5 comments about Color Management in Digital Photography: Ten Easy Steps to True Colors in Photoshop.

1. As the author stated at the beginning of this book, I was able to read the whole book in less than 2 hours. The material in the book gives a fast introduction/overview of the subject but certainly leaves one lacking for more detail more often than not. The text, particularly in the charter on color spaces is quite repetetive, to the point that I from time to time felt the editor has mistakenly repeated a section of text.
   
   The author offers, throught the text, references to the books website which usually is an enhancement to a book. In this case, the web site is diffinately lacking. The only available item is the PDI target. The Macbeth color checker is NOT available as advertised (p.72). When I attempted to download the document on multiple exposures for the web site, I ended up at a broken link. The about the author section came up in Japanese when I tried it. A complete web site is the expected way to add to technical books these days and if one is offered it should work (especially since the book was published in 2007, but probably written in 2005-2006, and the equipment recommendations in the book have become rather outdated.)
   
   I also agree with one of the previous reviewers that the price is a bit high for the content. Other books, such as Fine Art Printing for Photographers, offer more in depth information. For example, the chapter in this book on monitor profiling is a scant 3 pages plus the intductory paragraph. It takes more than this to cover this very important topic.
   
   The beginner may get some information out of this book, but I think they will be left with the need for a more in depth treatment in order to really apply the 10 steps to their own digital printing. A person with more experience with the subject willI think be left with the impression that they didn't get their moneys worth here.



2. This book is short, and is mainly information that is better explained in other books. See the Rocky Nook book about photographic fine art prints. The material is sound, but should represent one chapter in a bigger book about printing.



3. I found this book well written ,easy to read and helpfull in a general way ,the information was organized and presented a logical manner .However the subject matter seems somewhat dated and lacking in the depth that I was looking for



4. My color experience is from being a long time film photographer. Digital color management principals were new to me before this book. Having completed it, I feel that I understand the fundamentals and have made some excellent color prints using Photoshop CS3 on my Intel MacMini printing to my HP B9180 archival printer. These prints are as good or slightly better than any I've made using traditional chemical color printing processes. If you want to make better prints on any inkjet printer, this is a great handbook!



5. What you see is seldom what you get when you make the arduous journey from digital image file to hard copy. It's a royal pain in the ASCII.
   
   Most of us pass off the color difference between what we see on our monitor and what we get in our prints with a shrug of the shoulders. It's just one of those vagaries of computing, right?
   
   Generally, that's a healthy attitude for the casual computer user/digital photographer. There are enough hassles in life without looking for new ones. On the other hand, if you're trying to make a living in graphic arts/photography, color management looms large in your professional life.
   
   Some days, when I'm working on several computers, each with it's own color quirks, it gets frustrating. The book nicely bridges the color management gap with thorough explanations of color space and how to calibrate and profile your monitor.
   
   Obviously, a good monitor is going to be an important component of the management process. Hinckel covers the related subjects as well as making some specific recommendations. He also looks beyond the monitor and discusses a good work environment.
   
   There are specific software packages like Monaco OPTIC and Monaco EZcolor that are more powerful than the color management programs that come with printers and photo/graphic editing software. There is a good explanation of how these work.
   
   Hinkel explorers numerous printing option, tells how to test your system, and then he moves into Advanced Printing.
   
   This book presents a comprehensive, easy-to-understand overview of color management. Hallelujah. This book may actually inspire all of us color-management-procrastinators to jump in and get this vital area of graphic arts under control.

No comments about Royal Weddings.

2 comments about Bob Richardson.

1. I have been hawking to get a book of Bob Richardson photography because the man was a major inspiration as the fashion photographer who was about the people and not the fashion. Ironically even as he lambasts the industry that loved him, he still perseveres as a creative force to be reckoned with.
   
   To each his own.
   
   When I got this book I poured through it. Really lovely stuff. I noticed some of the pages looked grainy, maybe because the last surviving examples of these works in his estate are in fact the magazines themselves in somebody's basement. For someone who became so revered for taking photos that revealed his subjects' inner expressions, would he even have been happy with a book of his work that looked like the over-saturated pages of other photographer's biographies?
   
   The usual photo books people rave about are typically so touched up far beyond what the original shot looked like that you can't ever really count it as a work of photographic art. With Richardson, and judging by his auto-biographical notes, would he have been happy with a representation showing only that most of the grit he so loved got washed away in the repackaging process? I think not. Complaints about the printing apparently miss the point of the works all together. Here's the sort of stuff originally found in tattered and pulpy haute fashion magazines that elevated the commercialism back to an art form that said something about the people themselves. It's fitting, really. Black and white and all.
   
   What I find imminently annoying is the fact that even now, after producing this book, no one has yet had the inspired idea to republish "Beyond Cool" which became an early viral marketing inspiration once upon a time as an online biography. I'd pay three times for one copy of that book on my coffee table. I don't think I'm the only one.
   
   Too bad photographers are so terrible at making business decisions.



2. Bob Richardson was (he died in 2005) an amazing Photographer Famous for his sexy druggy Debauched Style in the Swingin 1960's Everyone who saw his Photos in Martin Harrison's Unparalled " Appearances"(Fashion Photography since 1945) in 1991
   has waited with bated Breath for a Book on this Mans work. Robin Derrick and Robin Muir (from English Vogue) Put out "Unseen Vogue, The Secret history of Fashion Photography" in 2003 I cannot Rave enough about this Book, If you Don't have it Buy it right Now and Martin's Magnum Opus.In 'Unseen Vogue' which I have to Look at every Day its so fabulous!! The Robin's included Richardson"s Pictures and there in color. The Problem With the new Book on Richardson is its all Black and White. (But not even good black and white ). If the Photos were as clear as the Cover Shot it would be fine , But his editorial work from Vogue, French Vogue etc.. are so poorly produced
   Grainy, out of focus It looks as if they were Badly zeroxed!! In Contrast helmut Newton's excellent book of editorial work called "pages from the Glossies" the production is clear and well produced and In Color!!! So do you want to spend 75.00 on a picture of angelica Houston looking like a Glam Rock Cinderella? well if it were better Quality I would say, Sure !sign me up! The real part of the book thats worth good money is Bob Ricardson's Poignant Autobiography . This Bisexual Bombardier of Vogue in the 60's and 70"s Had a major Chip on his shoulder.(he truly was his worst enemy someone once said)
   His Avedon on Quaaludes style did not sit well with those Up-Tight Magazine editors of the time. Nor would they today. Of Course He raves about how much better he is than Everyone and that hes a God in Europe! (great Hubris, but a Great talent)
   His Superciious Diatribe is Frustrating and Vexing and at heart Touching but very Discourteous towards the industry That fed him those fat Checks. A sort of "Answered Prayers" on the Fashion Biz and The man Names Names!!! So if you enjoy William Klein, Avedon, Burt Stern, David Bailey,and helmut Newton you will love Richarson!

5 comments about The Best of Teen and Senior Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from the Pros (Masters Series).

1. A great resource for anyone either entering the Senior Portrait market, or seeking to refresh business and photography techniques. As one who works a lot with teens, I believe that the author's sense of how to work with them througout the entire process is right on - refreshing and honoring of Teen spirit. The photos and posing suggestions are helpful, as are the ideas and results from several very accomplished Senior Portrait artists.
   
   Definitely worth adding to your library



2. Good inspiration! Only thing this book lacks is really how it was done. If only it had a page after each concept telling how it was done this book would be absolutely perfect! But if your starting out this is what you should read so you can know what you dont know and where to start your education!



3. I ordered this book with the hopes of expanding my photography from wedding and family/children portrait work to do senior work. And this book provides great deatils about getting into this line of work. But it does much more. It covers details for all types of portrait work to fine tune your photography with chapters on proper posing, lighting and much more. Whether you are just starting or have been in the business for a while you will benefit if you read and apply the information within. Great Job!!!



4. Bill Hurter has managed to assemble a collection of some of the finest senior photographers in the country to create an exceptional set of images and text. This is like the title implies, the best in senior photography.
   
   This book is a must-have for all senior portrait studios



5. Start by looking at the cover. This book as so many digital ideas (not what we were looking for) but they chose such a poor image for the cover. Instead of such gimicky digital ideas, maybe Mr. Hunter and the others should have retouched the cover image. Blood shot eyes, yellow teeth, a floating eye and stray hairs will put most professional photographers out of business in less than a year. We have been in business for over 15 years and are now thinking just about anyone can write a book. Maybe we will.

2 comments about First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors.

1. Got the book for my Step Son, your guess is as good as mine, as how good it is.



2. Gabriella Oldham has collected a wide variety of editors from a wide variety of backgrounds to ask about editing.

   A really useful book on the various approaches people have on editing and what their working methods are. Comphrehensive interviews from people who have worked on films such as Ben Hur to documentaries. Those who enjoyed this book should also have a look at Vincent LaBrutto's 'Film Editing'.

2 comments about The Most Beautiful Villages of Ireland.

1. Perfect! Just what I had in mind and the person I gave it to liked it a lot! Great pictures!



2. This is a fantastic coffee table book. The photographer has captured so much color in each photograph, you almost expect some sort of visual explosion -- how can such a dynamically variegated palette be contained in a single picture?! The whitewashed cottages, the blue-green sea, the dun colored old castle walls... even the street signs are beautiful. I myself am half of Irish descent, and half of Italian descent. Although I must confess that in culinary terms, my Italian forebears had considerably more "on the ball" than my Irish ancestors, this book makes me appreciate some of the beauties that Ireland itself has to offer. It makes me determined to visit it at some point.

   The book is divided into four parts. Each traditional ancient Irish kingdom has its own section -- Ulster, Leinster, Connacht, and Munster. Each section is also followed by a brief photographic essay, dealing with such topics as "Ancient Ireland," "Bar and Shop Fronts," and "Painted Villages." At the end, there is a useful map, a travellers guide complete with phone numbers and addresses of Inns and hostels, and a very handy little bibliography.

   I would just like to also recommend, for anyone with an interest in Irish history, "The Atlas of Irish History" by Sean Duffy. It is out of print, but you should ask your local librarian if he or she can find it, using OCLC or inter-library loan. If, like me, you have Irish blood in you, you will be familiar with the feeling of being quite alienated from the broader sweep of European history prior to the settlement of America. I once looked in the index of an encyclopedia, and actually found more entries on Native Americans, who of course are considered to be a marginalized people, than I could find on the Irish. This book, and the atlas I recommended, can help remedy that situation, and "The Most Beautiful Villages of Ireland" can beautify any home. Two thunbs up -- check this one out.

5 comments about PugTherapy: Finding Happiness, One Pug at a Time.

1. This is one of my favorite books. I always joke that pugs are better therapy than I could ever provide!! My husband and I are profoundly pug people, and this book exemplifies the natural humor and grace of our curly tailed loved ones! An absolute must have if your favorite therapeutic tool snorts a lot and farts like crazy!!! (smile)



2. This is just an adorable gift book with equally adorable pictures of pugs in costume and in their natural condition. Little tidbits of advice are given, but mainly this is just a feel good book with some cute pictures of cute chubby curly tailed pugs.



3. This is the most adorable book with lovable pugs. The captions are so cute and fit the charm of the pug.



4. I went through a really dark period in my life. After trying everything, even electroshock therapy, I found this book and it changed my life. Thank you, pugs!



5. As a wanna-be pug owner, this book is the next best thing! This is the perfect gift for the pug-lovers in your life. The photographs are beautifully done with inspired captions. It's nothing less than page after page of cuteness. If you are a fan of pugs, this is the book for you.

1 comments about Life: Dream Destinations: 100 of the World's Best Vacations.

1. The book is wonderful and what is even more wonderful for me is that I LIVE in one of the dream destinations...beautiful Bucks County PA.

5 comments about Snowflakes in Photographs.

1. I bought this book hoping the kids (8&5) would be intrigued by all the patterns of the snowflakes. They weren't, but the adults loved it!
   
   The photography and the story of the how these snowflakes were captured on film is very interesting.



2. Bentley photographed the ephemeral and hidden: snowflakes. He did this on his own with limited education and equipment. His glass plates remind us of the awe, beauty and wonder of frozen water. The book reveals Bentley's efforts on his Vermont farm over his lifetime. His dedication and creativity help us grasp the complexity, simplicity and three-dimensional images of snow. Snow is the most unstable substance on earth - always changing, even while it is forming in the atmosphere, falling through the atmosphere, depositing on a ground surface (water, soil, fence, glass, trees), sublimating (going directly from a solid to a vapor), hoar frost depositing out of a saturated clear atmosphere at night to produce a fairly land in at sunrise, going through continuous metamorphism (melt-freeze, temperature gradient, equitemperature gradient) and finally melting to return to the liquid form of the hydrologic cycle.
   
   Bentley's photographs enable us all to grasp snow from nursery to graduate school - the images all make sense - physically and mentally. Many images have been transformed into ornaments, framed photographs and other high end works of art.



3. Snowflakes in Photographs
   
   You can't imagine the variety of design in each individual snowflake until you these photographs. From simple to complex, these photos show how absolutely symmetrical and stunning these fragile crystals are.



4. This book about lived up to my expectations -- which wouldn't make it worth it for everybody. In our case, we were doing a unit study on snowflakes and we covered Bentley's biography (from children's picture books for the young ones to more complete adult biographies for the older) and the point of this book for us was simply to see what it was that he did. I explained to my first grader that the large camera he had was also very young in terms of the history of photography and that what he accomplished was marvelous for his time. I also explained that today's equipment is able to do so much more. We turned to Libbrecht'sThe Snowflake-- being from Caltech he's probably a good one to take up the cause and the photos are incredible. My first grader loved them so much that we ended up getting the calendar, Snowflakes 2008 Calendar: Featuring the amazing micro-photography of Kenneth Libbrecht (Calendar). The high school student was more interested in the text, and I loved both.
   
   Since I was familiar with Bentley's photos I knew I was buying this one for historical interest to go along with the biographies and not for anything more -- therefore, I didn't experience any disappointment for it perhaps not being as good as other books mentioned.



5. I read Snowflake Bently to a group of four year old children. They loved the idea that it was a true story. The next day I presented this book and the kids couldn't get enough.

5 comments about Fine Art Nature Photography: Advanced Techniques and the Creative Process.

1. Tony does in this book what I wish more photographers would do, he tells you in plain English his thought process on composition, and balance, why he took the shot and the technical aspects of the shot (ie, filters, and lens used and multiple exposures in the camera and the lab). I use Tony's techniques when I am composing my shots, and they have improved.



2. This is a fabulous book! It has great ideas. The techniques used in each photo are described in easy to understand language. A beginner photographer using an SRL camera will easily be able to follow the instructions used for each technique. I also like the fact that there is not much written information so solely focused on each photo and how to produce the same image. Great book for the money!



3. This and his accompaying books in the series are superb. He not only provides an explanation of the technique he employed to create the image, but often also explains the composition or artistic "merit" of the photo. The title is indeed accurate: he does teach the "creative process". While most of the photos were created with film (vs. digital) the instruction is such that translation to the digital world is straightforward, and effective. As you read the text and study the photos, Mr Sweet encourages you to think of why, when and how you would apply the techniques to your own photography. I know that my own skills "jumped" a level after even the first
   reading of this book.



4. Tony has done beautiful photography in nature, great for calendars, greeting cards. If that is what you want, Tony covers with many photograhphic treats.
   I want more serious landscape photographic examples, so will look elsewhere for more profound content. It is a matter of taste and philosophy.



5. The shots are nice enough and Sweet certainly has his technique down pat. However, I really learned nothing from the book.
   
   Perhaps I was expecting too much. I've been a serious photographer for nearly 40 years. Not to pat myself on the back, but I know the basics as well as anyone and was hoping for a bit of insight into Sweet's reasons for making certain shots.
   
   All this book provides is an explanation of what equipment was used. If you're into using filters for every shot you might learn something here.
   
   I think that the money would be better spent on one of John Shaw's books. "Focus on Nature" comes to mind as Shaw really explains his thinking behind each photo and doesn't just list the equipment that he used to make it.