3 comments about Nursery Style.

1. I've flipped through many nursery books and this book is beyond compare. Buy this book if you're looking for modern beautiful and unique styles. The book does cover 'vintage' decor aswell but the authors have done it in a very current and modern way that most moms our time will love. It comes with design tips that help you cut your budget aswell. I feel that, if you're the type of parent that wants to decorate a nursery without it looking too childish or toys'r'us looking this books is for you. A fantastic find for me.



2. I found this book to be worth every penny. The inspiration in decor can be applied on any budget, which is the beauty of the authors' suggestions. I thumb through this book every night and seem to find something I hadn't noticed before each time I do. I love this publication!



3. This is an amazing Nursery book, it does not matter if you are vintage, classic or modern in your taste. It's very instructive on how to create a one of kind nursery. Loved It! Beautiful rooms and ideas!

1 comments about One Hundred & One Beautiful Small Towns in Mexico (101 Towns).

1. One Hundred & One Beautiful Small Towns in Mexico
   
   What a fantastic resource for discovering the hidden gems of Mexico. We're planning a trip south, where the dollar will still deliver good value, and are thrilled that we found this book. It's packed with beautiful photographs, informative summaries, a selection of hotel and restaurant recommendations in each location and a regional index to help the reader/traveler organize and plan an itinerary. It covers the places we're all familiar with, but this book also reveals a whole new Mexico that you don't hear much about from the travel websites and agents.
   It's not the sort of book you take with you. It's one you want to have before you plan. Who knew about the turquoise lagoons of Bacalar? Or the "dance of the fliers" in Papantla? If you're looking for an exciting and exotic cultural adventure or just wanting to know more about Mexico, get this book!

2 comments about Nikon D40/D40x For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).

1. The book Nikon D40 for Dummies is a great book. It gives ready references to us dummies is a straight forward way. It has nice sized print ,compared to the camera manual. I will continue learning new tricks. It is an excellent guide.



2. Very good book, easy to use. The best so far that explains how the D40 features work, especially for a beginner. I tried a couple of other books,I am new to the world of slr cameras and have not understood enough to venture away from the auto setting!! The other books I bought was supposed to be for beginners,but I had to look up every word to figure out what they were trying to tell me.
   This author, actually goes through the menus and each function very carefully and in PLAIN language. Everything I wanted to know was in this book, even some things that I didn't know I needed to know.
   I highly recommend this book if you are going from digital point aand shoot to slr cameras. The book tells you all about the Nikon D40, This is an AWESOME camera!!!!

5 comments about Ocean.

1. This book is not a typical "coffee table" book. Although full of beautiful photographs, there is equal emphasis on educational text. Instead of being a book containing only full-page photos of ocean life, each page is a collage of wonderful photos and short articles that you will want to read. The publisher of this book (DK), offers a variety of books in this format (travel, etc), and the layout of this book is similar. That is not to knock the photos at all - they are great and some are full-page, but this book isn't page after page of full-page photos as some others are.
   
   That said, this is an excellent educational text with so much interesting information to offer. (It made me want to read the book cover-to-cover, which would probably keep me busy for at least a few days!)
   
   The four main sections of the book include:
   
   Introduction
   Ocean Environments
   Ocean Life
   Atlas of the Oceans
   
   The Introduction section takes a scientific look at the earth. A sampling of the topics of this section include "The Evolution of the Oceans", "Tectonics and the Ocean Floor", "Hurricanes", and "El Nino and La Nina". Mixed in with the photos are a number of color drawings and graphs to help the reader understand the concepts.
   
   The section on Ocean Environments includes articles on specific places like San Francisco Bay and Hardanger Fjord as well as general information on habitats such as Salt Marshes, Mangrove Swamps and Rocky Sea Beds. The pages are full of photos of the areas as well as typical species found there.
   
   The largest section is on Ocean Life and focuses on the variety of creatures found in the sea. Exhibited within these pages are a number of amazing photos of plants and animals that I had not seen before (though I'm not an expert on this subject) including creatures such as the Glass Squid, the Blue-Ringed Octopus and the Goblin Shark. I thoroughly enjoyed the short paragraph articles describing unique aspects of the species shown as well as the longer texts on topics like "Echinoderms" that includes anatomy, reproduction, feeding and defense sub-articles.
   
   The last section is Atlas of the Oceans and includes maps of the different oceans and text describing them.
   
   Again, the focus of this book is learning, not just amazing photography, and it does an excellent job of offering a smorgasbord of articles on different topics. If you really want to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants while paging through fantastic photographs, you will thoroughly enjoy this book!



2. NOT 500 pages and if I had paused to read the item description properly I wouldn't have bought this book! Way too good a price to be true, it is not another edition of the wonderful Cousteau-forwarded book, but a perfectly respectable DK full-color children's book with many very nice color photos. Probably very worth $7.99 and I was just far too greedy to read the fine print.



3. I had been looking for a comprehensive ocean book for a while, and more or less found it here. A complete overview of the ocean: physical features, marine life, fishing, exploration - this book covers it all. Great photography and short pieces of information on hundreds of the ocean's species will immerse even the most casual terrestrial browser.
   
   The species featured in this book are well distributed - representing all classes of animals and plants, and all zones and ocean communities, from the coastal to deep sea ecosystem. Their mini synopsis of species is proceeded by a helpful overview of the general category that covers them (such as mollusks: their basic anatomy, movement mechanics, feeding and life cycles for the entire group) before telling you about, let's say, the octopus. The bulk of the book is on ocean biota, with a smaller sections on ocean environments and an atlas of the oceans.
   
   Perhaps the biggest gap I see in the book is that it covers fisheries and other human impacts (trash, pollution, warming, acidification) only minimally and sporadically. The human impacts are highlighted for only a few key species, instead of treating it as an separate issue in its own right that affects, directly or indirectly, all forms of marine life. Indeed, the subtitle for the book, "the world's last wilderness revealed," is misleading and biased. It's akin a travel brochure selling an overrun tourist destination like Waikiki as exotic and pristine ("come and watch the natives surf!" I read once somewhere) - given our massive interference with most of the ocean, the term "wilderness" simply does not apply, except perhaps for the Antarctic region, for now.
   
   But what the book does cover, it covers it well, being both engaging and informative. Over 500 pages serve as a good introduction to our waterworld.



4. I recently sent this book to my younger sister who has inspirations of becoming an oceanographer. The book is so colorful and educational I think I want to become an oceanographer now!



5. This book not only has beautiful photography but a wealth of information. Ocean is a beautiful encyclopedia.

No comments about Playing the Changes: Milt Hintons Life in Stories and Photographs.

5 comments about Posing for Portrait Photography: A Head-to-Toe Guide.

1. I enjoyed the tips the book gave- it was a great intro into portrait posing. I have been able to implement some of the tips and have definitely improved my shots!



2. Ugh. Where to begin.
   
   Well, for starters, I actually made it through this nearly worthless "guide". If this is your very first posing book then it has "some" usable information, stress "some". Otherwise, or if it is your first, do a yourself a favor and skip it and pickup the far superior "Portrait Photographers Handbook"-Hurter which covers posing (and more) as or more usably in a couple chapters than this whole guide. Or get "The portrait photographers guide to posing"-Hurter also (all are Amherst media so I'm not shilling here)which is an expansion of Hurter's chapters in the first book listed above on posing. They are far far better written, without ? I dunno what it is? ego? perhaps? or just a clunky writing style in this book. For example, if I read one more time how the author is so awesome and his new photographers are so unworthy and relegated to backroom or "senior" duties for 2 years doing headshots before they're worthy to move to 3/4 or full portraits, my eyes will probably get stuck in the rolling position. I got a sense the author is arrogant...and for NO REASON if his photos are any indication.
   
   Whatever it was this book is nearly useless irrespective of that issue anyway. Even the photos, something I don't normally gripe about, are very average, far from inspiring. The above listed books are so far superior in this regard it's laughable. They contain photos from the top photogs in the country and are very inspiring.
   
   I would actually rate this book 2 stars but seeing as how far the amazon 4.5* ratings are out of whack, if I could do zero I would. Highly overrated. 2 Stars



3. As the title reads this book is a great foundation to build your posing knowledge on. As ther reviewers mentioned there are a lot of senior portraits, but the information is relevant to adults as well. I also purchased Professional Model Portfolios by Billy Pegram and found it to have more "meat" in my opinion. Though it doesn't focus on posing I found it to be a bit more inspiring.



4. It contains only and the details posing for teenager to adult, but not glamor "nudity" posing (as author state his philosophy about the "glamor"). Woth the "$"
   Well I need 2 more books to be feel completed that it composition and lighting techniques.
   
   4/14/2008, Since this is my first book regrading to posing. After weeks of read, and see the pictures begin look "award, weerrr" but I still don't know why. I loan book "posing... by Bill Hurter" I realized the pictures tilted the model head extremely and some time "hurt" such an unnatural look. I have to change to 3. But Amazon not let me do that.



5. As a professional photographer for a studio located in a chain store, I do a high volume of portraits. Repeat customers are a good aspect of the job, so new poses are a plus for customers, hence sales. I found this book to be easy to understand, helpful for beginners in the studio, and helpful for the experienced photographers as well. There are several pictures to back up the easy to understand text.

5 comments about National Geographic Complete Birds of North America (National Geographic).

1. This book has excellent content, but the first printing had the stiff binding that wouldn't allow the book to open fully, making it very difficult to read. The second printing has a more flexible spine where the pages are just stuck to it. After four months of very casual use, the pages began falling out. This is the poorest bound book that I have ever seen.



2. Birdwatchers,hello! I am an 8-year old birder. If you love birds and need some good information 'Nat Geo's Complete Birds of North America' has great info on behavior, identification and other important bird stuff! It is the first book I look at if my family or a friend describes a bird they saw today.
   
   I reccomend this highly, and you can buy it at almost every bookstore or library.



3. The single most noticeable thing about this book is how poorly it was manufactured. The spine seems to be made from steel making it impossible to ever fully open the book and an exercise in frustration to read. This problem is greatly exacerbated by the fact that the text runs way down into the deep dark recesses of the crevasse created by the horrible binding. The actaully printing however is very good. The pictures are clear with good color and the paper is of high quality. This makes it even more of a shame that the binding is so bad.
   
   The actual content of the book is quite good. Most of the illustrations were taken from the National Geographic Field Guide as were the maps. The maps have been increased in size which is a definite help. Every species accepted by the ABA is covered with its own write-up. Not surprisingly, some of the rarer species receive much less of a write-up then the regular ones.
   
   In the end I believe that the poor production qualities fatally flaw the book and can only recommend to the bird book obsessed like myself.



4. Well written, good information, well organized. Not a field guide but one of the best reference books I've seen.



5. In typical National Geographic fashion, this book is excellent. It is extremely comprehensive with outstanding artwork. This is a must have for anyone who enjoys birding. You should also buy the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America as an easy to carry companion.

3 comments about Sports Illustrated: In the Paint.

1. Who would have believed that body-painting could so realistically depict actual swim-suits, etc. Outstanding!



2. SI's annual swimsuit issue is a highly anticipated delight for many afficionados of the female form.
   
   This collection of photos of some of the most beautiful women on the planet features the body painting genius of Joanne Gair. These bountiful babes sure look like they are wearing some nifty swimsuits. NOT!
   
   They are all as naked as the day they were born. Wow! I wish I had this to read back when I was in my teen years! Still enjoyable, even now.
   
   The perfect gift for that straight male you know, aged teen to octagenarian. He will appreciate your exquisite taste.



3. A beautiful gift for any SI fan, photographer or artist... the book is well put together and done with class. It goes through each year SI has featured the "painted" models with additional, never seen before photos and model comments. Gorgeous color. Great holiday gift.

5 comments about Uncommon Places: The Complete Works.

1. An excellent retrospective of Stephen Shore work mainly from the 70's. Explores his vision from 35mm to large format 8x10 and how his vision was forced to change through his chosen tools for the work. Highly recommended for those looking for offbeat retro work.



2. This is a very nice book featuring the worls of Stephen Shore. As usual Aperture put together a very nice book. The printing and binding are top notch.
   
   If you have never seen the work of Stephen Shore you are in for a real treat. His classic urban landscapes are very original and are beautifully done in this book



3. This is my new favorite book. I found it by accident as I didn't know Stephen Shore. The feeling, mood, and color in his images are so great. If you're like me who like anything 70's, then you will love this book.
   
   His photography was considered very cutting edge at a time when all fine art was shot in black & white. Mr. Shore has a gift to make the ordinary like extra-ordinary and beautiful. If you love photography, you need to own this book! [...]



4. this is one of the first great works of color photography, and is still as fresh and significant as it was 30 years ago. forget all the imitators of today's contemporary scene, this was one of the first and is still better than anything to come along since (with the exception of sternfeld's american prospects which is equally great).
   
   and for those who say this is snapshot photography, think again. view camera, deliberation, and intent here are razor sharp and NOT filled with accidents or casual images.



5. Although not nearly as heinous as Richard Avedon's "In the American West", Stephen Shore's "Uncommon Places" earns an honored place in the annals of overrated art. Its sole interest is its time-capsule appeal.
   
   Imagine if you will, taking a camera across America and shooting ugly buildings, roads, humble homes, and desolate scenery with nary a concern of cohesiveness or narrative. Make no attempt to include a theme, other than perhaps a New Yorker's condescension much like the lyrics in the Talking Heads song "The Big Country." You then have this book.
   
   Perhaps 15-20 of these photgraphs hold some genuine magic. The rest are totally ridiculous. Much better is Eggleston's "Los Alamos."
   
   Even the title is grating.

5 comments about Twilight: Photographs by Gregory Crewdson.

1. The book is fantastic! However to my horror it was packed very badly and the book arrived scratched and a damaged. Amazon expects me to pay for all shipping costs to get a refund of the book value only. Since I live in Australia the return shipping would surpass the value of the books sent. I emailed Amazon with this issue 2 weeks ago and NO REPLY!
   
   
   DO NOT BUY FINE ART BOOKS FROM AMAZON!!



2. I love this book, its so inspiring. The title "twilight" is a time of the day when things seem real but at the same time they dont. The thing I love is that the illustrations look like photographs in a way, which is the piont their trying to make.



3. These photos are 'quiet' but intriguing. The lightings in these photos are amazing. Sometimes it is hard to believe that these are photos and not drawings.
   
   I personally like photos/movies shot under low budget -- and these settings were certainly not cheap -- but if you don't mind that, this is good book to have.



4. While Gregory Crewdson may be the most overhyped, overpaid photography around today, he is also a master of this type of color, creative, fictive scene. This work is deliberate, deep, and strange, and includes a good essay by Rick Moody. It is a modern masterwork, for sure, and while Crewdson's retrospective book "1985-2005" is average at best, this cohesive body of work is well worth the price.



5. 
   I can't believe another reviewer called this book contrived and insincere. That is absolutely ridiculous. This collection of work is quite sincerely attached to feelings of strangeness and otherness in everyday life. If you think those feelings are shallow and relegated to teenagers (and I find it very insulting that someone spoke of teens that way), then it's a sad, sad world.
   
   It is mysterious and strange and wonderful. Everyone can appreciate that.