1 comments about Ilf and Petrov's American Road Trip: The 1935 Travelogue of Two Soviet Writers.

1. What a terrific job on the translation and reproduction of the documentation of this fascinating trip by the two Soviet journalists.
   Highly recommend the book.

5 comments about Among Wild Horses: A Portrait of the Pryor Mountain Mustangs.

1. Very nice pictures and such a touching story. I gave this as a gift to a friend and it inspired her to donate to a fund to support wild horses in America.



2. very good book with nice pictures and a very good description of the hourses that I know very well. The book inspire me a lot and it is a diving in a wonderful ocean of wild life. It was a terrific gift that my dad bought for me. Alex



3. Great book.
   I have actually seen these horses that are talked about in this book. It is all true.



4. AMONG WILD HORSES: A PORTRAIT OF THE PRYOR MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS is a gorgeous image-laden photography book from an art photography who spent two years tracking and photographing the Pryor Mountain Mustangs. Her full-page, full color photos of these wild horses in nature are unique and gorgeous: observations of their special challenges and actions accompany the visual treat.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. While first perusing and then going back to carefully read this incredible pictoral essay of these magnificent animals, I felt awe and respect for both the animals and their resilience in nature.
   
   The photos evoked in me curiousity and want to see these animals, but also tremendous admiration for the sensitive work of Photographer Lynner Pomeranz. For in her gentle way, we see the texture, color and beauty and the plight of one of the last wild herds of stallions. To see the rugged environment in which these animals survive, brings about a connection with the animals, the land, and the spirit of the horses captured through the lens of this photographer.
   
   The text is supportive and helped me to understand the plight of these horses. So many times the text can get in the way of the photos, but in this case it was interesting and informative.
   
   A truly amazing book.

5 comments about Larry Burrows: Vietnam.

1. I could be verbose and describe the virtues of this book in great detail, but the pictures in this amazing work speak much louder than anything that I could write. He was a man who gave his life for his craft, and this book is a powerful tribute to that craft. Absolutely stunning and indispensable to anyone that wants to understand "that war" and the power of the visual image.



2. Larry Burrows was and still is a benchmark which other photojournalists should strive to attain. Great book. Buy it.



3. This collection of Burrows' work in Vietnam is unbelievable. At great risk, he captured photos of American soldiers and Marines in Vietnam -- photos of young men that seem to leap off the page. Nothing like this has come of coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- not because the photos weren't taken, but because of the incredible cowardice and corruption of the American media. This book is a tribute to the courage and skill of one photojournalist, and an imperishable record of the men who fought and died in that war.



4. What is a good photograph even in times of war? Look into this book. Larry Burrow gave us a clear message.



5. An amazing book, incredible images from the great artist Larry Burrows. Although taken 35 years ago, they are as relevant today as they were then.

4 comments about A Gun for Hire (Photo Books S.).

1. The Christianity and even more the Islam have abolished to idolize woman as a goddess. However this was the daily use in the Greek, Roman and Egyptian religion (sorry to remember, that the Aztecs tore the heart of young virgins out of the live body). Newton has reversed this development - he told us, to idolize women again. I visited the Helmut Newton exhibition A GUN FOR HIRE in the "Museum for Photography" in Berlin, near the Station ZOO, Jebens-Street 2. Sometimes I thought Newton is cynical, contemptuous against women, emphasizes the power struggle between the sexes too much. After the reading of his autobiography I thought: "What a humorous, witty person! " After having the pleasure to watch the film of his wife on his work, I thought, oh God, I get dizzy by this hand-held shaking camera. After the reading of the museum catalogue A GUN FOR HIRE I always get quiet again. Newton was skilful. He regarded himself as A GUN FOR HIRE self ironically, as an unfortunately rentable killer because of the kind money. But if he had carried out a banal "killer" order with the necessary simple, most childish aesthetics guidelines for any fashion magazine, showing the models in a predefined wardrobe sales beneficially - then he afterwards extended the dialog with a lady in most cases after completion of this obedient work for the capitalist system of the chewing fan heating - then he enlarged the dialog into the direction of more human, erotic, adult and no longer infantile situations, real and no more prudishly, running free experimenting for new emotion and aura. The growing picture collection from the vermiform appendix after that official work peeled out that image, that unique art form, which everyone connects now with the name Helmut Newton - a milestone in the history of photography. Before the visit of the exhibition A GUN FOR HIRE (in the long night of the museums in Berlin, January 2006) I went astray in that nightmare of holocaust stele field in Berlin. Newton had managed to escape from the insanity of the Third Reich. Newton's work could have never resulted under the thumb of any ideology. At first in the private, thereupon in a society, where is the liberty to make something new, it was possible for him, to make what could correctly be described as "making a woman to an idolized goddess" again. A GUN FOR HIRE is the reminding bequest which, shortly before his death, he bequeathed to that town which had dropped him 1938. I hope, that Berlin people (and many more) will awake and learn, what he wanted to show...



2. Highly recommended for anyone who knows Helmut Newton only by reputation. This doesn't show his most graphic work, but it has a nice range of his early editorial photos, fashion campaigns, absolut ads. This book is a great example of showcasing Newton's talent as a photographer. Instead of focusing on his sometimes intense sexual images, this book focuses on the composition, layout and colors his photography had. Don't worry, you Newton-lovers, the sexuality is still here for all to enjoy.
   Newton is one of those photographers whose intense images and reputation can overshadow the actual brilliance of what's important...the photographs. If you are mostly familiar with his black and white photography, the colors in this book will take your breath away.
   Don't be shy, this book will make you appreciate what a true talent Newton was without shocking you.



3. While i like HN work and always pick out his style even if i dont know a particular photograph, this book was downright disappointing. Its like someone assembled pictures which weren't good enough to be included in any of the other (previous) books just to sell it to suckers who will buy anything by HN. However, i absolutely adored the 4 or 5 pics of Monica Belucci and bought the book solely on account of them.



4. While I am always happy to grab a book full of naughty Newtons, it would have been even more wonderful to see the complete series of images that the undisputed master of kinky chic had created for the various euro fashion giants....some campaigns being a one season adventure, while others scandalized for years. The amount of advertising that he shot for french designer Yves Saint Laurent alone ,could easily fill a book. It was the perfect marriage of designer and imagist, followed very closely by Newton's ads for Thierry Mugler's erotically charged fashion fantasies. Sometimes it's hard to tell who came first, Newton or Mugler! In any case, Newton's unique imagry clearly remains unchallenged, even at their most commercial and subtle. The perfectly over groomed mannequins posed ever so precisely to convey roles of power, dominance , discipline, torture, fetishism and erotic menace...are all here. The acres of flawless,palest skin, highest heels, blood red lips, cold, smokey eyes often expressing a complete indifference to anyone looking on. The spectacularly graphic and bold compositions combined with the clever use of the blackest shadows as design devices instantly helps to define a Newton photograph. Many of the images showcasing his legendary wit and black humor, not to mention social and sexual comment.There's an amusing series shot for a calender with wickedly suggestive teenage lolitas posed at the ready in a desolate , dusty desertscape showing newton's playful and light hearted side.....very tongue and chic...and clearly inspired by one of his favorite themes, American Pop Culture. One missed opportunity for an amazing campaign would have been Helmut Newton for Tom Ford's Gucci....I can't imagine a more perfect union: A Newton "driving' a Ford to ecstasy....both men forever fascinated with drama, controversial lust and impossibly decadent glamour. If there was indeed some tests, it would be terrific fun if they ever surface. Paging mr. Ford....

5 comments about The Automated Lighting Programmer's Handbook.

1. I have been in the concert production business for a couple of years and this is a great book to have around.



2. A great book that is not to technical and shows some real world ideas and solutions



3. The tips, tricks and techniques have been invaluable for both conventional and moving lighting programming. An excellent purchase for anyone interested in a more organized production. Very well organized, and generalized to facilitate programming virtually any console or utilizing any instrument.
   
   While specific manufacturers are mentioned, they are not covered in great detail. This book is a wonderful suppliment to any programmers library, but cannot replace a thourough understanding of console syntax that is only obtained through expereience and reading console system manuals.



4. Hands down, this is the best book for aspiring and practicing automated programmers available today. It's full of very useful and practical ideas, tips, observations and recommendations. Any programmer who is mindful of raising their game should have a copy and read it regularly.



5. Buying this book to expand my knowledge into this area, I found it a bit thin. It feels stretched to me - like a padded long article. The info about cue types was good, but I'm sure it's covered in user manuals, and the insistence on avoiding mention of specific products diluted the rest of it too much for my liking. I think picking a console and fixtures, even if it's one per chapter, would allow a little more detail. As it is, readable, but unsatisfying.
   
   Certainly room for another edition, hopefully with more detail. I should note that I'm not a beginner, I've been programming other aspects of shows for decades. Possibly a beginner would get more out of it. I gave it more stars because it covers the exact topic I was looking for.

No comments about Berkeley Bohemia: Artists and Visionaries of the Early 20th Century.

5 comments about Travel Photography: A Complete Guide to How to Shoot and Sell.

1. This book was a disappointment... Yes of course McCartney is talking about travel photography and gives a few -good- advices but the book is a real pain to read. She keeps talking about herself and how great she is and how many countries she traveled and another couples of very useless stories. Also some points are very discutable.... p23 "You don't have to be handsome or beautiful to be a successful photographer, but you should strive to be as physically attractive and well-groomed as you can be."
   To conclude, there are very few photographies, B/W, outdated and some of them not very interesting at all.



2. If you want to dive into the world of travel photography or brush up this is an excellent book. It is full of information, not only on the technical side with lighting tips with the use of flash and film, the difference in what to expect between color and black and white, but also includes tidbits on where to travel, suggestions on what to carry to minimise loss of luggage. In addition the self assignments are instructive and very useful. One minor quirk the lack of color photos, i guess this was done to keep the price of the book down given its size but a few color photos would have added emphasis espicially when discussing general color filter use!



3. Susan McCartney obviously loves her work and it shows in everything she writes. She willingly shares her vast experience and knowledge in a straightforward and enthusiastic style that makes all of her books a pleasure to read. In fact, her love of photography and willingness to share her knowledge infuses her writing to the extent that even topics as well traversed as travel photography (and check out her book on Flash Photography which is also excellent) become fresh and exciting to read about again and again.

   Only complaint is they should have included color plates to really show the results the author accomplishes in her own work rather than the dreary black and white printing throughout the book. I certainly would have paid the extra few bucks for that.




4. Have made my way through several books on travel photography lately, undoubtedly the best I have read!! There are many other books available which are useless when it comes to being practical. This book is not a picture book, just very informative. Recently I went away for another trip overseas and actually lugged this book along for the ride. Susan lets you in on good places to start for every major country in the world and also places to avoid...incredibally usefull. More handy then a 'lonely planet' for photographers.



5. This book not only reveals the nuts and bolts of travel photography and is a "must read" for those interested or planning to become travel photographers; it is a complete course in photography. I consider this book one of the most informative that I have read on the subject. Susan McCartney reveals not only how to photograph, what equipment she uses, but the fine details which most photographers keep to themselves. Ths book not only should be read, but reread until the material is recorded in one's mind like the tradecraft of any profession. A five star rating for this books is what I think it deserves.

5 comments about Creative Canine Photography.

1. I love photographing my dogs and my skills had developed to the point that friends, family and fellow dog club members were frequently asking me to photograph their dogs too. I needed a book that would help me with two things. First, I had to learn more about lighting and second I had to learn the best camera settings to get the texture and detail in a dog's coat regardless of coat color. This book gave me both and much more. It's a very easy and enjoyable read. Parts of the book are a little too basic for me but that's a small price to pay for the great tips it contains. I definately recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their canine potography skills.
   
   The author explains very early in the book that the use of the term "Creative" in the title is intended mean creating a photograph that captures the personality of the dog. The book is written to help the photographer do just that.



2. I found this book to be very informative and easy to follow. It has helped me so much with my photography. Hightly recommend to those just starting out.



3. This is a very good book to help any photographer properly pose and light dogs. Regardless of the shape, size or color, the author shares the tips and tricks for getting classic portraits that your clients will love.
   
   This is not a bunch of cute pictures taken by pet owners, but rather a professional approach for professional photography studios.



4. If you are interested in a very traditional approach from a professional photographer, this book will provide lots of information. It also provides valuable tips about controlling the dog. But for my taste, I found the photographic results to be uninspiring - too much posing, too much portraiture lighting, not enough of just plain capturing that wonderful dog as it is.



5. Creative Canine Photography is showcases expert photographic work from an award-winning animal photographer Larry Allan. Creative Canine Photography provides plenty of practical tips to successful canine photography, from capturing expressions and using correct lighting to avoiding red-eye and getting detailed exposures for all-white or all-black fur. Color photos throughout Creative Canine Photography illustrate all concepts.

5 comments about Movie Star Homes: The Famous to the Forgotten.

1. Very interesting although the pictures are small and in most cases you only get a photo of the 'front gate'. I learned a lot. Overall, very good.



2. The images in this book are very poor quality and often VERY small. I was very disappointed, photos are in black and white only, and they look as though they were merely scanned, and not well scanned. Often all that passes for a picture of a "movie star" home is a picture of a bunch of trees (hiding the home completely). If the authors cannot provide a glimpse of a home beyond just the dense vegitation in front of it, then they have failed in their effort.



3. This book is a guilty pleasure, really a fun read. I appreciated that every entry came with a requisite image. Granted most of the entries are star's from yesteryear, many of which i dont have a clue about, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book nonetheless. If you have any interest in this sort of thing, then I highly recommend it.



4. If you love Hollywood, architecture or are just curious about what kind of homes the movie stars live in, you will find this book fascinating. It includes over 350 entries - from silent greats (Garbo, Valentino) to modern day stars (Brad Pitt & Jennifer Anniston) - although the majority of the entries are the classic stars of yester-year. Each entry includes the address, a brief sentence or two about their career and fame followed by a paragraph about the house itself and a black and white photo. The photos are usually good although there are some that are very small and others in which you can only see a fence or a driveway. The captions note that some of the stars only lived in the houses for a few years. You might be surprised at how modest a lot of the homes are! An appendix gives "movie star homes by region" and "theme tours." If you are taking a trip to Hollywood, you will definately want to take this book with you, and it is a fun book to browse even if you are not going there.



5. This is a very good book. I enjoyed all of the photos and interesting information about many different movie stars throughout different time periods. Overall this is a great book that is very fun to read.

3 comments about Robert Frank: London/Wales.

1. It's a nice book. Not quite like seeing them in person, but hey, what can you do.



2. The collaborative effort of Scalo in collaboration with the Corcoran Gallery (Washington, D.C.), London/Wales is a photography collection 72 early 1950's tritone images taken by the famous and "museum-worthy" photographer Robert Frank. An informed and informative text is minimally present in this collection, which is primarily dedicated to showcasing the powerful still images of urban life and the people who lived in 1950s London, England and Careau, Wales. A superbly presented and enthralling compilation, London/Wales memorably illustrates the very essence of London and Wales and is a strongly recommended addition to professional, academic, and community library History of Photography collections.



3. Robert Frank's previously unpublished photographs of London and Wales from the early 1950s are a revelation. With insightful text from curator Philip Brookman, this book is a must-buy for casual fans and scholars alike. Having recently seen the exhibition of this work at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, I must say viewing the photographs first hand was a wonderful experience. Yes, the prints are often too gray and dark, the negatives poorly exposed, and some images slightly out of focus, but through this work we can see an evolving photographic style that reached perfection a few years later in the seminal book, "The Americans." And witnessing that transformation is what made the exhibit, and this book, so memorable and priceless.