other wedding photography books weigh in at over 200 pages; however, most other wedding photography books are also completely overloaded with filler material that is common knowledge to anyone but an absolute photography beginner (and absolute beginners shouldn't be in a position to photograph a wedding to start with). This book for example, spends only 18 pages talking about all of the equipment you'll need and gives only the details you have to know to make an informed decision about cameras, lenses, maintainence, flashes, computers, software, etc. This leaves more time for learning about how to take the pictures and isn't filled with useless paragraphs explaining how "cases and bags help protect camera equipment" like many other wedding photography books.
   
   2. The first sign of an amateur when asking about how to recreate a photograph they see is "What shutter speed/aperture/ISO did you use?", as if by dialing in certain combinations of these parameters, a beautiful picture will suddenly emerge. Most authors will prominently label every picture in the book with their camera settings without offering any other insight into how they composed the shot. This information is useless to anyone who has more than the most basic understanding of camera function and already knows how to properly exposure a photograph. What I want to know is how the composition is formed, and this book delivers.
   
   3. This book offers lots of tips on how to interact with people at the wedding, which is probably more important of a skill than anything having to do with your camera. Included are tips in getting the bride and groom to "loosen up" so that portraits look more natural. And by tips, I mean the author gives step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
   
   This book is the best wedding photography introduction I've seen and is recommended to anyone who already understands the effect of aperture on the depth of focus, for example, and wants tips they can actually use to apply their photography skills to wedding photography.

1 comments about Adobe InDesign CS3 Revealed (Revealed (Thomson)).

1. This is the best workbook on Indesign CS3. I went through 3 other books. This is the best. Neatly laid out. Simple steps given. Perfect if you know nothing about Indesign. This is worth the money, even though it is a high price book. After going through this, you will not be groping in the dark with Indesign.

5 comments about Locker Room Nudes / Dieux du Stade: The French National Rugby Team.

1. This collection of pictures taken by Fancois Rousseau of athletic men is a wonderful presentation of his eye for beauty. The photos presented herein are the culmination of his captivating photo shoots documented in the making of the 2004 Dieux du Stade calendar DVD. Many shots from that film are handsomely displayed within the grand pages of this quality pressed book. The men are richly captured within black and white photography that gives them artistic beauty, with shadows that reflect off them offering some intriguing mystery.From the dreamy close-up facial pictures, to the wondrous nude forms, to even the shots of the bare locker room with muddy footprints and a barren field of play, Fancois Rousseau gives us a look through his keen eyes to what all the athletes have to offer, especially a love for their form.These athletic men are gorgeously photographed and are meant to be admired for their overall form; their faces and bodies are meant to steal your eyes, and not be given the same kind of treatment as an erotically charged photoshoot. Oh, there are scenes of eroticism, but it's a testament to Fancois Rousseau's talent that he can always pull it off with taste. There are very few instances of photography to match the class given to these men of sport.If you keep this in mind, and admire the photography for its beauty and not for its lack of frontal shots, you will come to see the men, and the book, as a great assemblage of male beauty. I simply cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you enjoyed the 2004-2005 making of the Dieux du Stade calendar DVDs, as there is no reason you should put off getting this as an accompaniment to those two great features.



2. I gave this to my partner for Christmas and of all of the presents that I gave him, many much much more expensive, this was his favorite. It is truly a hot hot book. It's a must by if you are into "sporn".



3. The pictures are terrific and capture the beauty of men in their element. I enjoy introducing the book to girlfriends of mine who appreciate men. I highly recommend this book!



4. There really isn't much to say but GO RUGBY!!! This book has some of the most gorgeous bodies in it!!!



5. this is one gift for one my friend...AND NOW I buy this item for me...is amazing...!

2 comments about Andreas Gursky: Architecture.

1. Gursky's work is of course wonderful, BUT... This is not a collection of photographs--it's a collection of essays. There are about 15 full-size photos and about 60 2" x 3" photos embedded in the text. Good if you want to read about the master. Not good if you want to see the master's work.



2. wonderful printing.
   it's more enjoyable than huge original print.
   well made hard cover.

4 comments about Final Cut Pro Workflows: The Independent Studio Handbook.

1. As a user of Final Cut Pro, but a relative newbie to postproduction I've struggled to understand the "Big Picture" of postproduction workflow.
   
   Final Cut Pro Workflows is an awesome resource that doesn't cover all the same button pushing techniques that every other Final Cut Pro book does, but provides insightful and thoughtful workflow techniques that I've been able to apply to all my projects.
   
   What I found particularly cool, and what I think separates this book from others is the 3rd part of book which is a collection of case studies. These case studies are great because they're written as a narrative and explore quite a few different workflows using Final Cut Pro.
   
   This book is a must have!



2. As the co-author of this book, I just want to thank all of our students who inspired the writing of this book with their hunger for practical knowledge on FCP and the great questions they ask in class.
   
   So often, the nature of these questions went beyond the technical text and sample projects that we were using in class. It is also frequently difficult to answer real-world questions about FCP in the classroom context. So many of these answers "depend on the project you are doing . . . "
   
   Consequently, we took to using a series of real-world anecdotes - experiences of our own in postproduction that could illustrate the larger points regarding process and decision-making.
   
   These experiences made the conceptual basis for this book, and those anecdotes became the case studies.
   
   Robbie and I hope that you enjoy what we think is a unique approach!



3. This book should be marketed differently. I (hesitantly) picked it up expecting a very software specific how to book and what I got was a guide to creating and maintaining a sucessful post production firm.
   
   I am new to the production world; only just recently opening a boutique production company here in Chicago.
   For a while I struggled with Final Cut Pro and maintaining productive organization from reel to distribution.
   
   THIS BOOK HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING.
   
   The amount of money that this book has saved me is starting to stretch into the thousands. Optimizing your workflow within Final Cut is the best way to maintain quality and effeciency.
   
   Most creative media help books talk about specifics, glorified tutorials really. Final Cut Pro Workflows breaks down the entire process of post-production in a really straightforward way.
   
   It even gives you amazing case studies that touch on not only the physical aspect of the post-production but dealing with clients, vendors, and talent.
   
   Imagine the best textbook you ever read in school, especially on your favorite subject. I don't know about others but I would read it through, enjoying learning the material. Final Cut Pro Workflows does that.
   
   This book, while obviously geared towards FCP (with suite specific hints, shortcuts, options), should also be marketed towards the overall creation and maintainability of any production company regardless of the suite.
   With just a little bit of translation you can apply the business help aspects of this book to an Adobe/ Avid workflow or even a workflow that has takes advantage of ALL the available software out there.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a desire to take their production values to the professional level.



4. Your book fills a much needed gap in the non linear workflow for editors and producers alike! For me the video formats and compression chapters are fabulous cross platform information. Lately, it seems that everywhere I go people are reading it.
   Virginia Quesada, Q MEDIA, INC. and VIDEOCULT.COM

5 comments about How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business, 5th (Home-Based Business Series).

1. Hi points - Interesting, readable, good suggestions and examples on how to transition from a "9 to 5" job to independent photographer.
   
   Low points - Over emphasis on film aspects (non-digital) of running a business (setting up a dark room and lab...), computer section so basic it's almost humorous, no review of digital tools such as PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro.
   
   The general information is good for those in the dreaming stage. I suggest you find it at your local library, (sorry Amazon) because it's not something you'll go back to over and over. Mr. Oberrecht's detailed use of a paper document and bookeeping system is excruciating. It seems he views computers as a necessary evil instead of the powerfull tool they can be.
   
   As someone who is seriously considering making this move, I was disappointed.



2. This is the best book I have found yet on starting your own photography business. It is incredibly helpful. He is funny and down to earth and talks about how he runs his business and then gives other ideas of ways to do it.



3. After reading the book through one time I see all the mistakes I am currently and in haste fixing. A second reading of the book convinced me that I had made a terrific purchase for my business and personal life.



4. Excellent for the new Photographer! If you want to start a business and make money read this book. It covers all the bases and gives you all the keys to succeed.



5. This book was the biggest waste of time. It is completely out dated and extremely vague. It offers no specifics about the legal aspects of starting a business or much of anything at all. If you have an ounce of common sense there is no need to purchase this text.
   
   If you are looking for book that will cover everything you need to know about starting your own photography business I would highly recommend Photography: Focus on Profit by Tom Zimberoff. Zimberoff's book is the best purchase I've ever made.

5 comments about Photoshop Photo Effects Cookbook: 61 Easy-to-Follow Recipes for Digital Photographers, Designers, and Artists.

1. This is a great book that gives you well laid out instructions with invaluable visual aids throughout the book. I am constantly referencing this book for tips and techniques, and I have also combined many of the different areas I have learned into new effects. I would certainly recommend this book if you are looking for usefull tutorials that you can use in our work on a regular basis.. The best part is, this book is helpful for everyone from the beginner, to novice, to advanced users.



2. I have been Fooling around with Photoshop-CS2 for years, i have been able to produce Amazing Effects. Many of my greatest Photoshops were done by Accident, because i wasn't sure were to start or in what direction to go in. I got this book and right away i saw some i have done but wasn't sure how i did it. Plus they have Tons of other effects you can do, by the time your done you will have Museam Quality Photos. Most people will ask you to do Photos for them to hang up in there house as a Center Piece.



3. Just a pretty rehash of photoshop filters and effects.
   Skip it if you know photoshop
   If you don't and like big picture learning this will teach you effects...but it won't teach you photoshop.



4. I am a firm believer that cookbooks should remain in the kitchen. This book did not really provide me with any new recipes of use. The one recipe I did want to use for a client operation, I resourced the online materials and followed it through but was unable to have it turn out. If the experiment was a cake, it would have been in the compost bin.
   
   Most of the book is taken up with two page layouts that show you how different effects work. Well I have been pretty familiar with the graphic pen filter for a long time, so most of the book which touched on those was wasted pulp.
   
   There was nothing here that really wowed me about either the work, the layout or the subject matter. Maybe a first entry user of Photoshop might find it interesting , but I can't really recommend this title to a serious Photoshop user. I couldn't even give this book away at my user group meeting.



5. There are a lot of good ideas provided in this book for some very cool effects. However, please know that many of the effects/settings are very specific to the images they use in the examples. Your results will vary greatly with your own photos so it will take quite a bit of tweaking.