5 comments about Earth from Above, Third Edition.

1. Wonderful book not only with stunning photos but deals with global conflicts of earth and humans.
   
   Love the TV series on the same by Yann and I wanted a companion book for the same. Excellent...
   
   Book arrived from amazon in time.



2. A book of wonderful aerial vistas. I first saw many of these pictures in The Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. This book allows me to continuously look at them. One never gets tired of the images. This book provides a feast for your eyes and shows clearly the wonders of nature. The only shortcoming is that many of the pictures are two pages in breath and are broken up by the book's mid- seam.



3. I have enjoyed this book for about three years and have given it to 10 of my friends as a gift. Just fabulous! Worth its weight in gold ... and it is very heavy!!



4. When I received the book, the pages were almost loose from the cover, so I did send it back to Amazon. However, the contents are really nice. I do understand the comment from the people about the problem with the photo's on 2 pages, but they still remain very impressive photo's.
   
   I also would like to add here that I only have compliments about the way Amazon has handled the problem with the (almost) loose cover. They came very quick with very good solutions.



5. I purchased this book as a house warming gift and later purchased one for myself I liked it so well. It's a great coffee table book, with wonderful visuals, but also with interesting and environmental information.

5 comments about Anatomy for the Artist.

1. Excellent book for studying the human body! This book retails for $40.00 in a book store.



2. I got this because since I am not in college anymore, there is a big shortage of nude models! :)
   
   This is an excellent resource. The photography is incredible. The educational value exceptional. It has pictures and text with skeletal overlays for parts of the body - skull, spine, arms, torso, hip/thigh, feet and hands.
   
   My ONLY complaint is that this - like almost all model books - does not provide various body types nor does it represent enough ethnic groups.



3. It turns out, I own a lot of anatomy books. I find considerable beauty in the forms and structures of the body, internal as much as external. The interplay of muscle and bone is endlessly fascinating. So, it was natural for me to investigate this book.
   
   At first, I was a little put off by the "beautiful people" aspect of the book, but the lean, long models work well for demonstrating the way underlying structures influence the surface anatomy. I also like the historical overview of anatomical drawing with Leonardo plates and Albinus plates along with other historical anatomical renderings.
   
   Then, I really started looking at the author's drawings. They are lush, expressive line drawings. From what I can tell, the author works at a larger-than-life scale, so they may be seen out of context on the page; but that takes nothing away from their excellent quality. I would buy the book for the drawings alone, but this book has far more to offer.
   
   As others have noted, the production values are outstanding. Several plates are set up with a full-color photo of the model and a transparent overlay printed with drawings of matching internal structures. The paper is heavy and coated. The printing is bright and clear with plenty of color photography throughout. It's a beautiful book.
   
   In addition to an overview of human anatomy and the historical background described earlier, the author includes case studies of famous paintings such as "The Tub" by Edgar Degas and "A Combat of Nude Men" by Raphael. The author analyzes the figure in each pose, using a photo of an actual model as counterpoint for discussing the Old Master's handling of the figure in the work of art. Taken as a whole, the book is highly informative.
   
   This book is an excellent resource that offers tremendous value for the money. I give it five stars.



4. It's a really nice book. It has some amazing illustrations and photos in it and many of the illustrations are overlays that go right over the photo allowing you to further understand the relationship. It has been tremendously helpful in my figure drawing.



5. i would like to pass along how great this book is. truly helpful, worthwhile, and something i will reference for years to come. a friend had this, and it was so wonderful that i had to order my own. it is truly useful, and the pictures are stunning.

5 comments about Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs.

1. It is always great to have the chance to glimpse the work process of the masters in photography. This book provides enough information for anyone wanting to better their work in black & white and to learn from the best.



2. Inspiring, fascinating, revealing. Ansel Adams writes "the story
   behind the pictures", the why, the how. Not necessarily or always the
   "technical" details, but certainly the "artistic" inspiration.
   The reproductions of his photos are good, although having just had
   the pleasure of seeing the actual photos in Washington DC, they
   simply cannot convey the complete splendor and impact of the originals.
   Well worth reading!



3. I bought this book to give to my kids. My mother gave me one 20 years ago. Ansel Adams took portraits of my Great Grand Parents and put it in this book. I want my kids to have copies. If you are a photographer, there is a lot of info about how he took the pictures.



4. Nice to be able to go back to basics in these times of megapixels and gigabytes.



5. There are many great books about photography, of which this is just one, but there are relatively few books about how to be a great photographer. On the latter topic this book is exceptional.
   
   Ansel Adams was clearly both a gentleman and a gentle man, who lived to create great images for the pleasure and education of others. We are exceptionally lucky that he left us both his wonderful pictures, but also a few books which explain not only how, but also why some of them were created.
   
   This book covers a photography career of over 60 years, taking 40 of his greatest pictures, and describing how they were made. Although much of the technical advice is still valid today, a lot of it requires on the fly translation from the language of large format cameras and glass plates to the world of digital SLRs, with tiny sensors and vast memory cards. That exercise might put some people off, but it makes you think harder about his advice, and that's a good thing.
   
   However, where this book really scores is with the human stories of how and why Adams made certain pictures. Two examples stick in my mind.
   Firstly, how one of his iconic views of Yosemite was made after a day's hard hiking with a full size view camera, large wooden tripod, and just twelve glass plates. He suspected that he had wasted the first eleven, and had just one left for a favourite view of Half Dome. He took extra care with that one, and the results are still thrilling 80 years on.
   
   Then there's his tale of photographing 50s Californian farming families. This is a charming insight into how a great photographer of people develops both trust and ideas, lubricating both with an appropriate supply of beer. You suspect these days were not so hard for Adams as the great Yosemite hikes.
   
   "Examples" also contains some remarkable philosophical insights into the process and role of photography. The one which now sticks foremost in my mind is that enthusiasm for a subject will not create great photographs - you have to visualise the image and its impact mentally, then make it. This is perhaps the single most powerful piece of advice in the book.
   
   In 1935 Adams was concerned that the advent of 35mm would result in a vast number of bad photographs. Yet he was keen on the new medium, because he could also see its benefits. The same page could be written ten times over about digital photography, but you know that had Adams lived a little longer he would have been a keen PhotoShop-er.
   
   This is a good book on photographic technique, but there are others. But there are few books which give such an insight into the soul of a great photographer.

5 comments about The Japanese Tattoo.

1. On the good side, Amazon service was just as great as ever in delivering this book.
   
   On the bad side (and there are several) this book had a cheap feel about it just from opening the packaging. Reading the preface / introduction I was stunned by the insulting gibberish by D.M. Thomas as to the Japanese tattoo culture. Looking at the back cover of the book you also see the photographer holding the heads of her subjects which also feels demeaning to the Japanese men portrayed in the picture: Japanese are not very touchy and touching ones head is generally not a good thing in most Asian cultures: the impression is of a woman and her two dogs. Not nice.
   
   Later in the book you find the photographs blurry and the picture text very poor: you could have filled these huge pages with a lot of informative and captivating text about Japanese tattoo and culture. Instead you get to read what is pretty much: "this man has a fish tattoo".



2. The book is nice but some of the photos are not that great in quality. Has some nice designs, but I have to say I expected a little more of this book. Would probably buy again though.



3. This book is worth the price for the pictures alone. Which is good because the writing is extremely sub par, with misinformation and just wrong information. The art is wonderful but the writing is so bad that you are probably better of not even reading it.



4. I purchased this book for my boyfriend for christmas who happens to be an avid japanese tattoo lover. He himself has full sleeves and leg work done all in the same traditional style this book offers the reader. The pictures are beautifully done and the commentary is very intresting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves japanese culture or body art!



5. If your into japanese tattoo's this is the book to get! The ink is bad a$$ with great pictures!

5 comments about Stone by Design: The Artistry of Lew French.

1. This book is pure pleasure. The artfulness in creating the spaces we live in with stone in pattern, an organic extension of this earth. This is not a 'paint by numbers' how-to book, rather, like looking at a
   Rembrandt, ultimate examples of stone taken to true art.



2. Absolutely Wonderful Book! His art is amazing itself and understanding Lew French's connection to his work and how he works with rocks gives even more meaning to his designs.



3. I was disappointed by the quality of the paper and the pictures in this book. The subject matter was of great interest to me, but I don't think this book did it justice.



4. New Englanders are partial to the rocks that burst forth from the ground every spring and permanently bulge up like the tips of ice bergs floating beneath the surface of the earth. For more generations than most can count, those rocks have been thoughtfully piled into mortarless stone fences that "make good neighbors." Everyone has stopped at one time or another to admire one of these wonders that have outlasted their builders.
   
   Lew French is an authentic son of that tradition with an innate love for stone and turning it into something more delightful . . . a rich context for wonderful living.
   
   In these homes, you'll see stone transform rooms into warm retreats that you'll just want to snuggle into on cold winter nights, turn gardens into fairy tales, and extend your perspective by changing the very outdoors in novel ways. Whether by putting a window into a stone fence, by creating original art with stones and driftwood, or through evoking Stonehenge, you'll feel differently and better from seeing his work. His creations seem weightless like a good idea, despite weighing many tons.
   
   Part of the magic is that he's meticulous about getting a tight fit between stones and hiding his mortar very well. So even a fireplace looks to be but a vertical New England stone wall . . . and a very beautiful one at that.
   
   It's magic. Enjoy it.



5. I have seen pictures of this mans work before,and greatly admired his skills.He is truley a craftsman.The pictures were well photographed and there plenty of them. I have friends that are stone masons, and they
   were all inspired by this book. I am keeping this book out so that any
   one stopping by can enjoy it.

No comments about Ed Fox: Glamour from the Ground Up.

4 comments about Existing Light Techniques for Wedding and Portrait Photography.

1. Another great resource from Bill Hurter. I purchased it for the tips on on-camera flash, and found a wealth of information not only on that topic, but on natural lights portraits as well.



2. Another easy reading book by Bill Hurter delves into the anatomy of light and the factors that affect it. Tools such as reflectors, flashes and strobes and their part in controlling light are discussed. Along with various lighting environments, techniques for using equipment and existing light to obtain images that are natural in appearance are also covered in detail. This book arms the reader with the knowledge to make the most out of every scene.



3. This is a great crash course on available lighting. Bill does not bore the reader with superfluous information but gives you very practical, up to date, information on how to maximize the use of ambient light. Lots of images and example that clarify application.
   
   He is able to make complex concept into easily understood one. But most of all, he helps you understand lighting concepts in a way you can apply them right away.
   
   I highly recommend it to any beginning photographer as well as a great quick reference for seasoned photographers.



4. I enjoyed this book. It is always good to see how other photographers set up their images.

5 comments about In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms.

1. This book is an explosion of beautiful colours on every page! It is filled with beautiful photographs of Mexican outdoor living and the commentary is concise but clear, enabling the reader to copy the ideas found in the book. I intend to use the book to create my own Mexican/Spanish style courtyard.



2. I was very surprise whith the quality of the presentation and the beautiful pictures. Excellent!!



3. I love this book! The beautiful photographs give the reader great ideas on how to design and decorate.



4. I love the pictures and ideas presented, but after 2 days, the binding had pulled away from the pages!! I think that is flaw that needs fixing.



5. I chose this book to help give me some ideas as to how to " Mexicanise " my garden.
   So what with the yuccas, agaves & cacti i'm well on the way, just need to add more colour & fragrance to it.
   
   I also bought Mexicasa and Mexicolor.

5 comments about Video Shooter: Storytelling with DV, HD, and HDV Cameras (DV Expert Series) (DV Expert Series).

1. It seems odd that a book with "story telling" in its title is written using the dreaded "string of pearls" writing style. Each chapter is a collection of tiny (1/2 page), jokingly-titled sections that are very loosely related to the chapter---by all means look over the table of contents before you buy. A chapter's sections could be shuffled at random and not alter the level of coherence for that chapter.
   
   Because of their shortness, the sections merely give the user a very small taste of their topic while providing little substance. That's too bad because it appears that the author is very knowledgeable in most aspects of the field; however, he is unable to organize his knowledge and experience in a form that would be most useful to the reader.
   
   This is not a how-to book by any stretch of the imagination nor is it a good reference book. With better organization and some additional depth the author could probably produce a very solid work, but failed to in this effort.



2. very good for me, the novice looking to become an 'intermediate' shooter. well done.



3. I am a screenwriter who took up video. I am the opposite of an equipment fetishist. What I loved about this book was --- I could understand it! Not only that, it reminded me of what and how to achieve those qualities I admire in great films--story, framing, editing, etc. There was no condescension. No talking above my head. The use of humor was terrific. I never thought I'd say this about a technical book, but it was an enjoyable read!



4. The first few pages have many good points for the consumer video shooter, but the bulk of the book is aimed at professionals or very wealthy and very serious amateurs.
   
   The author purports to speak to the amateur and does so in the first 96 pages. The remaining 170 some pages gets into equipment and the author covers only the best professional-level gear. If you don't mind being told that you can't possibly make videos unless you purchase a $5000 camcorder, $3000 in tripods, $8000 in lighting, etc, then you might like the book. If you don't mind being talked down to and you are willing to equip yourself with two truckloads of gear at a cost that is many times the price of your camcorder, then you might like this book.
   
   Try to find a used copy without the CD - it adds nothing that is not in the book.



5. Video production is a complex and expensive process. Barry's book takes the mystery out of the craft and SAVES YOU MONEY by telling you just what you need...and what you don't. I loved his wonderful, meaningful stories and personal shooting experiences mixed within his narrative of the craft and its myriad toys, gadgets and gear, all laid out clearly for the reader's benefit. Those willing to take the plunge into this artform will find this book an indispensable companion. A gifted shooter giving us all the clues we need to tell real and compelling stories of our own, available at a glance...awesome. It's like having a DP angel on your shoulder. You will find other reference books out there, but none are so beautifully laid out, comprehensive or complete as this one. Buy it. Read it. You'll be glad you did.

5 comments about Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills (Photography Essential Skills).

1. I have both the photoshop Essential Skills CS2 and CS3 editions and I used both...although there is some repeat from edition to edition there is always some really good and needed info in each of them. I also like the tutorials on the cd. Mark Galer and Philip Andrews write easy to understand, step by step informative books.



2. Good but this book came a little later than the the other even though I ordered them to be posted together. Otherwise very happy.. Thank You.



3. I bought this book because the DVD material sounded promising. However, the book introduces complex concepts but fails to provide explanations that make any sense. Probably my biggest complaint is that the book is absolutely geared towards Mac users - the author comments that "the UI is the same irrespective of the computer platform you are working with." However I was unable to locate several of the menu items that he references and many were in a different location.
   
   I do realize that most digital photographers use the Mac platform, but if you're going to offer yourself up as supporting both platforms, then you need to live up to that, because not ALL photographers use Mac.
   
   I am going to try another book - trying to follow this one is a HUGE waste of time.



4. I have the Scott Kelby book for CS2 and I was debating between this and the Scott Kelby for CS3. Glad I chose this. I am kind of in the learning mode for the PhotoShop and Scott's book though good, lacked some of the basics that this book covers well. I loved the videos on the DVD which takes you through some of the techniques also given in the book - but as they say "a picture is worth a thousand words" - so the video should be worth more - it is!
   Highly recommended for beginners as well as advance level photographers/enthusiasts.



5. I am a new Photoshop user and thought I was getting a Photoshop CS3 starter book, like the title states. But on the SECOND page they say to use Adobe Gamma to calibrate my monitor. After 45 mins of looking and searching, I find, at Adobe, that they don't use Gamma in CS3. What a crock. Now I don't know if I can trust the rest of the book. Looks like they wrote a book for an older version and failed to update anything but the cover.
   TED