3 comments about Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture.

1. I haven't finished reading this book but the images of jewelry are beautiful and inspiring.



2. I've been keeping an eye on 'high fashion' for 25+ years as my own one-of-a-kind bead & jewelry business evolved. I could never figure out why some of the very unusual and creative jewelry I saw in couture and pret-a-porte' runway shows was rarely covered in detail in the fashion books or magazines. Finally this book was created to begin answering my prayers! Bravo - I love it, get lost in it!
   While I love all kinds of jewelry, I'd gotten my fill of the books featuring more traditional gold/diamond-type jewelry! If you like the more unusual side of the universe, then you will treasure this book.... and I say all of this before I've even studied the text!
   I hope publishers will pay attention and give us more, more, more! This is the tip of the iceberg and I'm delighted.



3. Expertly co-authored by fashion historian and consultant Florence Muller and haute couture costume jewelry collector Patrick Sigal, "Costume Jewelry For Haute Couture" is a profusely illustrated compendium showcasing dazzling, one-of-a-kind jewelry designed by skilled artisans to complement and adorn individual couture pieces for fashion shows and photo shoots. Representing outstanding examples from Coco Chanle in the 1920s to Yves Saint Laurent in the 1970s, to the creation of Lanvin today, "Costume Jewelry For Haute Couture" highlights some of the greatest jewelry creations by some of the greatest artists the fashion industry has every known, including examples by Balenciaga, Diro, Schiaparelli, Givench, Vionnet, and so many others. Beautiful and informative, "Costume Jewelry For Haute Couture" is enthusiastically recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Art History, Fashion History, and Jewelry reference collections.

5 comments about Jeff Smith's Lighting for Outdoor & Location Portrait Photography.

1. good book for beginnners, but there is not much info, huge color photos, and 128 pages, the space would be much better if was used for more information not photos, because photos I can see on internet for free.
   Also the photos contained in the book are too soft with almost no detail.



2. I enjoyed this book - I LOVE outdoor photography and it gives great advice about different aspects of the game...
   
   I would definitely recommend this book...



3. I was far from impressed with this book.
   
   My biggest problem is with the sample images. There are, on average, several images per page, and every single one of them has a cheesy Photoshop soft focus effect or a diffused glow effect applied to them. The author states over and over again the importance of shadow transition zones, and then goes into photoshop to blur the transition between shadow and highlight and artificially enhance the lighting.
   
   The second problem with this book is that the author insists that artificial lighting on location must be done with portable studio strobes. This is simply not true, and most beginners would benefit from some advice on using speedlights on location, whether singularly or in groups. On-camera flash is what most armatures have, and what most professionals use on location, and there are techniques that allow photographers to get professional results without investing thousands of dollars in studio strobes and portable battery packs. The author avoids the topic completely by saying "If you would not use an on camera flash in the studio, why use it on location?" The answer is that on location you have natural light as your main light and flash as your fill or accent. In the studio you have to create all of the light there. There is a difference.
   
   In short, this book does not provide armatures with the information to get into outdoor portrait lighting right away, but is not nearly inventive enough to give professionals any really new ideas or techniques.



4. 
   
   Being that flying is what it is, I find myself doing more reading and less traveling for educational meetings. The first thing I liked about this book is that it is all Jeff Smith and not a compilation of many authors saying " Well, I do it this way". Within a very few pages, I realized that this is a true gem of a book. I found Jeff Smith challenging concepts that many of us as photographers have been accepting for years. What is more important is that he is correct. In one example, he inquires if we would use on camera flash in the studio. Of course not we think and then he asks.....then why would you do that outdoors? The theme of the book is how to get PROFESSIONAL pictures in location photography be it indoors or out and I think he accomplishes that admirably. He not only explains why he does certain things but why we do it as image makers either consciously or unconsciously.
   There are many facts without a lot of verbiage and although in my compulsive manner, I like to highlight as I read, I found I was highlighting practically everything. Yes, a few of the comments could have been explained better but after more reading you figure out where he is taking you. An excellent, well thought out book that will unquestionably give you pearls to walk away with and whets my appetite for more of his books and thoughts.



5. A good book on the subject, but not very detailed on specific camera settings and other tips; therefore it's not for everybody.

4 comments about Preserving Your Family Photographs: How to Organize, Present, and Restore Your Precious Family Images.

1. Does an excellent job of organizing and establishing time lines for photos. Very glad to find a copy.



2. Taylor may give readers a good place to start in their efforts to preserve family photographs, but offers information that is both contradictory and vague.

   She gives a basic explanation of the "enemies" your photographs are facing, even breaking down information on particular types of photographs, tintypes, Polaroids, etc. But does not bother defining some basic terms in the glossary such as lignin. Nor are many of her suggestions for which supplies are appropriate specific enough. Eg., what kind of brush should I use to clean photos? I know that Nylon brushes are probably not soft enough for treasured photos. Even worse she says polyethylene is a bad material to store your photos in, but a few pages later suggests using polyethylene freezer bags for freezer storage of items.

   Taylor includes lengthy lists of resources for, and more information on preservation. But some of the web addresses she lists no longer exist.

   While she has some good suggestions for long-term storage of photo collections, I would not recommend this book to anyone trying to learn about photographic preservation.




3. For me, studying old photos is one of the more fascinating aspects of family research, even when I'm not related to any of the people whose faces appear. The military uniforms, hats, parlor furniture, automobiles, urban scenes, and especially the faces and their expressions, are like a kind of time travel, allowing you to peer back into someone's past. Taylor's previous book, _Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs,_ investigated that process. But how to protect the photos you already have tucked away in albums have so future family members will get the same pleasure (and information) from them? And how to rehabilitate those you discover to whom the years and the elements have not been kind? This time, the author outlines the steps you can take to see that your photographs have the best chance of survival and describes the methods conservators and restoration experts follow when the task becomes too much for you. She also guides you through the process of creating a meaningful scrapbook of archival quality, discusses the use of computer enhancement and electronic archives, and points out the legal aspects of posting photographs on a web site. Most of the chapters end with checklists and answers to frequently-asked questions, and there are many sidebars and brief marginal comments regarding further reading and useful Internet resources on the subject. Keeping in mind that the technical aspects of photographic restoration and preservation continue to evolve rapidly, this is an excellent beginner's guide and reference handbook.



4. Mama won't take your Kodachrome away, it is time and the elements which are attacking your treasured family photographs. Your Polaroid snapshots are fading as you read this. Those "magnetic" photo albums with the adhesive pages are gassing your family pictures to crumbs. Your digital images may not be viewable by your great grandchildren. But don't give up hope - take action. Maureen Taylor's "Preserving Your Family Photographs" tells you how to take charge and protect your family's photographic history. "Preserving Your Family Photographs" shows you how taking some simple steps now will slow down the aging process of your photographs. And its doesn't require a chemistry set. The book further discusses how and when to choose a professional conservator, concerns about digital photography, how to organize your collection, and even how to safely place your treasures in a scrapbook. This book takes up where "Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs" leaves off. After you've identified your family photographs, "Preserving Your Family Photographs" tells you how to keep them for generations to come.

5 comments about How to Photograph Cars.

1. I was back forth on this book as I read the first chapters. I then realized I was looking for some grand revelation. I started over and found that there was a lot of cleaver and less obvious information. What I found of most value was advise on composition, "cars look lousy on grass, so aviod it", use unclucluttered and uninterrupted surfaces and back grounds for example. The use of thirds in combination with the above advice is shown well with pictures on page 30 and 42. Overall I would recommend this for anyone who wants great looking pictures of there own automotive love to hang on their walls.



2. I thought I would learn "anything" about car photography when i bought this book, but actually it was zero added value to me. Only two ore three pages for Studio Car photography, with no much explanation. Elaborating more and more Car Outdoor Photography, but yet still with not much great information or professional details.
   
   It is only a basic introduction of what is Car Photography.



3. Well thought out, excellent chapters, actual picture by picture explanations of techniques. Definitely worth the money.



4. This is a nice coverage of the subject. I am a novice at photography and will be using a digital SLR camera. In my particular case I could have used more information on camera settings and lense selection, but the author probably assumes a bit more knowledge than I have.



5. This is a very interesting and comprehensive guide for the car photographer. Mann writes about many aspects of car photography, and explains how to use common techniques in action and still photography. This very concrete paperback is more of a step-by-step guide rather than an abstract aesthetic book. By that, I mean that the book explains tested and trailed techniques rather than encouraging to think creatively.
   
   Mann's pictures are gorgeous and very inspiring. I was very unsure whether to rate this book 4 or 5 stars. I have read more impressive photographic books, but not on cars. I believe that is about as good as it gets within that narrow topic.

5 comments about Complete Photoshop CS2 For Digital Photographers (Graphics Series).

1. I was really surprised this was such an excellent book. Usually I just read the chapters I am interested in , but I read this whole book--it was just so instructional and one that I will keep close to the computer for reference book.



2. This book has a lot of good information in it, but is not well written. You may be halfway through a paragraph before you get to the topic sentence and figure out what the author is talking about. It often takes a second or third trip through a paragraph to figure out what it's about. The author also is not consistent with his word usage. I've found as many as three or four different words used for the same thing. For instance luminosity and brightness are used interchangeably, sometimes on the same page or even the same paragraph. So, using the book can be frustrating, though the author clearly knows Photoshop and I have learned a lot from the book.
   The book does not mention or discuss some of the neatest features of Photoshop CS2 including some of the Automate features such as Merge to HDR (high dynamic range). This feature combines an underexposed and an overexposed picture into one high dynamic range image (bright areas are not washed out and dark areas are not black). This is an amazing capability that is not mentioned.
   I would buy this book again, but only after searching diligently for one that covers the same scope or more and is better written. Actually, I'd probably get a book that covers CS3 as well, and hopefully indicates where features are unique to CS3. Or maybe just a CS3 book if you are going to upgrade. I understand the upgrade to CS3 is well worth the price even though it is now $200. Ease of use alone makes CS3 valuable to novices from what I've read.



3. Mr. Smith's book is well illustrated and supported by the accompanying CD (images to work with that are in the book). His explanations are clear to the Photoshop user and he does explain some terms, as in methods of cropping and re-sizing an image and which method is suited for which type of image), file formats of images, and other areas like the applications under adjustments that I had not used until I began working with the book.
   I have found some techniques that are similar to other authors (Scott Kelby, in particular, whose books I have enjoyed quite a lot), and that was part of my interest in purchasing the book-to broaden my reference library with people aside from Kelby, Deke McClelland, and some folks on-line like Earth-Bound Light and Photography, etc). I recommend purchase. Readable, well cross-referenced, and helps deliver results.



4. Excellent training material. I would also recomment The Photoshop CS2 Book For Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby. The combination is outstanding.



5. I am an amaetuer photographer. This book has helped me fine tune my photos and bring out its full potential. I will gladly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain more knowledge on photography and perhaps learn a very powerful photo editing tool.

2 comments about Hands-On Digital Photography: A Step-by-Step Course in Camera Controls, Software Techniques, and Successful Imaging.

1. Many years ago I had the pleasure of taking a course with George Schaub in 35mm photography & lighting. He is a role model and photographic hero of mine. I love his work. The easy-going style found in his mannerisms and his lectures is clearly present in this book.
   
   In that class I would always be struck by the quality of his photographs - this book is no different than that experience. You are first stunned by the artistic beauty of his work and then he breaks down the steps required to create a similar result.
   
   The format questions are addressed in clear terms. If you ever wondered about RAW images versus TIFF versus JPEG, your questions will be answered. This book describes file size when saved in different formats and thsn the quality of the photo with the best enlargement outcomes.
   
   The step-by-step guide that he offers is easy to understand and laid out in a way that you can literally walk through his process. He first describes how the process works. What are the mechanics of this effect? He then moves into 'try it,' so that you are walked through how to get there. Advanced options is where he offers some creative license to those who may be daring to try something else. This is his approach throughout the book. You get to see photographs that reflect many shooting situations that the serious photographer is always on the look out for capturing.
   
   If you are seriously looking into or have a DLSR - you will LOVE this book. If you are catching up to the digital age from the 35mm age, you too will enjoy this book. If you want to learn how to love your camera and photography, you will catch what George Schaub embodies in his work and his life and that is his love of photography. That's what I caught from him years ago and it's still growing. Happy reading.



2. There are plenty of how-to guides on digital photography on the market, but libraries seeing a solid general reference should take a look at this: it provides a step-by-step course in common digital camera controls and photography and presents learn-as-you-go projects to help readers learn to work with a camera. Novices receive a guide which encourages them to experiment with pictures in a survey which even includes RAW converter step-by-step processes: if only one digital photography guide were to be purchased for a discriminating library with general-interest lending requirements, it should be this one.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

4 comments about The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog of Destiny.

1. If you enjoy the BMD breed, this book is a must have. The photos capture the beauty and personality of the Berner much beter than other books that I have seen about the breed.



2. This book sets the standard of "compleatness" on the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is way beyond that of just a typical guidebook. Bernd Guenther has left, proverbially, no stone unturned here. The author's breadth of research, resources, insights, and details are on a level of the highest competence as to be priceless; this kind of preliminary (for the new and even seasoned owner) information cannot be overestimated.
   But it's more than just an information book for breeders and owners; you are made to completely inhabit the world of this legendary, mythological breed. Guenther takes you on a delightful life-guide of several Berners, noting distinct personality traits, whimsical anecdotes, and a good deal of sharp-viewed observations. Without ever being heavy-handed, Guenther takes the reader onto a serious study of the breed. As he makes clear, this is an extraordinary dog, one that needs like considerations. No prospective Berner owner should be without this book, as the author has the kind of sagacity and knowledge that was gleaned as a true lover and connoisseur of not just his own dogs, but for the breed in general. Indeed, some of the information is not to be taken lightly, especially genetic problems, and some tough sacrifices one must potentially make. And - this is a good thing - the book will either make you say a firm "yes" or "no" when considering bringing a Berner into your life. On the one hand, this beautiful, loyal, human-like dog may have you on the phone tomorrow looking for one; on the other, the responsibilities can be made to seem overwhelming - be prepared to GIVE UP your life BB (Before Berner) as you have known it! You cannot get any dog as if you would a piece of furniture, but with Berners, there are absolutely no options: the dog has to be a total part of your family, your life. Guenther makes clear as to what adoption of a Berner entails. Freedom will be limited. Berners are not for jet travelers or workaholics. After reading Guenther's precise requirements, a prospective owner will be made to realize the exacting responsibilities involved. Berners are frighteningly intuitive creatures, and to compromise the existence of them would be sheer misery for them.
   
   Crowning this achievement are the astonishing photos; they will literally make you gasp. Some will bring tears to your eyes. You will see why this breed is the King of Dogs: their physical magnificence is almost unreal. Perhaps the most fascinating set are of one dog, captured from the time of near birth, from every few months, and then to yearly intervals, to near the end of its life.
   
   This is more than just a book: it is an incredible generosity of spirit. Don't even THINK of bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home without it.



3. The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog Of Destiny by Bernd Guenter (a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the World Dog Press Association) is so much more than just a simple coffeetable book of wonderful photographs showcasing a specialized canine breed. The superbly presented and "user friendly" text commences with an introduction and history of the breed, then addresses the "Bernese Mountain Dog Standard". Then their are entire chapters devoted to puppyhood, the adolescent Berner, the adult Berner, showing the Berne (European Style), breeding the Berner, and health issues (including veterinarian selection, vaccinations, deworming, experternal parasites, and specific health problems affecting the breed). Enhanced with appendices for Breed Standards; Useful Addresses; Bibliography; and List of Abbreviations, The Bernese Mountain Dog is comprehensive, exceptionally well written, superbly illustrated throughout, and a "must" addition for the reading list and reference shelf for anyone who's canine companion is the Bernese mountain dog.



4. Every photograph in Bernd's book is literally a work of art. The detail in the photographs and the background scenery just takes your breath away. I especially love the photographs in "The Berner Circle of Life" on pages 134 through 141. Bernd chronicles the life of a newborn berner through his senior years. He has posed the Berner in the same stance from ages 5 weeks through 9 years. It is fascinating to see the progression from a young puppy, to a gangly teenager, to a full grown adult male who is absolutely gorgeous!!

   It is not just the photographs that make this book a "must have" for every Berner person and for those who are seeking information about Berners; the text is also excellent. Bernd Guenter is from Germany and his command of the English language is absolutely amazing!! This fantastic book is full of great
   information about the breed - you can tell that Bernd has lived with Berners and has been around Berners and their people for many years and from many countries. He is able to take his knowledge of Berners and turn it into a most informative and delightful book that is easy to read.

   You will find yourself shaking your head in agreement, laughing at the antics of the Berners, gaining a lot of knowledge about Berners and staying up late at night to finish just one more chapter. It a book that you will treasure forever.

   THANK YOU, BERND, for writing and photographing such a lovely coffee table book about our Berners!!!!!!

1 comments about A Maysles Scrapbook: Photographs/Cinemagraphs/Documents.

1. Albert Maysles is an undisputed master of documentary film and this book is a beautiful tribute to his work. As importantly, it serves as a reminder of his incredible ability to recognize and capture rare moments of raw humanity. The book features photographs, documents and cinemagraphs (a new word for me that apparently means film stills) arranged in rough chronological order to tell the story of his artistic life through his own images.
   
   The photographs are an absolute revelation. While it is well known that he and his brother David amassed a body of work that rivals that of any filmmaker or filmmaking team in all of cinema history, it has been relatively unseen until now how well his art translates into still imagery. Each photo hints at some untold story and shows the same intimacy with the subjects that the Maysles brothers were known for in their films. Additionally the photos are an incredible record of a life that took him to all corners of the earth. From his motorcycle trips across Eastern Europe and Russia in the fifties to intimate moments with his children, everything is captured here through his unique eye.
   
   The book has sections on many of the Maysles brothers' films (both the famous works like Grey Gardens and their lesser known fare like their documentary about Communist Cuba). Fans of the films , and film history in general, will be thrilled with all of the rare, previously unpublished and candid images of the subjects of the films. The Rolling Stones, the Beales, Truman Capote, Muhammad Ali and the four Bible salesman from "Salesman" all make appearances in photos and beautifully restored cinemagraphs.
   
   The documents are also treasures. Production notes, hand written letters from the subjects of the films and from Maysles's contemporaries provide historical insight and an intriguing window into the filmmaking process.
   
   For fans of the Maysles brothers, this book is indispensable. Beautiful subject matter, beautiful restorations, and a beautiful book design. I would also think that film buffs of all kinds would revel in its details and images. Lastly, it's fascinating to me as a history buff. It's undeniable that Albert Maysles filmed and photographed some the last century's most important figures - JFK, Ali, Capote, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Fidel Castro, etc. And this book, more than any I've seen, captures a distinctly human side to all of those larger than life luminaries.
   
   One last thing: the informal "scrapbook"-style layout of the book suits the candid, documentary style of Albert Maysles more than a formal coffee-table art book ever could. Great decision on the editors' part. And I forgot to mention the wonderful intro from Marty Scorcese!
   
   All in all, a great contribution to my book collection.

5 comments about Mastering Digital Scanning with Slides, Film, and Transparencies.

1. This book may have been useful in 2003 when it was written, but in the hyper changing digital world, it's now (2008) seriously out of date. As a consequence nearly everything specific about particular hardware or software is not useful. I'm returning the book.



2. This book actually made me angry. I feel the title is misleading to the point of fraud. Not only will you not master slide scanning (or any scanning) with this book, you won't even get to first base. The author natters on and on about everything under the sun remotely connected to scanning but gives next to no information on how to actually scan! Some people are saying that it might be good for beginners, but I really disagree. It's almost completely lacking basic, basic information anybody, especially beginners, would need to get good results. I am in complete agreement with the critical reviews by Mark Zelyony, Bernd Schneitler, and Mick36522. Conversely, I am amazed at some of the laudatory reviews. Whatever you guys are smoking, I want some too!



3. I thought the book went through step by step which is ferry help full I real recommend this to Slide person or somebody an pictures the book is ferry help full the best book on the shelf!!!!!!!!!!



4. Excellent text and tons of infromation, too much for the casual user. For someone serious about scanning from film media it's excellent. Someone wanting to scan objects or photos should find another source.



5. This book should have been called "What can you buy if you are thinking about playing with scanner", and it is good at that. It does not tell you much about scanning, it is more about buying equipment, and possibly software related to scanning. Just think about it: There is a chapter "Where to buy", and a chapter "Buying on ebay". There is no chapter "Do this if you miss shadow detail", though. This book is aimed at a high school student who is doing his/her first steps with a film camera and wants to get those pictures into the computer (is there such a person these days?) The book even mentions cross processing. No, it does not say what should you do if you need to scan a cross-processed film. It just says that you can process your film in the wrong developer and it will affect the image on the film.
   I was greatly impressed by the chapter on sending off your slides for scanning. Well you definetly need a book to tell you that you can do that, and it greatly improves your scanning skills
   If I had a chance to look at the book at the local store I would not ever buy it. Now it goes back to Amazon.

3 comments about Around the Globe.

1. This book is exceptionally beautiful inside, but the title is a lie. Such deceit deserves every ounce of disapproval--at least in the opinion of anyone concerned about truth in labeling. If you buy this book because you particularly like the mix of people found "around the globe," you will be sorely disappointed. I have leafed through the book three times and have not spotted even a single person of color--no Asian, no Indian, no Middle Eastern, no African, no obviously Caribbean or other islander--nothing that wouldn't pass for American or Western European. Lots of blonds and light hair.
   
   Let me be clear. I want this review to be "helpful" whether you take the news as good or bad, so I'm simply relating a fact: although the pictures are superbly beautiful, they are not of people from "around the globe" as the title suggests. It is my opinion that false advertising (even if the product is good) deserves the consumer's scorn--hence the reason for my single star.



2. This is not exactly what I thought I would be getting seeing as this was a Bel Ami product. I purchased this book for my boyfriend who is a big fan of Bel Ami and their typical frisky and youthful models. We found the models in this book to be more stoic than being fun and interactive, more manly than boyish, more muscled than twinkish. The models are definitely beautiful as is the photography...but do not expect this book to be typical Bel Ami.



3. I can't say enough about how beautiful the book is. The photography is,well the only word I can use,perfect. The men in the book are hand picked for their physical beauty and the photographer knows how to enhance their perfection. I love the size of this book, oversize and done to perfection. I want to thank Amazon for not only offering this book but also at a great discount price I could not find this price anywhere else. I have brought several books from Amazon since I received this one and will continue to buy from them. Their customer service is the best and their prices are are way below other online stores or bookstores, even here in New York.Thank You Amazon and keep up the good work