5 comments about Crossing the BLVD: Strangers, Neighbors, Aliens in a New America.

1. A great job done by the authors for a multimedia piece that reflects America's melting pot story. The people are real and the work itself should inspire immigrants and descendants of immigrants to share the experience. I found the CD fascinating as a work to be enjoyed with the book. A wonderful job! I look for more work by the authors.



2. The book is well done except the authors failed to include the ethnicity that was and continues to be among the largest immigrant group, the Irish. The authors dropped the ball on that one.



3. If there was ever a time when we needed to be reminded that immigrants are the heart and soul of what makes this a textured, rich and interesting country, this is it. This book and its companion museum exhibit, which I was lucky enough to come upon serendipitously at Purchase College's Neuberger Museum, celebrates the gifts we have received as a nation from the diverse people who have struggled first to get here, and then to make a life for themselves here. Before we build walls on borders, before we villify those who are different from us, let's appreciate what we are gaining from the immigrants who choose the US as their home. Let's remember that very few of us are Native American. We have all benefitted from the open door to America.



4. Book is an excellent companion to a travelling show we saw at the University of Maine in Orono. It captures in an extraordinary fashion the incredible ethnic and cultural diversity within a relatively small section of Queens, NY.



5. Queens, in New York City, is the most ethnically diverse community in the country. Over a period of three years, from 1999 to 2002, editors Warren Lehrer and Judith Sloan collected stories from a sampling of the borough's 2 million residents. The result is this book, a much needed tribute to the people, most of them immigrants, who make Queens such a culturally rich locale.
   
   The stories are wide and varied: a Congolese man who fled his country to seek asylum in the United States, only to be detained for nearly two years once he arrived here; an Afghan woman and her mother who were separated from each other for 22 years; a gay Colombian couple forced to flee their home; a pair of Egyptian brothers who opened a cafe and restaurant in Astoria. It's impossible to summarize them all here.
   
   The words of the storytellers are, for the most part, kept intact. Everything is quoted directly, and even the speech mannerisms of those with rough or accented English are preserved, making the book feel just as colorful and diverse as the people featured in it. In a few cases, where the interviewee spoke little or no English at all, the stories are translated from the teller's native language. The editors have included helpful explanatory notes where the storyteller's make reference to events and individuals with which the reader may not be readily familiar.
   
   "Crossing the BLVD" is also a refreshing visual treat. There are numerous photographs, pieces of artwork, maps, and other visuals. Each page has clearly been laid out with loving attention. Font style, size, and placement, along with the placement of the pictures, is carefully balanced to achieve certain effects. The book is just as colorful and full of character as the people whose stories it relates.
   
   This is definitely a book everyone should read. Though nearly 400 pages in length, the text is large and makes for quick reading. But this simplicity is only a cover for the rich, inspiring, and heartfelt stories these people have to share. "Crossing the BLVD" certainly has something to offer any reader.

4 comments about The Law, In Plain English, For Photographers.

1. 
   I wished I had check with the Oregon State Bar Assoc., before hiring this con-artist of a lawyer! Years ago, I had a simple, but straight forward copyright infringement case against Random House and I needed an attorney to look over the contracts. I was led to this law firm of Leonard D. DuBoff, and bought his books. I learned, a bit too late, that this character DuBoff was being sued by a famous artist and lost his case, after much ado. My book is about my service in Vietnam as a 19 year old Lurp (LRP) Team Leader called, "I SERVED." DuBoff told me and a witness that he was "blinded in a combat action in Vietnam as a young US Marine Lieutenant, in 1968, in Hue." He will say anything and everything to squeeze money out of anyone. I found out later, Leonard D. DuBoff, lost his eyesight in a high school chemistry accident and use his "blindness" to sway judges and juries in courtroom melodramas. I also discovered, after an in-depth investigation (after he stole thousands of dollars from me), that this books were materials copyrighted from his students when he was a professor in Portland, OR. He lost his job there, of course. Once a thief...
   
   This book is not written well and the information is readily available in libraries. It is too expensive, wordy, and long-winded about what is photos and copyright. Simple laws made complex by an over wordy attorney that steals money from his clients! Save your money, and by all means, stay away from this charlatan Leonard D. DuBoff and his law firm.



2. very well written the author somehow keeps a very dry subject interesting and easy to read good detail ,lots of actual cases demonstrating the easy to understand discriptions of the laws involved as they pertain to photographers .of particular interest was the discusion on copyright law . also included are examples for forms such as releases , invoices and various agreements
   great book highly recomended to any one looking to go pro in photography



3. Although no book is meant to take the place of an actual attorney when it comes to specific legal matters (as this book prefaces with a disclaimer inside the front cover), this particular book takes an in-depth look at many different legal scenarios involving still photographers. It also gives detailed references of case logs for each legal scenario presented. I found the book to be very useful at anwering questions of an ambiguis nature when it came to certain legal aspects of copyright, usage, contracts and privacy, etc. I highly recommend this book and it is something that every professional photographer such as myself, should have on thier shelf at home.



4. Digital imaging and the Net offer both new markets and legal challenges for photographers: Leonard Duboff's Law In Plain English For Photographers provides a survey of the rights and responsibilities of modern photographers, covering the latest rulings for copyright and trademark law, surveying contract structures and leases, and providing a host of everyday business and legal concerns. An excellent, basic survey of photographers' rights and obligations.

3 comments about Moondog, The Viking of 6th Avenue: The Authorized Biography.

1. If you want to know about Moondog's life, this is what you'll have to buy, so there's no use nitpicking: isn't it nice to learn that when Moondog sued Alan Freed, he called Arturo Toscanini as a character witness? This isn't an especially well-written book; it's stilted and repetitive, but the author is a dogged researcher. By necessity, he has to rely on Moondog's own memoir (in verse) for details of his early life. Because it's an authorized biography, it doesn't ask any hard questions about the quality of Moondog's music or of his mental health. However, it comes with a CD of rare recordings, including madrigals sung by Moondog, Philip Glass and Stephen Reich. The CD alone is worth the price of the book.



2. What makes a musical genius? Is it the quality of their music, or their role in history, or the hindsight of critical analysis? To some composers, it is the combination of a unique story, a unique mode of composing or a unique way of looking at the world. This was the case with Louis Hardin aka Moondog who has, at last, had a gentle and rewarding biography written by Robert Scotto. It is a remarkable story in the American mythology that began in Wisconsin and a childhood growing up in Wyoming with his preacher father. Louis' early musical education was with the music teachers of the state but he hardly got a pass grade school in his education. As the years went by he drifted to New York where he spent 25 years begging on street corners. During this time he composed several major works and many many epigraphs - short songs that captured the passer by with their imaginative nature. As time went on he almost inadvertently became the darling of the avant garde and was renowned for his songs and drumming. He was befriended by Philip Glass and Steve Reich (some of their collaborations are heard on the extra CD) but after a failed marriage he remained a shadowy figure in the American Classical music world. By luck he managed to move to Germany in 1974 where he achieved a cult status among musicians. It seems so sad that it has taken such a long time to recognise this sensitive musician who, at his death had composed hundreds of songs, invented (a la Harry Partch) new instruments and had almost completed some 200 Symphonies.. Scotto is to be praised for trying to give the 21st century the dream of an almost forgotten genius of the 20th



3. Moondog (aka Louis Hardin, 1916-1999), the great American original, blind street musician, brilliant composer, gentle conversationalist, writer of wise/witty aphorisms, friend of the great and near-great -- not to mention of the "common man" -- who spent the latter part of his life in Europe (where recognition was faster in coming), at long last has his life story in print. Robert Scotto, a professor at Baruch College of C.U.N.Y., spent many years researching, interviewing his subject, as well as many of his colleagues and friends, and produced this well-written, entertaining and wise story of the life of the eccentric artist who was both personally and musically one of a kind! Scotto balances the most unusual story with perceptive yet readily accessible discussion of the wide span of Moondog's music, ranging from drum solos, through madrigals, keyboard and chamber music, to symphonic essays for large orchestra, and enhances it with a selection of intriguing photographs, an excellent
   "sampler" CD of compositions spanning a half century of creativity from shortly after Moondog's arrival in New York in the 1940s to his last years in the 1990s in Germany, and a foreword by Phillip Glass (a master of contemporary musical "minimalism"). Full disclosure: as a friend of Moondog's and a contributor to the CD, this reviewer's name appears in the book. Based on its merits, however -- and those of its unique and lovable subject -- I'm confident that there will be other reviewers, with no axe at all to grind, whose comments will affirm my positive view and appreciation of this long-awaited, substantial and revealing biography.
   Paul Jordan

5 comments about Lost Chicago.

1. This superb collection shows now-gone buildings and architectural treasures of our beloved city's past. These remarkable black-and-white photos show famous vanished bridges, churches, buildings and arenas, including the Colesium (nominating site of four Presidents). The City's downtown and surrounding areas were rebuildt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, in the largest building boom in U.S. history. Wood gave way to brick, steel, and concrete - the fire led to strict building codes - and many structures rose as the city expanded from 320,000 people in 1871 to 3.4 million by 1930. Readers learn about our city's history, plus the valuable contributions from world-famous architects and planners like Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Miles Van De Roh, Mortimer Adler, and Daniel Burham. Today, many call Chicago the nation's architectural marvel - yet we also lost many famous structures as this superb book shows.
   
   I'd have liked more photos of rail structures (Chicago was and probably remains the world's railroad capital), but it's a minor flaw. This is a superb book about a great city and its architectural past.



2. The well written story and photos of Chicago are great. It was amazing the number of outstanding architectural building that were built and torn down in such a short number of years.
   Having grown up in Chicagoland during the 40' & 50's, I found myself depressed to see such destruction - only to be replaced by glass and aluminum boxes. Even efforts to save the outstanding and much beloved main lobby at the Chicago and Northwestern station failed in the name of the almighty dollar!



3. First of all...Mr. Lowe obviously has a deep rooted love for our wonderful city of Chicago. Most importantly...he is ensuring future generations and historians the ability to reference so many facts. This simply said...is an incredible work of love and a dedicated effort.
   Thank You Mr. Lowe...my children's children will know what an important part that Chicago has played as our nation grew and prospered.
   
   L. Curt Erler Author of "Southside Kid"



4. Stunning photos of a beautiful city. This book is truly a step back to a time when buildings were built to withstand centuries, although tragically these examples did not. Chicago has some of the most impressive examples of architecture in the country and this book is a powerful archive of not only what the city was, but what it is today. I wish there was a similar book on the buildings of Detroit, many of which are sadly slipping into oblivion.



5. 
   
   There is much to enjoy here even if one does not have a special interest in architecture. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I especially liked the photo of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church (p. 79) which occurs in the formerly Polish neighborhood that I grew up in. I also enjoyed the old maps of the Chicago area from the 1600's.

5 comments about Mastering Digital Nude Photography: The Serious Photographer's Guide to High-Quality Digital Nude Photography.

1. Althogh I do not do nude photography, I found the material in this text a good summary of all aspects of nude as well as portrait photography. Very comprehensive and clearly written.



2. This book is without a doubt one of the LEAST helpful books I have seen. It goes back immediately! Not only is the photography uninspiring, but the information contained is all but worthless ("there's a long tradition in the use of food.." "this playfully quizzical look suggests a good working relationship between model and photographer..." ) Far from being instructive, it reads more like stream-of-consciousness photo-babble from cover to cover. RUN - don't walk - away from this one!



3. I found that the book was very well presented. Only a small portion of it deals with taking pictures. The rest deals a lot with how to deal with all the other aspects of nude photography. I found this as an invaluable resource not just for nude photography but for all photography involving models. I especially enjoyed the sort of conversational approach he takes in his writing style.
   
   Overall I highly recommend this book, the only downside were the frightened looks of people who saw me watching it.



4. If you are seriously interested in taking photographs of beautiful naked models, then this is the kind of book you won't be able to put down. It's rammed full of insightful little tips and tricks and amusing anecdotes. Explaining everything in a coherent and concise manner, from how to approach potential models, right through to tweaking and correcting the final print, without ever becoming patronizing or overly techie.
   
   An exceptionally good read, a very useful reference book and a fine collection of pictures too. I'm sure I'll be returning to this fantastic book, time and time again.



5. I have all 3 of Rod's books. The first 2 were all about the information and were rather impersonal in his approach in showing you. This book rather has a very personal touch to it. Its like he is sitting with you explaining everything one on one. It is chuck full of information and a lifetime of experience. All you have to do is read and learn from it.
   
   Chris

2 comments about Photographing and "Videoing" Horses Explained: Digital and Film: The Horse Owner's Manual for Improved Portraits, Schooling Tools, Sales and Promotions.

1. This book was a good overview of equine photography. I am an intermediate photographer with moderate horse knowledge. It was easy to understand and implement - even with my lower level skills. The pictures in the book were amazing! Most of the book covered photography, but the video part was very informative and simple to understand. I would definitely recommend this book if you are going to photograph or video horses even just for fun.



2. I am a fairly experienced photographer who has recently taken up horse show photography. I found this book very, very helpful--especially the sections on the particular phase of each gait which will result in the best photo. I purchased this and Lesli Groves' book, and found them to compliment each other--but if I could only buy one, it would be this one. Specifically, the 'troubleshooting' and 'planning the perfect shot' chapters are excellent; I am equally enthusiastic about the chapters he on computers, printers, and paper. The examples clearly explain the text. I learned a lot from this book, and my first photo practice session showed a significant improvement in my work.

5 comments about Jeanloup Sieff: 40 Years of Photography.

1. Thank You, Jean-Loup.
   Thank you for teaching us about capturing moments and beauty.
   My all time favourite photography book.



2. This book is quite a large body of work. I bought it thinking that it would be mostly nude studies and nudescapes but there were also a lot of other impressive shots that were refreshing in their clarity. I was especially impressed by the unflinching honesty by the photographer, in contrast I am somewhat used to books and magazines that reflect an attitude like: "I'm doing this for the; money, fame, prestige, etc." It is nice to know that artists like Sieff have contributed such a vast and great work of inspiration like this.



3. This book is a great collection of Sieffs' work covering 4 decades. The pictures are great, Sieffs' commentary is just as good.



4. Unfortunatly, I have not had the privilege to view this book, but about another from Jeanloup Sieff which I was fortunate enough to recieve as a birthday gift. This softcover A4 format is unfortunately not among your choices. The subject, "BOUDOIR
   PHOTOGRAPHY". In my opinion, a masterpiece of erotiek sensuality.

   Unfortunately, I have lost this collection of works and so wish to find the same back again.

   When operating my business as a Photographer in Holland (now retired) I had always tried to simulate his work to no avail. I
   shall keep trying, for he has captured the very "ESSENCE" of Womanhood.

   With highest respect to Jeanloup Sieff

   Regards




5. This book is full of painfully beautiful images- I hated to turn the page, but couldn't wait to see what was next! This is definitely one that will have my complete attention time, and time, and time again. As a photographer, it touches me and speaks to me in a way very few books ever have. It's definitely a good source of inspirational "soul food" before I go out on an assignment. I still can't believe the price- it must be a misprint! At twice the price it is still a bargain.

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

No comments about Annie Leibovitz at Work.

5 comments about In Search of Hope: The Global Diaries of Mariane Pearl.

1. An inspiring journey, an amazing story and beautiful photos as well. I would recommend this book to anyone. I would especially reccomend it to Women everywhere.



2. After having read Mariane's book "A Mighty Heart" and after have seen the movie as well, what else could I say but this : Mariane is a great person who would have all the reasons to hate the whole world but instead of that, she tries to understand people in distress, people confronted to huge problems. This book perfectly shows us that if there is goodwill, there is hope for solutions, there is hope for a better world.
   I really recommend this book to those who believe there is no hope for a better future !



3. Many people know Mariane Pearl only as the widow of Daniel Pearl, who wrote a memoir, and had a movie made about her life starring the megastar Angelina Jolie. People forget that Mariane Pearl is a journalist and a good journalist at that.
   
   Pearl has been faced with the kind of hatred that makes it easy for someone to give up. Mariane Pearl never gave up and she disarms her enemies by writing this book, filled with beautiful, moving photographs, and earnest, honest accounts of women all over the globe making a difference. There's women fighting against human trafficking, oppression, violence, disease, and injustice...this book is inspiring and it opens the eyes we can no longer close.
   
   Read this book, be inspired, and act on it. Pearl has shown us that we can change the world in small ways and it is all up to us to make the difference. Call it cheesy, cliché, what you will...but it's the complete truth.



4. I was very impressed when I received this book in 2 days instead of the usual week or so. I love the book too! It is a beautiful book, and very inspiring. I gave it to a best friend who is lending it to me and then will lend it to others to see. The author made a beautiful book and her words are very touching. Women and men need to read this book! The world needs to get inspired by women who have made a difference in this war-like civilization we live in!



5. I ordered 3 or 4 of these for Christmas gifts for women I knew of all ages, and the hardcover version is a really nice gift, large enough in size and quality made to make an excellent gift. They all were quite honored to receive them.