5 comments about Deep South.

1. Mann is one of the very most gifted photographers of our time. In her landscape work, she finds the perfect marriage of technique and subject matter--marrying the processes of 19th-century photography and historic lenses to the subject matter of great sites of the South, the profound and mysterious ways in which site carries memory. In doing so she has created images that seem to derive from our own memories, carrying the ghostly presences of the past, embodying something we hold in our minds while adding something distinctly new as well. Mann's are transcendent, glorious photographs that should be examined and appreciated by anyone with a discerning eye for great work from our own time.



2. whether this is Mann's best work it certainly is the most thought-provoking, when you think of the Deep South, you think of a place much like Stravinsky's Russia,Eastern Europa,or parts of New York State intolerant,class-orineted;superstitious,but also one that savors progess and the science of the image, the sensual,the evocative,but a place also defeated,Appomattox, that really has takened long to live with, in fact defeat is covered everyday in the macho-isms that has been part of popular strains in music.
   The opaqueness-es of Mann's reveals a fascinating abstraction,touched daguertypes, I don't know the correct technical affiliation,and that takes you someplace,it has rails to take you someplace,but more like an archeologist for you do merely sit and stare,and examine closely; where you need to decipher the layers of history,meanings seems to be held in abeyance for now, suspended the layers of reference, and this might be difficult for someone who has not really lived in these places, in Virginia,Antietam and Manassas, but these are works of art nonetheless you return, Mann does draw you into her work; to again and again and you cannot say that for other of post-modern forms, yes these are manipulations as if Mann had lived herself in the Civil War,as a recluse held up in a forgotten city, as Knoxville or as the viewer had lived then and these are remnants of this discovery.
   Her photos are of natural landscapes, spots, where the horizon quickly becomes blurred, it is not the sense of things to have perspective here,merely one image, one-dimensional,like her subject matter is some respects; yet placed with layers of hue, mists,nebuli and filigrees of time,durations and their ruins,we see decapying Greek columns,made of wood, with chipped paint, white of course,now deteriorating like those of an ancient time in the USA, but we know the time of here where we live, lost civilizations, or Persopolis.
   Curious how you really cannot find these works beautiful unless you know something about history USA for that matter,and then their beauty is arresting for a moment;Mann's voice here speaks within a distance,like the faces of her children in her previous work, a voice once or twice removed, here a voice that has no resonance; or if you have followed the forms and shapes of the human spirit, you come to understand these photos. Mann has created a work that can stand alone in a void, they refer to a time, well no one today knows from real experience,perhaps Toni Morrison's "Beloved" has some resonance here but only from a great distance between her prose in parametrical time exposed as you read. Mann has found a way between representation and abstraction two of the paradigms of the 20th Century,the late Kirk Varnedoe had wanted to devote a study to this very subject, why the two have persisted throughout a century, or barely less than one. You also not only come to understand the South, but most places where such similar occurences have takened place. The American Civil War seems closer in a way, like these places are icons, yet not icons that form a critique with them,asking questions, there are no special spiritual places, here only where men have died, slaughtered along with mosquitoes and peaceful trees, Magnolias gently alive to witness the human condition.



3. I am again deeply moved and awed by Sally Mann's work. Using older photo processes, combined with a deep seeing, these photos create a sense of place that I can feel as well as see. Ms. Mann also writes beautifully about these images and the people and place she is photographing. Though I shoot digitally, I am still inspired and in some ways try to emulate what I'm seeing here
   
   I like the imperfections of these images, but if you want bright colors and tack sharp images, these my not be for you.
   
   David.



4. Landscape photography has never spoken to me until this book. Sally Mann has created gorgeously abstract and ethereal images of the south and has coupled it with very eloquent text. It has forever changed the way I feel about landscape photography. If straight up landscape photography isn't your thing, by all means give this book a chance.



5. Strip away all the defensive aesthetic gibberish, and this volume is nothing more than shots taken with a broken antique camera and damaged glass plates, then over-toned to make them appear old. There seems to be too much left to chance in this collection, certainly not what I admired about Mann's work in the past: sharp images that get to the point and hide nothing.
   
   To myself, a person who actually lives in the deep south, the images here are evoke nothing other than an urge to grab a bottle of Windex; it's sheer caricature; an attempt to imitate the effects of time, cliched images of the Old South, or imitate Matthew Brady. It's a photographic contradiction-in-terms; a brand-new antique. Some of the images are invisible -- there's nothing but overexposed light and (deliberately) scratched glass. Pretty self-indulgent. A teenager with a Holga probably could have produced something similar.
   
   Hardly Mann's best work. A serious misstep, in my opinion. The process is interesting; the choice of plates seems almost perfunctory. The results barely scrape the surface. I'd sum it up by saying that this volume is not art, on the grounds that the "envisioning" of the final work is pretty much left to the camera, and not the person holding it. For final punctuation, this book is also out of print and in the bargain basement.

5 comments about Antarctica: The Global Warning.

1. Exquisitely beautiful pictures of the natural wonders of Antarctica. It is accompanied by a political message from non-scientists such as Leonardo DiCaprio regarding the effects of global warming. That may explain why they could not be bothered by such things as the fact that ice depth is actually increasing in that part of the world. But the pictures and message of conservation in general is good.



2. I have visited Antarctica and climbed its ice in some of the very places photographed by Copeland. His amazing images capturing the majestic, awe-inspiring beauty of this magnificant continent can be beaten only by seeing it in person. The included DVD is a real treat, especially on a wide screen, where you feel you are right there with the bergs, the glaciers, the penguins, and the wild seas of the Drake. The book's climate-change warnings and insightful commentaries are timely and provocative, but hardly a huge part of the book. Ignore the global warming skeptcis who have rated it down--they don't know what they're talking about and are just plain wrong. Copeland and his commentators have it right on. I have seen with my own eyes the damage warming is causing to Antarctica. Tragically, it is very real. Buy the book for its fabulous pictures, learn why Antarctica is so compelling, then you will surely give attention to its warning and heed its SOS.



3. I must praise the photography in this volume. The photos are fantastic. Stark, eerie, they almost make you shiver from the Antarctic cold just looking at them. But unless you are a connoisseur of ice and snow packed and cracked and whittled into different shapes by the wind, it gets to be a bit much. In addition to the ice floating in the ocean and the snow covering the shores and mountains and wide vistas, there are animals. Lonely looking animals, for the most part. Lonely looking sea birds, sea lions, and penguins. But mostly there is ice. Ice in an infinite variety of colors and shapes.
   
   This is probably a good coffee table book, to give guests something pretty to glance at. Unfortunately there is little context for the photos. They are presented one after another, without captions. Where, when were they taken? We see what look like whale skeletons lying on some forlorn landscape, but what kind of whales were they? How did the skeletons come to be up on the land? Many questions arise, but all we have is the stark images.
   
   Finally, the text. There isn't much. Gorbachev and Leonardo Di Caprio blather about climate change. I'm almost inclined to be against anything those two people might be for, so that's a big strike against this book for global warming realists like myself. Of course we are treated to the sentiments of the photographer and other environmentally minded writers.
   
   I simply find it sad that these beautiful photos are used to mislead people. The ocean has actually cooled a fraction in the past five years or so. As for surface temperatures across the globe, we also see no warming, on average, since 1997. There are many factors that influence climate. Human beings affect only a few of those factors. Climate has been changing drastically in various ways since long before anyone ever thought of modern industry or the internal combustion engine. The belief that humans can change our climate in a major way strikes me as hubristic.
   
   Still, that doesn't take away from the major part of this book, the photos. If you love frozen water in a thousand different shapes, then this book is nearly the ultimate visualization of it. For me, too much is just too much.



4. incredibly, stunning pictures...be sure to play the dvd as it contains even more details on getting there, especially interesting was the voyage through 'Drake's Shakes' a 3 day voyage through some of the roughest seas in the world. What I thought was missing was more details on how global warming has affected this area. While the pictures are incomparable, the visuals need more insight on how this area is being affected so much, what has changed over the years, and what this means to the rest of the world.



5. I first saw the book at the United Nations and loved it. But the price of $50 and the heavy weight made me think twice because I might not be able to fit it in my hand-carry. When I saw the price at Amazon.com, I was thrilled. I just love those beautiful professionally done photos. They remind me of my recent cruise to that region of the world. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Bad Dog: 278 Outspoken, Indecent, and Overdressed Dogs.

1. 
   I also have the Bad Cat book, which I think is hysterical. I wasn't disappointed with this one either!! I don't know if it's my sense of humor, because others I have shown it to don't seem to get it (LOL) but most of them think it's really funny. I have bought copies for a few friends and they love it!



2. The cover shows a cute, silly picture of a dog. I was expecting greeting card type goofy pictures and captions. The pictures were okay, the captions were tasteless, sick and far from funny. What a waste.



3. I have bought several of these and several of the ones with cats(my favorite). These are great stocking stuffers or just for someone who needs a laugh!! I only wish I had been there when they were doing the verbiage!!!!



4. i bought this for a dog lover as a fun birthday present, and its a very funny book. she leaves it on the coffee table and everyone always has to flip through it and get a laugh



5. Funny and cute doggy pictures. Text is amusing, and some of it would shock your grandma, (if she got it).

5 comments about Complete Guide to Digital Infrared Photography (A Lark Photography Book).

1. Most of the information in this book is available for free on the internet. Filter information, how to properly expose and focus a shot, etc. is all basic and common sense. The most disappointing part of the book was the post processing. Almost all of the post-processing instructions describe how to use Photoshop PLUG-INS that the reader may not have. Each of the plug-ins mentioned will cost you between $50 - $200 and even if you already have them the instructions are so basic you never get a feel for what you are doing or why.
   
   If you don't have access to the internet and are a complete newbie to IR Photography this book would be OK, which is why I am giving it 2 stars.



2. If you need or want to know anything about digital Infrared Photography
   this is the book to get it was exactly what I need to get started.



3. This is a good basic introduction to infrared photography, with beautiful photos. However, it concentrates on landscape photography (as you might expect) and a lot of the text in this 160-page book deals with post-processing techniques.
   
   A newer and much more comprehensive book is David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets,which explores the topic in a more wide-ranging and in-depth manner. For example, Busch's book shows you how to convert your own camera to infrared photography, how to make your own inexpensive IR filter, and how to build a viewfinder that by-passes the IR "blackout." In addition to landscape photography, that book has techniques for shooting architecture, portraits, sports, and other unconventional subjects.
   
   Serious photographers should probably have both books. Farace's is a good guide to infrared fine art landscapes, while Busch's book is perfect for someone who intends to get serious about IR photography.



4. Infrared photographers are in their own creative league. Read this book, check out Joe's images, read his words, and you'll see why Joe is one of the top IR photographers around - any why he is the technical director of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers. I've been a photographer for about 30 years, and yet I still continue to learn and grow, thanks to books like Joe's. - Rick Sammon, Founder, The League of Creative Infrared Photographers.



5. Most of the example photos in this book are from photographers other than the author. Makes a reader wonder if the author has taken many IR photos of his own. As was mentioned in another review, his post processing section consists of telling you to buy expensive plug-in modules for Photoshop. Apparently he does not know how to create effects such as sepia toning and depends on the expensive plug-ins to solve that problem. Not worth the paper it's printed on. His section on exposure, depth of field, and focusing are pretty thin and contain information available for free on the web. Not recommended.

5 comments about The Natural World.

1. I was a fan of Mangelsen's photos before I bought the book, but wow! Page after page of excellent photos. it's the coffee table book that is rarely ever on the coffee table because people are oohing and ahhing over the wonderful content



2. This book makes a great gift. It's big and beautiful and unusual, and the photography is spectacular. The book is bound at the top for optimal viewing of the panoramic scenery. Mangelsen is a genius with a sophisticated eye for composition, color, depth... The text is wonderful, explaining the story behind the photographs. This is the consummate coffee table book. It lives on our coffee table and everyone who sits on the couch instantly becomes mesmerized with the beauty of each page.



3. ...this is the one. Tom Mangelsen was named by American Photo as one of the "100 Most Important People in Photography" and this book shows why. His work is not what one would usually expect in nature photography. He breaks through a genre that has become something of a cliche and surprises the viewer/reader with a broad, holisitic look at nature that astonishes and moves. This is my favorite book on nature, ever.



4. What a beautiful display of God's wonderful creation! The books great, but there are two pages that are smudged. However, I can live with the smudging for the price I paid.



5. The images in this book are great and truly inspiring. The panoramic format really adds to the impression. Mangelsen has shot the images around the globe from Alaska to the desert in Africa.

1 comments about Tim Walker.

1. this lovely dreamy book features the fashion photography of Tim Walker in all it's glory. Every single magazine editorial that I felt compelled to tear out (featuring his lovely imagery) is in here. It makes for a great coffee table book or gift for a photographer. He creates whimsical magic set ups and combines them with surrealistic styling. Must have for the fashion mag junkie!

No comments about Erotic X-Treme.

5 comments about Spirit Of America.

1. I was fortunate to purchase a Peter Lik Limited Addition Photo, at which time the book had been just rec'd. by the Maui Hawaii Gallery. The sales person was kind enough to give me a copy of his new book. They has just rec'd. and still in the back shop. Boy what a great gift and stunning piece to have on your end table for guest to see. Would highly recommend this fabulous book.



2. The book arrived right on time and it was great. The pictures were like nothing I have ever seen before. I recommend the book and Peter Lik to anyone.



3. I viewed this talented artist's work while vacationing in Las Vegas, and loved it. When I returned home, I found the new book on amazon.com for half price--a great collection of beautiful photographs at a great price.



4. At least five of my friends and family, who had looked at the book, imediately purchased one for themselves. The pictures are amazing. Get it while you can - they sell out fast. I waited six months between printings.



5. This book contains a lot of the photos on display in his galleries in Hawaii. He's got a great eye, and this book is a wonderful substitute for those who can't afford (or don't have large wall space) to purchase his individual works.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS2, Revealed, Deluxe Education Edition (Revealed (Thomson)).

1. I was using Chris Botehlo's Adobe Indesign CS2 Revealed, which is an excellent, clearly written book, so I naturally bought this book when I needed to learn Photoshop. Unfortunately, Ms. Reding's ability to convey complex instructions is lacking. The instructions are very disjointed and confusing. With no particular offense meant toward Ms. Reding, I strongly suggest that she partner with Chris Botehlo when writing the next edition of this book.



2. I'm half way through this book. Although I've used Photoshop extensively for some time, I have learned a lot in every chapter. The explainations, exercises and tips are all good. Unfortunately, the editing was poor (mostly little mistakes, but they waste the student's time). Also, the index failed me the few times I tried to use it.



3. This is a great book that shows the hows and gives you the whys behind it. I recommend for any beginner Photoshop users.



4. This is a textbook I needed for a class, but I'm enjoying it anyway! There are a few items in here that seem to be done with less skill than the professor's method, but all in all, it seems like a good, user friendly book.



5. The book does what it says and it will teach you Photoshop but the text can get a little confusing. For instance during the final projects and the end of the books some of the techniques they ask you to do are not to be found in this book nor could I find them in the index. Some of the steps it asks you to do are repetitive and have nothing to do with the task at hand.
   
   On the other hand I have learned a lot about Photoshop from this book and I am now confident in using the program. I do suggest reading the text in between the steps seeing how that clarifies a few things for you. For what its worth this book is worth the price and is great for anyone wanting to learn Photoshop.

5 comments about A Short Course in Nikon D300 Photography book/ebook.

1. This is a "cookie cutter" copy of the book I purchased for my Nikon D80. All the author did was update the information from one camera to the other. Very dissapointing, not to mention overpriced. The features of the D300 were not covered very throughly and a lot were left out completely. A much, much better book is David Busch's "Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" and is also less expensive.



2. This useful course is designed to assist relatively new users of Nikon DSLRS of this calibre (pro level).
   It almost succeeeds. On the positive side it sets out each section clearly and concisely and is backed up by the Ebook disc with animated practical exercises.
   The negatives? - The book tends to gloss over some operational areas with the D300 or offers only scant reference to them.
   It is not a high quality production for the price charged (not much better than a photocopied edition) and could have been so much better with the addition of colour. (you can produce a colour edition yourself by printing from the disc provided).
   Overall though, the book works quite well and certainly demystifies some of the confusing data written in Nikon's D300 users manual



3. complicated. The Cd does not work. Quality is so poor that it peels off within your computer creating problems to retreive the debrie



4. The book was damaged when it arrived, reured the book and was refunded my money.



5. I found that this course book was excellent for helping me learn not only about how to use my Nikon D300 but also good at covering basic photography information as well. This is not just another course on what the D300 features are but also how and when to use those features. I felt that the writing style was very clear (not too technical) and did specially well at explaining more complicated subjects like exposure, histograms, lighting (white balance) and flash.
   
   The illustrations were well done and clear to show parts of the camera and complicated topics as well.
   
   Having the book in PDF format with hyperlinks was also a hugh plus. I was able to read the course on a plane during long flights without having to carry the bound version with me on the plane (I had to carry my laptop on with me anyway).