2 comments about Graphics on the Kindle (Book 1 of the "Graphics on the Kindle" Series).

1. One of the wonderful things about the marketplace of the mind that is opened up by the Kindle and other new technologies is that it allows us to focus on the things that we choose, the things we know about, the things we want to learn about, the things that drive us, the things that we are passionate about. Which I suppose is a flowery way of saying that, when there are skills that we do not have, we can find others who have these skills, who share them with us in terrific little e-books like this one. Whether you want to learn how to have fun with graphics on your own Kindle or incorporate graphics into a Kindle document, Manuel Burgos is a great go-to guy to have on your side. I was so impressed with what I read in Graphics on the Kindle that I contacted Manuel and engaged him to help me with the cover design for the print-on-paper version of Beyond the Literary-Industrial Complex: How Authors and Publishers Are Using the Amazon Kindle and Other New Technologies (... to Unleash an Indie Movement of Readers and Writers), and he did a wonderful job. I have no doubt that I will go back to him when it is time for a print-on-paper version of How to Use the Amazon Kindle for Email & Other Cool Tricks: Read and Answer Email Anywhere, Anytime on the Amazing Amazon Kindle (The Complete User's Guide to the Amazing Amazon Kindle).



2. Feel free to post any questions for the author as a comment to this post. We'll answer them daily. Thanks!
   
   ATTENTION COMIC BOOK, COMIC STRIP, AND GRAPHIC NOVEL CREATORS AND PUBLISHERS! Because you demanded it! Rare Arts is pleased to present its next title, Formatting Comics for the Kindle (Graphics on the Kindle). This second e-book of the "Graphics on the Kindle" series is the first to tackle the challenge of KINDLE E-COMICS! Check it out today!

No comments about Adobe InDesign CS3 Revealed (Revealed (Thomson)).

5 comments about Scrapbooking Your Favorite Family Memories (Scrapbook).

1. This is the best scrapbooking book that I have ever seen. This huge book is packed with loads and loads of original and very creative ideas. I love all the trick photography ideas, lessons on when to crop and when not to, as well as a LOT of information of journalism. It is an incredible book and probably the only scrapbooking book you will need. Highly recommended.



2. I'm pretty picky when it comes to scrapbooking how to books - it always seem they're either TOO BASIC or unpractical, too contemporary, or don't have enough pictures, or don't have enough instruction. This is the the PERFECT book I've found that can work well for anyone's needs.
   I have literally found HUNDREDS of ideas just from looking off the examples in this book. I LOVE IT!!!! I think this book has so much variety it could fit anyone's needs. I have had it for over 4 years from the time I was a beginner scrapper to now more experienced and I STILL find myself going back to it for reference and collecting NEW IDEAS even 4 years later! I definitely recommend it! I wish I knew if these authors had created any other scrapbooking books!



3. This book is well worth every penny. From beginner to advanced, it gives you so many ideas you won't know where to start.



4. This is an very easy to use and understand how to book. It contains a great many ideas that I would never have thought of or attempted without this book. Worth the money. You will use it over and over.



5. This is a great idea generator for scrapbookers. Nothing is too fancy or involved - just great "anyone can do this" page ideas. Loved it. Gave one as a gift also.

5 comments about Digital Photo Editing for Seniors: Learn How to Edit Your Digital Photos with Arcsoft PhotoStudio (Computer Books for Seniors series).

1. Having just started into Digital Photograhy I find this text a welcome addition to my library. This book allows you to customize your photo's to suit your taste. I am going to get a lot of use out of this excellent
   reference.



2. Did I mention that it is great? This is the same program that came with a digital camera I bought a few years ago, but I changed computers and couldn't find it again until now. (I found it by accident in the Computer Books for Seniors series.)
   
   Arcsoft PhotoStudio is user friendly and does everything that I need it to do. The price is awesome AND it comes with an instruction book which I did not have before (yet I figured it out!!!!.) I recommend this program to anyone and everyone.



3. This is a great book! I teach PC/Digital Camera classes in an adult ed setting and see this as a breakthrough volume. I'm working at convincing management to incorporate this as a required text/course.
   
   A key is that it INCLUDES a powerful editing software program. In classes, we use the SW that is resident on the lab PC's, so students are sent home to practice with either an unrelated product, or they are off to the store to face the dozens of choices for purchase at up to $100.
   
   Too bad the cover and title cater to seniors. This book is valuable for any one interested in the subject of digital imagery, not just Geezers. Hopefully however, that cover will interest more seniors who should buy this book and plod, yes plod, through it because learning something new ain't always easy, at any age.
   
   This book and the included Arcsoft program will guide users through very basic and simple editing functions like cropping and brightening their treasured images--alone worth the purchase price. But, what's surprising to me is the fact that some of the most advanced aspects of editing are covered, like cloning and the use of layers which are true pro-level features.
   
   Purchasing a "latest" comparable entry level program like "Photoshop Elements", or "Paint Shop Pro" at around $90, plus an explanatory step-by-step book at about $30, would be overkill when this all-in-one solution is available for under $20!
   
   Perseverance is required for anyone learning something new and potentially complex, but this book should be considered by anyone of any age group. Another volume I recommend, if one already has a complicated program they're stumped by is: "Digital Photography, The Missing Manual". manual"
   
   Dennis



4. Aug.12,2006
   I returned the above noted book to your Mississigua, Ontario Canada address because the Arcsoft PhotoStudio software was missing from the book.I requested a new copy with the software enclosed but as of today I have not received any news from Amazon, in Mississauga as to when I can expect my new book.
   Should I request a refund ? What do you suggest because I have really enjoyed other computer books for seniors in the same series.At this point I am disappointed that I have not received my correct order.Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
   Thank you
   Connie Moore



5. The previous reviewer quibbles with the title but neglects to address the content. I find this book extraordinarily useful in two respects: it includes the software that it is teaching, and the lessons are carefully designed to lead the ignorant learner through unfamiliar processes. Terms are defined, and ample opportunity is given for practice, to achieve good results.
   A prime volume for someone who wants to know something about digital photo editing. NOT a book or application that someone who either already has another, more powerful application, or for those who have no patience with reading directions.

5 comments about Sunsets.

1. A great book of sunsets and unique pictures with inspiring quotes. A must for every coffee table.



2. The photography is brilliant! Makes me want to go by a airplaine ticket. I also loved the quotes! They make me want to live life to its fullest and be a better person.



3. This is a wonderful book. The photography is first class and the quotes make it fun. An excellent addition to anyones coffee table. I especially love the kissing couple on page 74.



4. The photography is brilliant and the accompanying quotations equally choice. This is the perfect coffee table book--and gift. Forget the bottles of wine you have been bringing as a dinner guest. This book is a much more meaningful offering!
   
   Congratulations to Lora Drasner and may her next book be as powerful.



5. Please take some time to look at a book that will make you buy a airline ticket. This book will also get you to see some exciting places that you might never get to go to. Perfect book for the coffee table.
   
   Great book!!!!

5 comments about The Ansel Adams Guide : Basic Techniques of Photography - Book 2.

1. Well, it's a great book for basic techniques. I bought the 'Book 1' and was able to understand the second one, unless you know about photography, you don't need to read the first book.
   
   The 'Book 2' is really the continuation of the first one, and so it continues on subjects like exposure, development and printing. I am disapointed by the chapter on exposure though. I was searching for a deeper understanding on the exposure notion. Still! Great book.



2. I posted an in-depth review of this book previously but, for some reason, it did not show up here so I will try again. However, this time I will be more brief. This book is excellent but, like the other two books I have by Schaefer, it is riddled with technical errors. There's no excuse for that. The experienced photographer may catch most of the errors but the student probably won't and that could cause some real problems. The section on film testing, for example, has many serious errors.
   
   I find it a bit irritating that Schaefer literally plagiarizes Ansels photography series of books. By that I mean, Schaeffer lifts whole pages, text, illustrations, etc. Some pages even have the same font styles as Ansel's books. If you took away what has been taken from Ansel's books, this book would be a lot slimmer. I have no idea why Schaefer doesn't simply speak for himself. It's fine to make references to Ansel's writings and photography but to copy it is another thing. But the one good thing about that is that the parts that are copied from Adams are at least correct.
   
   This book has large sections on alternative processes. For someone really interested in those processes, the information doesn't have enough depth. However, it is a good overview of those techniques.
   
   The sections on digital imaging are downright funny. They are so out-of-date that the reader should get a good laugh from them. This book should have stuck with traditional photography because digital photography is changing so fast that it is more suited for periodicals.
   
   
   If you use this book as a reference for film testing, etc., be very careful. There are so many errors that they can lead you seriously off the path. I have made so many corrections in my book that I might as well have written it myself. I cannot understand why Schaefer didn't have someone proof-read it. And some of the errors are glaring!
   
   All that said, I still think this book is a good addition to my photographic library.



3. I like this book very much because it explains different concepts and terminology in simple terms -- good for people who are trying to learn photography but not knowing much yet (like me). There are a lot of pictures in the book, so it isn't boring at all.
   
   It also explains traditional photography very well, including cameras, darkroom etc. However, don't expect much from the technology section of the book since it is quite outdated, however it does give you a brief background with the technology though. (It's only a minor problem... anyway)
   
   Recommended to those who are interested in photography.... also get Book 1 as well.



4. This is a beautifully printed curiosity / collector's item.
   
   Contrary to the book's title you won't find much useful information about photography in this book. Most of its pages are devoted to arcane and obscure film print development techniques. While many of these techniques are interesting and can produce fascinating results, let's face it; do you really want a book that teaches you how to print a black and white film photo with pasta sauce and Epsom salts?! If so, this is the book for you!
   
   The rearmost 1/4 of the book is cursorily devoted to digital image processing. Note that this book dates back to 1998, absolutely ancient by digital standards. So although the basic concepts presented are good the changes to the digital scene have rendered the digital material basically useless. Which is probably fine with the author (note that that's NOT Ansel Adams), as I could almost hear him hissing as he wrote that section of the book.
   
   I bought this book at a bookstore (what's that?) and it was shrink-wrapped in plastic. So all that i could learn about it was in the blurbs on the cover...which are very misleading.



5. Schaefer has taken on a major task in reworking the material to reflect changes in equipment and materials while maintaining the thoroughness, attention to detail, and spirit of the Adams' series. I feel that he has succeeded nicely.

   While a lot has been borrowed directly from the previous work there is also much new material and the format itself has been changed substantially. The book now opens with a thoroughly enjoyable, albeit brief, history of photography before getting down to business...Although targeted at a bit different readership than its predecessor, An Ansel Adams Guide: Basic Techniques of Photography, Book I is a good read and destined to become as much a classic as the original.

5 comments about Through a Blue Lens: The Brooklyn Dodgers Photographs of Barney Stein, 1937-1957.

1. I was anticipating the publishing of this book as I have been familiar with Stein's work as the Dodgers' official team photographer. What you get in this book is a nice blend of posed shots along with never-before published shots of various game stills along with behind the scenes snaps. In addition, Crosby and D'Agostino enlist the help of the still living Brooklyn Dodgers (including Vin Sculley) to tell the reader what is really happening in the photo or why the photo was taken.
   
   This is clearly not a rehash of old Dodgers lore or the same, well-published photographs...but an intimate family album of the Brooklyn Dodgers from '37-'57.



2. Thank heaven for Barney Stein, the five foot tall giant of a man whose personal rallying cry of "Uno mas! One more!" allowed for the creation of THROUGH A BLUE LENS, a "family album" of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Barney was the team's official photographer from 1937 to 1957. Indefatigable in composing the best shots (he is said to have climbed the old dirigible mooring mast on the Empire State Building for a panoramic shot, and climbed the north tower of the then-under-construction Triborough Bridge for much the same reason), each of Barney's photographs tells a complete story.
   
   Posed shots are here as well as in the old Dodger Yearbooks that Barney contributed so richly to. Action shots of crucial and not-so-crucial moments on the field pepper this book. What sets THROUGH A BLUE LENS so far apart are the informal and candid shots of the team going about the everyday business of Dodger baseball. Barney's quick eye captured the fun and the excitement and the team's Love of The Game, and captured the unique personalities of each individual Dodger. He also captured Ebbets Field at its best and in its sad death throes, the true end of an era in Brooklyn.
   
   Did I say thank heaven for Barney Stein? Well then, thank heaven for his daughter, Bonnie Crosby, who has managed to preserve so many of her father's never-before-seen creations. Doubtless many of Barney's photographs are gone forever, and THROUGH A BLUE LENS is too short at 162 pages, but this wonderful coffee table edition is a must have for the dedicated Brooklyn Dodger fan.



3. I thought I had seen just about every shot of the "Boys of Summer" but boy was I wrong. The book had some fabulous and nostalgic photos of my childhood heroes. Well written and enjoyable reading added to the wonderful photos. A must for every Brooklyn Dodger fan



4. Having only been told of the folklore of the Brooklyn Dodgers from my father, it was a real treat to see new photos of a golden age of baseball. This book captures the essense of baseball in Brooklyn and the love affair of the fans and the players. My Dad's favorite player was Don Newcombe, and there he was putting on his uniform at Ebbet's Field with a huge smile. This book gave me a connection to Brooklyn I only heard from the stories of my father. After reading and viewing these photos I felt like I was part of Happy Feltons Knothole Gang....What a treat and I believe for Brooklyn Dodgers fans a Treasure!



5. Forests have been felled with books written about the much beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. Roger Kahn, Carl Erskine, Red Barber, and numerous others have relished telling us what life was like with Brooklyn baseball, especially from the years 1947 through 1957. In addition, numerous authors have written about Jackie Robinson. However, author Dennis D'Agostino and Bonnie Crosby, daughter of Barney Stein, who was the official photographer of the Brooklyn Dodgers have put together several of Barney's photographs of his years in covering the Dodgers from 1937 through their last season of 1957 in Brooklyn. These are photos not seen before in other books, and numerous details are provided that the reader may otherwise overlook in the picture. I'm fortunate to have the book entitled "The Rhubarb Patch" published in 1954 with Barney Stein's photos and text by Red Barber, and this new effort is a treasure trove of photos from this historical era. One photo that has been often seen is of Jackie Robinson stealing home in the 1955 World Series on pages 90 and 91. The view we are given shows the entire dugout and many of the fans in the stands, several dressed in neckties and fedoras. The on-deck batter for the Dodgers, Frank Kellert, appears to have the best view of whether Robinson was safe or out. When asked for his opinion on the play Kellert drew the rath of Robinson by answering, "I thought he was out." Not mentioned in the caption, but seated in the front row of the stands is "The Big O", Dodgers' owner Walter O'Malley, nattily attired in suit and tie. I'm thankful I can remember the Dodgers of the 1950's, but whether you are old enough to do so or not, if you enjoy baseball history, I would highly recommend, yes, one more book on the Brooklyn Dodgers.

No comments about City in Time: New York (City in Time).

2 comments about Stephen Shore: American Surfaces.

1. I loved this book, partly because I love this photographer's eye. Are the pictures documentary? Sure. Are they wry? Often, though not always. They are beautiful in the most strange, farfetched, formal aesthetic sense (shapes, colors, imaginary visual lines). That about sums it up. Stephan Shore's pictures exist on many levels simultaneously---one reason they are worth owning in book form, able to be revisited many times over a long time. Shore has a genuine gift, and he shares it with whomever takes the time to really look. This older work is relevant to contemporary production worldwide (i.e., Thomas Struth). Hopefully you will enjoy this book as much as I do.



2. It's hard to tell how vital this visual diary is in the grand scheme of photography. It's a very personal travelogue. Shore is obsessed with himself and where he goes and what he sees. As a summary of early seventies pop culture it is fantastic. You can find out what people looked like and more importantly, what everything else looked like. I appreciate this aspect of the book, it's a reference guide to 1972. I think some of the photography is top notch but think that the book would be stronger edited down a bit. It's more interesting than the original but packs less of a punch. Could you live without it? Of course. Do you want to? No.

5 comments about Studio Lighting Solutions: Expert Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success (Pdnpros).

1. Good book with lots of information, if your into specialty photography. I was hoping for more info on portrait, ommitting the special effects.



2. I like that book. I'm learing a lot of professional lighting solutions ... And I think it's a good book for pro photographer.



3. I'm an intermediate photographer and I bought this book looking to gain insight into studio lighting. I found that this book will appeal to commercial shooters and those looking to get their foot in the door. The work is amazing and I enjoyed the commentary provided by the professionals that took the shots. I never imagined the amount of thought and planning that goes into what appears to be a straight forward shot. Though it provides a few lighting diagrams, this is not a "how to" manual. Nor is it a people photography book. That said I believe the information useful for working with a wide range of subjects. It also provides insight into the equipment, challenges and (especially) the standards required to be successful.



4. Sort of a quandary here...if you're advanced enough in photography to be working with studio lighting, do you really need detailed, step-by-step instructions in lighting setups? It almost seems as if readers are expecting a beginners book that at the same time provides professional techniques.
   
   That said, I will admit that the specifics are a bit lacking here, so if you do need a lot of hand-holding, you're better off with a different book. However, the illustrations are excellent, and you can learn a great deal just from Neubart's photos. If you're open to exposure to interesting lighting techniques, this book will surely add some valuable ideas to your repertoire.



5. There's not much to learn from this book. Maybe my expectations were different from what the book was trying to accomplish, but I was hoping for some different lighting setups for product photography, and those types of shots.
   
   A much better book would be:
   Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting