5 comments about The Polaroid Book: Selections from the Polaroid Collections of Photography (Taschen's 25th Anniversary Special Editions).

1. I recently bought this book. It shows great polaroid pictures and their simplicity attraction and much more! It's worth to have one!



2. My dad bought a Polaroid Land Camera (of the peel-apart type) before I was born... to take pictures of his chubby firstborn (that would be me, BTW).
   
   Ever since, the sharp, colorful and amazingly stable little prints became part of our family's memory. My love for pictures was definitely boosted by the instant gratification offered by an SX-70 camera, which I still own and use after 25+ years, as well as a brand new Jobpro 600.
   
   "The Polaroid Book" is a must for any hardcore Polaroid fan. Lotsa pictures, beautifully printed, with absolute respect for the authors' vision (Ansel Adams, Joyce Tenneson and Bill Allard, to mention only three of them). Nevertheless, the book's greatest virtue is to prove, without any doubt, that beautiful and creative work can be achieved with the simplest tools and the sheer power of imagination.
   
   Polaroid is still alive and well, and this book is the best supporting evidence. Now, I'll just lay back and wait for that new new-old stock Polaroid Nightcam that I bought on the company's website. Let's see what that 600 film-munching baby can do.



3. WOW... words can't even begin to describe how much I love this book! It's about time they released a book like this! And the wrapper of this book is genius! It looks like a gigantic box of Polaroid film... I didn't even want to remove the cover at first... I fondled it for awhile and then I slowly peeled it off and curled up on the couch for an hour or two and looked at all the pretty pictures.
   This book is highly recommended for any Polaroid enthusiast! And if you want to see some great 'roids on the net- check out Polanoid.net!



4. This is a classic which sold out its first printing. BUY THIS NOW! You will have, preserved on your bookshelf the essence of what Edwin Land envisioned over 65 years ago distilled in one BEAUTIFUL volume. How can the Petters Group (who now owns Polaroid) dare to banish such a beautiful art form from humanity? That's right, Polaroid has stopped making instant film and the supply may barely run through the end of this year, and all expire by the end of next year. THIS IS A CRIME AGAINST ART AND HUMANITY!! Buy the book, then go to savepolaroid.com and join us all to save this incredible art form. JUST LOOK AT THE PAGES OF THIS INCREDIBLE VOLUME!!! You will be amazed!



5. I recently purchased this book and must say that this is a beautifully created masterpiece. Give it up to Taschen for yet another exquisite piece of documentation; this time showing the love and art of the polaroid instant medium. This book provides a visual history of art created through the polaroid lens by some of the great photographers. If you love polaroid you will love this book. Simply a must-have for any enthusiast.

5 comments about Photography and the Art of Seeing: A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography.

1. I wrote a review as follows: 'Anyone can take a picture of a hot dog. If this photographer took a picture of a hot dog you would smell the french fries, hear the ocean, and taste the salt water taffy. The author offers the reader a chance to see the world through his eyes.
   
   Then I looked through the book more closely. On page 137 I saw a picture that disgusted me. When I read what he wrote about the subject, I became angry. He wrote, "This photograph captures a moment in the life of a child, and suggests innocence. The little girl had withdrawn from her playmates on the beach; she wanted to be alone. She was crying a little. When I came along, she hid her face to preserve her privacy. I quickly made this picture and left. Note that the expanse of rocks and the girl's small space in the composition strengthen the sense of her privacy."
   
   The picture is of a naked little child who was hiding her face crying and trying to turn away from the man taking her picture with his camera. It is only my opinion, but I think this man is greatly lacking in respect of human dignity.
   
   I am sorry I put money in his pocket. I hope no one else will.



2. Freeman tries to get photographers to break out of their ways, to look at the world with different eyes, to question old habits. This is a good thing, in my opinion. But does he succeed?
   
   I can only answer this from my own perspective: Yes, the book gives me impulses to try out different perspectives than the ones I'm used to.
   
   The writing is fluent and to the point. The images underline the points in the text. I like many of them, even though they seem unspectacular at first. The printing quality could be better, though. I ordered the book together with two volumes by John Shaw ("Focus on Nature" and "The Field Book to Nature Photography", both Amphoto Books), and those are printed much better, with more contrast and color saturation.
   
   Still, a recommended book for anyone who likes taking photos and would like to explore new grounds.



3. This book has given me the opportunity and the means to change a bad habit, and hopefully begin to see without labels. Had a lot of fun studying childrens art, an eye opener.



4. I expect that many people will want a book that has nice photos and a couple of dozen rules to follow to improve their photos and even to make photography easier. This is *not* such a book.
   
   Instead, Patterson explains many, many visual relationships and perhaps surprises you by writing that by following strict rules of composition you will *not* take better photos. Regardless, he gives you many insights that, with a lot of observation and practice, will lead you in the right direction.
   
   If you are prepared to start a significant journey toward improving your photography, this is a great book. It will help you toward achieving visual harmony in your work. If you want to hear "the rule of thirds" repeated and the merits of hyperfocal distances discussed, something else will suit you much better.



5. This is not a basic how-to book for beginning photographers. It doesn't teach you about f-stops, shutter speeds, or the rule of thirds. What it does do is try to teach you new ways of looking at things, and how to actually see what you're looking at.
   
   I've been a photographer for many years, and I found my inspiration and creativity fading. I picked up this book as a reference for a seminar I was giving and fell in love with photography all over again. I feel excited again while I'm taking photos, and I feel that I'm creating art for me, not for others, and I love it.
   
   I highly recommend this book for experienced photographers and beginners alike. Don't buy it for the photography lessons, buy it for the inspiration.

5 comments about The Negative (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 2).

1. A must read. The explanation of the zone system is outstanding. I had taken a number of skyline photographs of Austin which when reviewed by professional photographers got 2 thumbs up. After looking at them with a critical eye on exposure and armed with my new understanding of the zone - I retook those same pictures and WOW. What an amazing ability to move your camera off of matrixed metering and know how to really set the exposure for what you want to show. Also helps you understand the tradeoffs the camera is making in it's exposure settings so you can be more purposeful in changes you might make. A critical read if you also intend to ever move into large format photography.



2. This is an excellent book that will help experienced and newcomers in photography. Pay attention to the Zone system that Adams has devised. It will realy help you take total control over your pictures with a helpfull and very creative perspective. The last part of the book (developing negatives) might be ommited by the person who is into digital, although it helped me comprehend a lot about the various Adobe Photoshop features and relate them to classic photography.
   
   One little remark I have to make is for the publisher. The book is printed into gloss paper (all the three books in the series) with a high reflectance index. This results in dificulty reading the book at certain angles.



3. Ansel Adams was a master of photography but not the most exciting storyteller , in my opinion.
   
   This book is one that you should read as part of a complete education in photography, but there are some long sections in it. The parts of the book explaining Adams' zone system are very worthwhile and great stuff. Much of the rest of the book is only interesting if you are shooting film (not digital), as it deals specifically with darkroom processing.
   
   Read about the zone system here or somewhere else, but learn it. If you are a film photog, read this whole book. For digital shooters, you might want to read only the sections of interest.



4. If film shooting is interesting to you (and you should; I'm 26 and grew up with cameras, then I move to digital, and recentlly, I discovered the wonders of a darkroom and BW prints) then this book is a MUST Well, the whole series)!!! there aren't enough words to emphasize my feelings over the 3 books of Ansel Adams (camera, negative & print)
   
   If you don't believe me, then please take a deep look at Ansel's master BW work... that should convince you!!!



5. I am new to large format photography. This book is extremly informative and focuses just on negative construction, manipulation and b&w processing. An excellent and timeless resource! Excellent for all formats!

5 comments about Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before.

1. Breathtaking! What an incredible collection of photographs of our amazing planet. A great addition to the dvd collection.



2. BEAUTIFUL BOOK TO HAVE. NOT ONLY IS IT INFORMATIVE, BUT THE PICTURES ARE TRULY A PIECE OF ARTWORK.



3. I have not had the chance yet to review this product. I'd thought I'd purchased the dvd set for this same title, so was surprised to receive a book. I decided not to return it, but I know I will enjoy it.



4. if you believe in God or not, i dare you to look at this book and not be in awe of nature. my husband and i enjoy looking at this book any seeing God's wonderous creation. anyone who has children should get this book. they probably won't read every word, but they will learn a lot from the pictures.



5. Not only did I receive this product faster than expected, it was brand new and it was one of the most amazing books I have ever read with some of the most exquisite photography I've ever seen!

5 comments about National Audubon Society Guide to Landscape Photography.

1. Yeah, you need to get this book. This is the photography book I've been looking for. Tim Fitzharris doesn't just take stunning photographs, he disects photos and goes through the thought process so that the reader can understand what it was about the scene that caused him to frame it the way he did. He doesn't just say "follow your heart" or "discover what the scene is trying to tell you" or other artsy-fartsy stuff like that. He's a technician. He tells you how to assemble the photo piece by piece. No other book I've read goes into so much detail on how to actually frame a shot. Since digital cameras take away much of the worry about exposure, composition is the main worry, at least for me. Mr. Fitzharris does an excellent job of explaining vantage points, focal planes, proper camera placement and everything else associated with getting it all right in the camera.
   
   Two tiny nits to pick, but certainly nothing worth deducting points for: 1) Fitzharris explains everything assuming you'll be using a 35mm or digital SLR camera, which is fine. But he uses a medium-format film or digital camera, and the pictures reflect this. Unless you're willing to spend the price of a new car on camera equipment, you shouldn't expect to be able to replicate the pictoral quality of his work. 2) Fitzharris points out that the best places to photograph water are actually from in the water, and he says that you should be "prepared to get wet". He also points out that this might cost you a camera or two, as any digital equipment dumped in the drink will be "a complete right-off". Whoa, there! Maybe a pro can right-off a few thousand dollars worth of equipment, but I saved for a year to buy my digital SLR. Taking it into the soup is just not an option.
   
   One good thing that Fitzharris also covers is the amount of work necessary to get breathtaking shots. Up before dawn, hiking in the dark, coming back day after day if the light isn't right. He conveys the proper message that getting great shots on a consistent basis is real work. If you were under the impression that you could obtain shots like this while on vacation with your family, reading this book will quickly put that fantasy to rest. Fitzharris points out that it takes patience, dedication and time to get the good stuff.
   
   This is by far the most informative book you can get on landscape photography. Fitzharris takes jaw-dropping, OMG-I-can't-believe-it photographs, yet it never seems that he's just showing off his work. I've read so many books where the author writes "this picture succeeds because..." and then goes on to explain why the shot he took is so great. In my view, if you have to explain to your readers why the picture succeeds, maybe it doesn't. Fitzharris never does this. He lets the shots speak for themselves, and simply describes the elements he looked for in composing the picture. And, wow. His pictures sure have a vocabulary!



2. Outstanding pictures, informative, a must for any landscape photographer at any level. I highly recommend this Tim Fitzharris book.



3. I have been an amateur photographer for about 35 years, and I have enjoyed the instruction of several masters in the days I used to lug around a large view camera (mostly B/W imaging). Tim Fitzharris's book about (color)landscape photography is my most valued book on the subject in my entire library. He is an excellent writer and communicator of key thoughts. His writing is dense; he doesn't prattle. As he states in his introduction, "The emphasis of the book ... is on the photographer's actual interaction with the subject" {being photographed}. This book is for the intermediate to heavily experienced photographer (amateur or professional alike). As much as possible, he doesn't dabble in the usual tech stuff. He includes myriad photographs to illustrate all of his concepts and principles.
   
   The part of the book most rewarding to me is Part 3, "Creating an Image." In these 28 pages, he articulates the key elements of visualization and image control. He thoroughly analyzes each element of good composition and the rationale for each. After reading the book, I went back to the pictures in this book and others in my library to validate these elements. As I did, I related more and more to the principles. They were clearly authenticated. They are clearly valid for all landscape-photo venues; color landscape photography is clearly the emphasis of the book, however. His photography alone is worth the price of the book.



4. First reason: exceptional images.
   
   Second reason: advice on obtaining these kind of images.
   
   How many books get 5 stars for 16 out of 17 reviews? This is one. The images are excellent and the advice is sage. Fitzharris used both film and digital for these images, and his advice challenged my prosumer level. He really is an accomplished professional, and he has shared many of his ideas and techniques. Other professional landscape photographers would be interested in this book. But much of the information is accessible to amateur photographers as well. His description of depth of field, hyperfocus, wide angle, rule of thirds, exposure, composition, etc. are clear and straightforward.
   
   Even if this book had just the clear, large, interesting images, it would be worth it. Other books of his did not get such great reviews. I can't say how much I liked this book.
   
   For $16, just click the "Buy it now," button.



5. I'm an advanced amateur photographer, i've found this book quite useful, it gives strongs helps to improve photograph.
   By the way, in most of its parts its based on 6X4 system, that is really different in performance and "thinking" from the digitalreflex we use. The "big" concepts for composition and "theming" our works are obviusly the same, but in application it's different, also the example works ( beautiful ) are quite all in 6X4.
   In any case a really good book!

5 comments about Through the Lens: National Geographic's Greatest Photographs.

1. I came across 3 National Geographic photo books while doing some Christmas shopping. The first one a found was In Focus, which is a history of portraits. I also found this book and the Wide Angle book. After carefully researching the reviews and looking at them in a bookstore, I bought IN FOCUS. I agree with other reviewers that this book and Wide Angle are too grainy, not top quality photos. Wide Angle was actually boring photos with no information in the captions to help romanticize the photos. IN Focus has better quality photos. It will make a great gift for someone who loves National Geographic but may not impress the aspiring photographer. The captions aren't fantastic, but if you love National Geographic, you don't need someone to spell out for you what the beauty of each picture can show. My complaint is that the caption isn't always on the same page as the picture. You may have to flip forward or backward to find out what you are looking at which is some what distracting to the flow. Point is, it is a coffee table book. Would make a great book for a lobby of a business where people have to wait and need something to look at.



2. For such a large book, the images that are exceptional are few. I was disappointed, given the huge assortment of excellent NG photos from which to choose, that these were deemed "greatest." Worth the $20, but not much more.



3. Fast shipping, love the book, but the front cover was tattered on the edges. Thanks!



4. We were highly disappointed in this book. The photos were grainy and certainly not National Geographics greatest! We have seen absolutely stunning shots from them in the past and not one was included in this book. It was a great disappointment.



5. I am an aspiring photographer. I was actually in the book store the other day just browsing and I picked up this book as well as the other 2 in this series (which are on there way). I was very impressed so I came home and got on Amazon. I got mine used (in great shape) for 10 bucks shipped...How can you go wrong there.
   
   The reason I purchased this book is because I think it is really good to see what has made it to print and to get a feel for what a huge magazine deems good for print in it's pages...that alone is worth studying and again 10 bucks shipped, is a killer deal!!!!!! Also another great thing about this book is that it has photos from 80 years ago and for those photographers wanting to gain that feel in their photos, it offers a great place to reference to see how it was done in print (not on some tute from the internet).
   
   Another great aspect to this is that if you ever entertain and have this on the coffee table it is great for guests, creates conversation and also makes you look very well versed! ;-)

5 comments about Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Location Photography.

1. This book has the key to easy portable beautiful lighting. All the best gear, gizmos and ideas are layed out. Excellent!



2. I absolutely loved this book. I felt as thought the writer, Kirk Tuck, was speaking directly to me and he made the text so enjoyable compared to some of the dry "how to" photography books I've read. As a woman I am glad that the examples didn't center around pictures of half naked young glamour models who invariably look kind of trailer trashy. Some people think the book "borrows" from Strobist.com but I think Kirk's methodology is more in line with a pro who does a wide range of jobs for a living and less like a photojournalist discovering good lighting for the first time.
   
   Contrary to some reviews, I think this is much more than a "brochure". Sure, specific cameras and lights come and go but if you are actually reading the text instead of trying to cobble together a trendy shopping list you'll find that it delves into basic lighting theory in a very understandable way. And it's theory that works no matter what the latest and greatest toys evolve into.
   
   As a photographer it is obvious that Tuck's approach is more like akido and less like boxing. He doesn't try to create a totally obvious, "in your face" style of lighting, rather, he uses the natural light that exists and blends it with his subtle flash lighting to make images that seem timeless and natural. Just the way you'd see things in real life but with the color casts corrected and the shadows filled in just right. Much better than the belligerent lighting you see in the typically over-produced shots on the web.
   
   I've read the book twice and each time I've learned lots of little tips and tricks to use in my own business.
   
   [...]
   
   My recommendation? Buy the book. Read it. And then incorporate it into your own style.



3. One of the parts of photography that always stumped me was getting the lighting right. I was always scared to play with off camera lighting because I thought it would require massive set-ups, assistants, etc. Mr. Tuck broke through that myth for me. His book, Minimalist Lighting, provides a great explanation of the amazingly small amount of gear that is actually needed to produce great photos. The chapters go so far as even to describe how to rig your gear and even shows several DIY mods you can make to your current equipment. The book truly lives up to it's name and demonstrates a multitude of ways to light a variety of situations to get great results with a minimal amount of gear.
   
   Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Location Photography



4. I thought Minimalist Lighting was a great read. The information is bountiful and easy to understand. I don't get some of the reviews that talk about Tuck's approach not being Minimalist. He clearly shows how to do more with much less. I have friends who use traditional studio black boxes and heads and it is obvious that his approach gives you the control you want at a much lower cost and weight.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone who is trying to go beyond using a light stuck right on top of their camera. It's amazing what can be done with one or two small lights if you also incorporate the existing light. This is something that Tuck does very well.



5. Finally a book that not tells you but shows you with diagrams to match the photos. Real unbias info on portable strobes and gear. Kirk really embraces the portable approach with real people on real locations.Shot on location, not in a pro studio. If you want to bring the photograher to the subject this is how you do it.
   Info on what you need and don't need and a section on color correction filters that is worth the price of the book alone. I had a friend who is just starting with stobes and he saw it on the coffe table and ask to borrow it, after reading it he said "now that make sense" Thanks Kirk you saved me hours of helping him. Looking forward to the next one.
   Jim Mucklin

4 comments about Photoshop CS3 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)).

1. This is a great resource at a fraction of the price of the book from adobe. Highly recommended!



2. I liked "Photoshop CS3 for Dummies" as a good overview text - then I use this "Photoshop CS3 All-in-one Reference for Dummies" as a detailed text on most of the heavy features of Photoshop. I was pretty good with Photoshop CS and all the versions of the program before - but I am learning a GREAT deal from this tome on the more sophisticated features.



3. If you are like me -- an intelligent (I hope) experienced computer person who has never used Photoshop but wants to learn how to do useful work (not just play around) -- this book is for you. For example, you can actually look in the index and find what you are looking for.



4. Plenty of Photoshop CS3 books on the market update information to this latest Photoshop release, but few offer an extensive desk reference packing in the latest tools and techniques of the latest program with easy details on how to do everything from simple adjustments such as specifying size to using layering and blending modes for advanced compositions and refinement. From full color screen shots and color examples of modified photos to techniques and strategies, Photoshop CS3 All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies is one of the most extensive coverages on the market - and a perfect pick for any who find detailed Photoshop coverages confusing.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Business and Legal Forms for Photographers (with CD-ROM) (Business and Legal Forms).

1. Sweet package with great amount of legal documents for use in a photography, or video producer trade. Cheaper as well compared to local bookstores thanks Amazon.



2. I wanted some forms to get started with my Photography business and I didn't know where to go, did a look up on here and viola this book came up under my searches... I finally got my book after waiting for my book which got lost. Overall love the book and the CD.



3. This should come in handy for my neice who is getting into photography big time.



4. this book is a must if you are a photographer starting a business. the book includes dozens of contracts for most photographic jobs, with a detailed description of each, including the meanings of each section of a contract. the included CD gives you a digital form for each contract, in several file formats, including MS Word and Adobe Acrobat.



5. I bought this book and its utter waste of paper and money. There are much better forms available for free to be downloaded from the internet. This book is completely useless for anyone who lives outside USA. I think Americans are smart enough to google the kind of forms they are looking for.

5 comments about A Short Course in Canon Powershot G9 Photography book/ebook.

1. and pick up this comprehensive introduction to your G9. If you're like me and it's been a while since you've operated a camera with manual functions, you'll appreciate Curtin's refresher course, provided in the context of the G9's features and their user interface. Moving beyond the technical basics found in Canon's user manual, this book clearly explains the G9's functions, offering sound advice regarding when and how modes and features of the G9 are best used. I purchased the printed version of this book, skipping the interactive version offered on CD. It's worth noting the book includes call-outs to all of the interactive features (such as PDFs, conceptual animations and spread sheets,) making cross-referencing between the printed book and CD bonus materials an apparent cinch.



2. Very useful and complete guide to using the G9 along with some basic instruction in photography techniques. The included cd provides the text and photos in color. The wire bound book is in black and white and this is the only reason this book gets 4 stars instead of 5.



3. For $37 you can get far better books on the Canon Powershot series of digital cameras. I thought I was getting a Canon G9 specific digital camera book and was disappointed with the not only the lack of Canon G9 specific information but also the quality of the printing and binding of book. Curtin writes the same information for 90% of his books and covers a bit Canon G9 specific settings and information. If this is what you want and what nyou need there are several publishers that deliver more camera specific information and far better presentation and clarity of material for $15 to $20 less money through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
   
   The accuracy of his digital photography information is good which why I was generous enough to give him 2 stars but the printing is photocopied double sided laser jet paper and mediocre black and white photographs. I actually bought two of his books based on information from his website and was really disappointed. Several publishers put out a Canon Powershot cameras guide book much better bound and with color photos that is as good or better than this book. He uses the same boilerplate digital photography information and adds the Canon specific settings just like Magic Lantern guide books.
   
   I just wish I had gotten my money back on this turkey before my return for refund time was up.



4. I had expected the book to be more generic like the "Canon Powershot , A Digital Field Guide" but this author has made every effort to relate the sections to the subject camera.
   My copy arrived wet thorough thanks to my postman so I wasn't in the best of moods when I first attacked its pages.
   For those of us outside the USA without a printed manual , this book really helps to bring out an understanding of the advanced features.



5. I'm a novice to intermediate camera buff. While I haven't read all the way through this book yet, I have learned a lot so far. I am going page by page, and am already discovering things I didn't know this camera would do. I find the book reasonably easy to follow. It makes much more sense when I have my camera right there and try the features. I don't think you can just read it and understand, at least I can't. I think that is true of all "how to" books. I'm quite happy with this book so far and am glad I got it. It is certainly more helpful than the shamefully tiny abridged manual that comes with the camera. This was not a "cheap" camera, and I think Canon could afford to include a better manual. I've gotten better manuals with $20 software. This book expands on the manual a lot and gives you info, in understandable language,that Canon doesn't.