5 comments about Photocraft: Cool Things to Do with the Pictures You Love.

1. Great inspirational book. I have been taking pictures since I bought it. Haven't tried any of the projects in the book, but have came up with my own and now know so much more about things like photo paper, adhesives, etc. I do plan to try a project soon!



2. Many of the projects are pretty advanced, but there are some great ideas, and I always appreciate craft books that have sections on materials and step-by step instructions.



3. This book has some GREAT ideas for using those stored photographs! We've already gone through several boxes and made a really cool lampshade; a collage; and jewelry! The book has creative gift ideas, which will be cherished by the recipient. Fun projects for the whole family!



4. Photocraft features fresh, inventive ways to display your photographs. I was inundated with photo storage boxes and was seeking a creative way to display cherished images when a friend gave me this book. Most of the projects are relatively simple and are accompanied with easy to follow instructions. I needed a quick fix wall treatment in my entranceway and borrowed an idea from page 100: using old CD cases, I created my own rotating photo gallery (FYI: I found that poster tabs keep the light weight plastic in place).
   
   I've found this book to be an invaluable resource for both displaying photos and making personalized gifts.



5. What a wonderful addition to my burgeoning craft-book library! This book is visually engaging and can serve as a creative inspiration to novice crafters and seasoned ones alike. 'Photocraft' engages the imagination while providing practical instruction as to how to manipulate all types of images artisically. A great find!

5 comments about From Word to Image: Storyboarding and the Filmmaking Process.

1. I used this book to help teach a class. It has more than enough for a semester class to absorb, and all of the information is relevant, real-world and useful



2. All of what this book says could have been said in 5 or 6 pages. There are a few basic concepts the book covers that are worthwhile, but I found it to be heavily padded and very basic. A much better book is Profores' Film Directing Fundamentals, which comes at storyboarding and other visualization tools from a director's viewpoint, rather than an illustrator's.



3. I found the book invaluable as it gives a great insight into the real world of storyboarding. I am a 3d previz artist trying to establish an economical previz solution to productions of smaller budgets.
   I believe the traditional storyboard artist and illustrators are an integral part of the process of previz, all my 3d previz begin with boards all sketches.
   
   I think this book is excellent for anyone wanting to tune their skills towards a professional storyboarding career.
   tony
   [...]



4. I found this book an excellent read and a great tool. I write screenplays, so my characters have specific duties. This book helps me determine what the camera shots should look like (without having to direct the director, which is a big no-no in screen writing).



5. Very informative and interested. The best book I have read on storyboarding. This book is a page turner with funny, real-life experienced stories at the end of each chapter. It explained clearly, in full detail how stoyboards are done and even got into perspective and technique. I learned a lot of important information that got me thinking about filmmaking on a whole new level. I have used what is detailed in this book for my short film. I highly recommend reading it before making a film or if you are going to be doing storyboards.

5 comments about Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques.

1. Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques
   I loved this book, and although I am not a traditional or professional photographer, it gave me a ton of ideas of how to improve my photography skills as well as what to do with the photos as far as effects and printing methods.
   I would say that one thing to know about this book is that it is really geared toward serious photographers as far as equipment goes. The author talks about filters and lenses and if you are like me and have a cheap point and shoot digital camera, and don't plan on camera equipment upgrades, it is meaningless.
   Don't let that discourage you however, the images were inspiring, the printmaking techniques intriguing and the software manipulation ideas really fun! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Photo Art.



2. I have been a photographer for 50 years, and a Photoshop user for 15. I read several reviews before purchasing this book. I noted negative some opinion that claimed this book was inferior because it was not a great Photoshop book. I have to take exception to this. reading this book inspired me to push myself beyond the confines of "Photoshopping" images.
   There is so much more to photography as an artistic medium, than simply cleaning and perfecting an image, and then printing it on white paper.



3. This is a great book. I have used this book for a couple of years now and was surprised at a few of the comments of other reviewers.
   
   For the reviewer that said there was some Photoshop in it, but was disappointed that it wasn't an in-depth how-to Photoshop book: Yes, it is fine art oriented, not a Photoshop class. Some Photoshop techniques related to fine art are explained well and clearly so you can use them without difficulty. The book uses Photoshop tools well, but it isn't a Photoshop book.
   
   For the reviewer that said it was dated: In spite of it being published a few years ago, almost everything in the book is still up-to-date, with the exception of some references to Studio Artist. If you want completely up-to-date, get Airey's Beginner's Guide to Digital Photo Art. Don't be fooled if you are not a beginner -- this book is still for you. The techniques are clearly explained, so a beginner can follow it well -- but the techniques explained are wonderful things that an experienced fine art photographer will enjoy thoroughly. I believe it works well WITH this book, but if I had to get only one, it would be Beginner's Guide.



4. This is a fabulous, creative treasure chest!!!! She gives step by step instruction for each of her works. Each one turns out uniquely different from the original photos. They become one of a kind art pieces. She lists all of the products she uses, the vendors & what each product does in detail. Artwork by other digital artists are sprinkled through as well. It's a great resource that generates inspiration & creativity!



5. This form of book concept has a high potential for today's amateur artist. I'm glad I bought it because it does contain a lot of useful information. However, I will buy a few more books to complete my "schooling" in marrying digital to traditional art. I found this book offers only a small amount to that concept. Here's what I found.
   
   Cons...
   i. Too heavy in the use of 3rd party software (some only avail on the Mac). Most of the digital treatments in this book can just as easily be done in Photoshop.
   ii. The book lacks step by step details on how to do certain things. If you don't know how to do it, your left guessing or going on the internet to figure it out.
   iii. Way, way too much filler (repetition, photo fillers, white space etc...)
   iv. The author spends way too much time on things that really do not matter and are not helpful.
   v. The overall format of the book is good, but it does get disorganized here & there.
   vi. Not enough follow through on why facts are presented: you get a simple "data dump" in some cases.
   
   Pros...
   i. The author has an exceptional knowledge of paper variety. Before reading this book, I knew business grade white Xerox paper & bond...
   ii. The author does present some very good ideas of converging digital to traditional art.
   iii. The price for the book is cheap for the info you get from it. If it saves you an hour or teaches you a technique that you use, the book has more then paid for itself.
   iv. It is a high quality book (paperback, but nicely printed).

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

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



2. 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



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. 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.



5. 
   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!

5 comments about The Figure in Motion.

1. This book is a must have for all serious artists. It is well done with its action and choice of moving poses. A great place to start if you are working with a model to explain a little about what you would like for them to do.



2. This book is definitely meant for artists who are looking to study the human anatomy in motion. People looking to copy poses specifically for illustration purposes look elsewhere. However, animators, game artists, fine artists in need to reference to how all aspects of the body look in motion (muscles, weight distribution, hair, etc...), this book is a nice little tool to have on your book shelf.
   
   A couple shortcomings with the book is that there aren't more male poses and that they didn't explore their group poses a bit further. Other then that it's a pleasant little reference book full of pictures without text on the pages to distract the viewer.



3. like others said the pictures are grainy. not enough lighting on some...need some ethnic women...



4. I've seen several mentions of grainy photos, and they are grainy, however that is the least of the problems with this book.
   
   First of all many of the figures have been traced out from the background the photo was taken with and pasted onto a plain white background, causing multiple problems, like persepctive and flat or squished body surfaces where the models were originally sitting or lying on something. The "cutting and pasting" is sloppily done, and in many of the photos the tips of toes and fingers have been cut off, very annoying.
   
   Secondly, there are several photographs that take up two pages...but this is a bound book, so the entire center of the body is not visible, and because a portion is in the binding even the countour is not usable. In additon to the two page layouts, there are multiple other figures that fall directly in the center of the book, and are rendered unusable by the binding. The only thing I can figure is that this was originally a spiral bound book, or had pull out pages, like a magazine centerfold. I can't imagine someone would intentionally publish a book with such an awful layout.
   
   Lastly, some of the "motion" figures are cheats. One in particular is clearly a man laying on something propped up on a pillow, but he has been cut and pasted as though it were an upright pose...maybe that explains why so many found the poses "unatural". That wouldn't be a big deal if the book wasn't called "The Figure In Motion", and was maybe titled "Some Figures In Motion, and Some Sedentary But Turned To Appear As Though They Were In Motion."
   
   Couldn't give it no stars, as I will use some of the photos, but my money could most certainly have been better spent.



5. the photographs aren't of the BEST quality [very grainy], but that didn't really bother me much.
   
   the poses are very un-natural and a little forced.
   
   there is a lack of male models in this, so if you're looking to use this as a reference book for males i suggest you keep browsing elsewhere.
   
   over-all a good buy.

5 comments about How to Cheat in Photoshop : The art of creating photorealistic montages - updated for CS2 (How to Cheat in).

1. This product was bought as a gift for a bright 16 year old girl. It was purchased to fuel her interest in PhotoShop without her having to first wade through a ton of dry how to. This book allowed her to see what was possible so that she now seeks out the ways that she can do other more mundane applications of the program. It provided what it was purchase for. A match for a creative fire.



2. I purchased this book over a year ago, and I'm still using it. You give several examples in your chapters on how to do a certain task, in a down to earth writing style which I find very easy to understand. I've become so much more efficient in Photoshop thanks to your book.
   Cheers!



3. This is a very fun book to work thru. It comes with a CD that has photos to work with. You will install the CD and use the different effects over and over. I find myself going back to the book on many different projects. Most of the effects are ones that you can use in editing any type of photo. I loved the book and recomend it highly. Even beginners will find it easy to follow.



4. Just got into this book and I love it already. It may help for you to have another book along for tool and palette reference. The accompanying cd-rom is a great help, but i just wish that it had more videos. This book is definitely one of the top PAdobe Photoshop CS2 One-on-One (One-On-One)hotoshop books that I own.



5. This is an excellent hands-on tutorial in getting the most out of Photoshop CS2, Ostensibly about creating realistic-looking photomontages (though most of the examples wouldn't fool someone who's paying attention), this book is actually for anyone who has struggled to learn about layers and masks and levels. It's accessible and fun.

5 comments about Until Now.

1. I bought it for a friend recently- somehow I expected the book to be a little bigger- still a good gift for all the pregnant women in your life :)



2. I assumed that all Anne Geddes books were full of adorable pictures of uncomfortable-looking babies. I bought this book online as a gift for my Grandma for Christmas. I wrapped the book before looking through it, and was more than shocked on Christmas morning when my Grandma was flipping through her brand new book and saw a lot more than babies!! While the photography is stunning, please be warned that nude adults are included in this particular collection. I was also disappointed that the pictures were rather small. Overall, the pictures were beautiful but the book was not quite what I expected.



3. I was recently presented with a copy of this--compendium of cultural toxic waste--by a friend with dark sense of humor. I had confessed to her that, after lapsing into unconsciousness after a bender compounded of too much Maker's Mark and not enough food, I had had odd and disturbing nightmares studded with grotesque images of infants. By the following weekend, she left a copy of this monstrosity on the cocktail cabinet. After shaking up a suitable quantity of Manhattans, we fell to thumbing through this glossy bit of schlock. The inevitable debate arose: Does this stuff really reflect some vision of Geddes', or is this a very well put-over joke? I thought I had the better end of this argument by suggesting that anyone who collaborates with Celine Dion must have an immense sense of humor, but I was reminded that listeners to the latter are often a really humorless lot. That stymied me. And Geddes' objectification of infants, I was reminded, has the hallmarks of kitsch and sentimentality, but with an edge of--fetishization. These images are no more genuine, no more reflective of the (rare) bit of beauty that one can glean from a squirming screechling, than a grainy Linda Lovelace flick. Either Geddes is a master ironist, or a very, very disturbed photographer. For a case of the creepies, only Wegman and his harem of porno-Weimaraners can do more psychic damage.
   
   So as a gift to someone whose tastes are so utterly debased that they can't see the creepy humor in this, as a gift to someone who can, or as an evil prank on someone who is likely to have colorful nightmares, this thing is a winner.



4. Anne Geddes takes such beautiful pictures of babies! This price for such a big book is a GREAT value for the money. You won't be disappointed!



5. This is a beautiful and creative book if you like to look at tiny babies. That's about it.
   I never knew people had such strange reactions to Anne Geddes' art before reading these reviews. The artist takes photographs largely in Australia and then has them digitally placed in flowers or butterfly suits and what-not in Auckland, New Zealand(she doesn't actually contort the babies). Perhaps some people out there aren't familiar with this technology. Also, the crazy charge that the art contained in the book will make women have uncontrollable urges to produce babies, well, that must be a personal issue I suggest taking up with a therapist. The world population is actually growing slower than expected - global population figures are being scaled back as modernization and education spread. Bottom line: Relax and enjoy the five-star computer-enhanced digital photography, find more important things to complain about and get therapy if you need it!

4 comments about Guide to Colorado Wildflowers: Mountains (Guide to Colorado Wildflowers. Vol 2. Mountains).

1. This book is organized really well, but the pictures are disappointing. They're a bit blurry in many cases and difficult to get any sense of scale from the pictures- some other books handle this better. A decent reference book for the novice though.



2. While trying to identify some slides that I shot during June of some wildflowers in Colorado, I tried to use Peterson's Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers. I had a very difficult time trying to identify anything. I picked up Guennel's guide (for both prairie and mountain) and within minutes I had EVERY wildflower slide identified. I'd like to see more information about each plant, such as when it indicates 'poisonous' for the plant, is it for the whole plant, root, petals, ??? But the ease in identification more than makes up for the lack of additional info. I definately recommend this book.



3. See review for Guide to Colorado Wildflowers: Mountains for this review. Same author and same style applies to this one. Excellent resource with ease of use.



4. Nice guide, grouping by color helpful for identification. Could use more detailed anatomical descriptions and photos are a bit small.

5 comments about Bondi Work (Bondi).

1. Who would have ever predicted that the beginning of the 21 century would be over saturated with glossy, hard cover, expensively produced books on the subject of male physical appeal.
   UNfortunately,95 percent of the wet-dream books are silly,ridiculously self-conscious, theatrically staged attempts at erotica with pouty male models & eager to cash-in cameraqueers referencing female pinup poses and attitudes more than anything else. Both Betty Page and Marilyn Monroe were queens of the erotic pose, but men should never mimic them. The vast majority of the books also look like it were shot by the same cameracrew and staged by the same stylist. One body type, one facial structure, 2 maybe 3 basic poses. Very mind numbingly unimaginative.
   But once in a great, long, while, a book of man-pics comes along that successfully creates a sexy, fantasy universe populated by attractive men going about the daily job of just being masculine (in the blue collar sense). Casting the subjects is the most important (after two decades of obvious,gay-icon types they are, naturally, no longer sexy) followed by the unwavering (butch)taste of the photographer.Although the images are staged (as opposed to documentary),there's a ease and a naturalness about the images that's refreshingly attractive. The use of natural light, butch/gritty locations, the relaxed facial expressions (instead of forced seductive cliche' stare-downs) to and the UN-beefcake poses work well. I can only imagine what these books have done for Bondi-eye-candy-tourism in Australia.



2. According to Wikipedia, 'Bondi is an eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia', but to photographer/artist Paul Freeman, Bondi is a resource for the models of his highly successful series of 'Bondi' male photography books. This volume, BONDI WORK' is, for this viewer, the finest of the series. Combining full page bleed color photographs with equally sophisticated black and white images, and interspersing these dramatic compositions with occasional two page spreads of snapshot size images that often create 'stories' simply by their placement on the page, makes for a large scale survey of the amazing Australian models Freeman finds and captures for us.
   
   The theme here is 'work' and the settings are all in the various factories and workplaces in Bondi. The men are buff, but not distortedly so, and are presented both au natural and in elements of work clothing. For the most part these models appear very natural: no body shaving here, no need for oils and accoutrements - these are men in the raw, and enjoying themselves. The work theme matches the characters in this portfolio as these men all appear to be naturally buff from labor in the workplace (as well as the gym).
   
   Freeman includes full frontal (and rear) nudity but only incidentally. This is not a collection of aroused models but rather a collection of men who can arouse the viewer merely by the gifts they possess! This is a fine collection for a very large audience. Not only are the models well chosen and well placed, but the photographs are also very high quality in composition and lighting and choice of setting. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 08



3. There is a song in which the lyrics sum up my reaction to this book. The lyrics are, "your just to marvelous for words...". Enough said. Start salivating.



4. I am familar with Bondi's work, but I felt that this edition was by far his best work to date. Beautiful black and white picture of men set in work situations. I highly recommend this book.



5. This expose' on the working Sydney Man pictorial is somewhat explicit, but gives you a general idea of the beauty of the aussie men's natural form in the act of every day working class life. Somewhat cheesy, but, although somewhat extreme forms they represent, it give you a general idea of the Aussie zest for life attitude. These men are examples of perhaps a small perecentage of the Aussie working men, by far, a bit muscle bound for what I have seen, being I have lived there off and on, but these guys are a part of the scene that makes Oz Down Under a unique canvas of the Lust for Life Population that seems to savor physical activity and outdoorsy keep active lifestyle, in place of our American Armchair Couch Potato Society, and they will let you know that....believe me!!
   
   I have all three of Paul Freeman's Sydney Men Collection, and it is tasteful enough for a coffee table display, in a mature setting of course, very well done and although a bit dark and brooding, I am sm sure Mr. Freeman intended to give it the rough hewn and dank enviornment these working men must endure to make it through there rough lives....Oyee Vay, Ei Yi Yi, and OMG! will be your cries at every turn of the page, really!!!
   
   So gawk if you will at perfect buns of steel and rippling chiseled form, these guys are for real, and believe me, those are all most probably sparkling blue eyes that go along with those square jaws and chesire grins.

No comments about Robert Capa At Work: This is War.