1 comments about Arizona Ghost Towns and Mining Camps/a Travel Guide to History.

1. The information and directions included in this book are very informative, but not in a lot of depth. Photos were fantastic. Buy it with another book whose emphasis is Arizona history with more specific directions and it will be a winning combination.

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

No comments about Spirit Of Sailing.

5 comments about 500 Cottages.

1. Very interesting. Enjoyed looking at all the cottages featured in the book. Mostly in California though.



2. This is a wordless picture book for adults that show images of cottages and Victorian homes. The pictures are nice, although some look particularly dated/old. The only item listed next to the picture of each home is the location - no date of construction or architect or anything else. The drawback of this book is also the limited scope - every other picture is from Chico, CA or the San Francisco Bay Area; there is a very small spattering of homes from other places. The photographer really limited himself to the West Coast, so the book is definitely lacking in that respect. The book is very small and compact, and I'd recommend browsing it at the library and not purchasing it.



3. This collection of outstanding photography of eclectic houses will take you out of your living room and offer you a stroll through the scenery.



4. Wow... well I must say that I really feel "taken"!! Both Taunton Press and Keister have done excellent work in the past, so I did not think twice about purchasing the book... Unfortunately I did not pay attention to the SIZE! I fully expected this to be a picture book because that was how it was advertised. But I assumed it would be 8"x10" like similar Taunton publications. Did it do what it set out to do? Yes. It is a picture book about cottages. I did not expect the book to be 5" x 6" -- less than half the size of normal books. This is a "post card book". Buyer Beware-- This book is tiny!



5. This is a small book with a lot of delightful images. To me it feels like sitting down in Doug Keister's studio and rummaging through a box of photos. The houses aren't in order so if you see one you like, you may come across it again from a different angle in a hundred pages. It's an eclectic group ranging from gingerbread to the stone extravaganzas of Earl Young in Charlevoix, MI.
   
   "500 Cottages" is short on text (and context) but it doesn't claim to be a comprehensive history. It's reasonably priced eye candy, the sort of thing one can set out that guests will grab and page through. It afforded me considerable pleasure and quite a few smiles of recognition as I flipped the pages from one enticing photo to the next. I'd been to his site at and enjoyed a chance to see excellent photos that didn't make it into his book projects---this (and "500 Bunglaows") is a more portable way to look at them.
   
   Keister's outtakes beat most architectural photographer's best work.

1 comments about Let's Wrestle.

1. Let's Wrestle is a superb wee book! The Shrig never fails to disappoint with his wit and insight. Although out of print, if you can acquire a copy...buy, buy, buy!

No comments about Cath Kidston Dream Home Journal.

5 comments about Creative Digital Printmaking: A Photographer's Guide to Professional Desktop Printing (Photography for All Levels: Intermediate).

1. While searching out another photography book, I stumbled upon this one and bought it on a whim. What a revelation! I am totally thrilled with the book, the authors' writing, and the info - both aesthetic and concrete - inside. I've had several print b/w darkrooms - bathroom affairs that I've loved - but no longer have the space. I really have missed the print-making experience. Thus Creative Digital Printmaking opened new and exciting doors to me. Even better, it clearly explained how to handcolor digiprints, something I'd done with my b/w images, but never imagined I could do with a digital print.
   The book's instructions and explanations are masterful - clear and concise, yet full of exciting techniques. While the book takes the reader on interesting creative journeys, Airey also focuses on the concrete, such as how to calibrate a monitor and the best way to scan a negative or photograph. The combination works. So do the excellent photographic examples. If you have the urge to make digital prints that last and ones that resonate with and excite viewers, this book will guide you on your way. I can't recommend it highly enough.



2. You can spend weeks following web users groups that discuss specific papers, inks, printers and combinations of archival inks and papers etc. You can subscribe to numerous artists' magazines. But in this book, you can save yourself months, because of Theresa Airey's practical information and lists. The book not only helps photographers looking for quality in printing but it also gives people who hand tint photos good advice with the current lineup of digital materials. From the applications standpoint, I like that this book takes readers from basics to difficult, creative projects. The listings for companies, websites, papers and other media are excellent. To Amphoto Books: Please give us more from this talented and extraordinarily helpful author.



3. BASIC Digital Printmaking -That should be the title of this book. Perhaps for the amateur photographer who is unfamiliar with basic digital processes. There is so much more that can be done, missed completely by this book.
   The book is filled with cheezy Photoshop effects equal to those "star" filters back in the 70's. cheezy, cheezy, cheezy...



4. For those who endeavor to perfect fine art digital printmaking, this is the book to read. It is a "how to" and so much more. The book covers paper, ink, techniques, hand coloring and the practical application and intereaction of all of these variables. The book is cogently written and elegantly displayed. It is a must for anyone's library who wishes to expand their horizons in the digital printing arena. Ms. Airey is a master of her craft and it shows.



5. For those who endeavor to perfect fine art digital printmaking, this is the book to read. It is a "how to" and so much more. The book covers paper, ink, techniques, hand coloring and the practical application and intereaction of all of these variables. The book is cogently written and elegantly displayed. It is a must for anyone's library who wishes to expand their horizons in the digital printing arena. Ms. Airey is a master of her craft and it shows.

1 comments about Chernobyl: Confessions of a Reporter.

1. Written by prizewinning journalist Igor Kostin, who braved severe radiation to take the only existing photograph of the Chernobyl plant on the day of its catastrophic destruction, Chernobyl: Confessions of a Reporter is a compilation of black-and-white and color photographs that Kostin continued to take for twenty years of the plant, the forbidden zone surrounding it, and the people who worked there. For the first time, Kostin presents Chernobyl's story in words as well as pictures, yet it is the photographs that utterly dominate Chernobyl: Confessions of a Reporter, captured images ranging from men transporting radioactive blocks with their naked hands to the evacuation of villages and the construction of the sacrophagus. A singularly compelling visual glimpse into the heart and aftermath of tragedy.

5 comments about Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits.

1. I purchased this book, along with several other photo essay type books. As an avid photographer, I like collecting the work of others. This book was easily the best of the bunch - it will not disappoint. The photography is captivating, and extremely well printed on quality paper stock (a rarity in these days of cheap self published books). The accompanying text is inspiring and motivational. I highly recommend this book.



2. Babyboomers are not the only ones who will identify with the stories of the famous and "not-as-famous" FEARLESS WOMEN in this book. Included along with short bios of fifty incredible women are beautifully done black and white photos showing them in their "hayday" as well as now. Not just a coffee table book, but one which gives interesting stories of accomplished, humanitarian, courageous people. This is an inspiring book which leaves the reader wanting to know more about these "fearless women."



3. This review comes from a post I made on 21 July 2005 on an actors' forum, in honor of one of the amazing, fearless women profiled in the book.
   
   I have a story to share.
   
   Yesterday, my husband came home with a stack of mail from our post office box. As usual, the stack was pretty thick and was mainly headshot submissions, postcards from actors, invitations to shows, and a few bills. :\ At the bottom of the stack, however, there was a very thick express mail package. Heavy. Large. I know that Keith had to wait in a line to pick it up, as the post office would have put a yellow slip into our box so that we'd know we had something waiting.
   
   Filled with curiousity, I began opening the package. Inside the first envelope, there was a second. Inside the second, there was a third. My excitement was building. "What *is* this?!?" Couldn't wait to find out!
   
   Imagine my delight when I saw the gorgeous photograph on the cover of this book, immediately alerting me to the fact that the amazing Pamela Jansen had sent me a copy of "Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits" by Nancy Alspaugh and Marilyn Kentz, with photos by Mary Ann Halpin.
   
   First, the book is simply gorgeous. These women are, in fact, fearless and their portraits are breathtaking, their stories inspiring, and their courage outstanding. But what touched me the most is the letter Pamela wrote. I won't share it here, as it was personal and beautiful, but I have to let you know... I cried.
   
   I read the letter, I turned to Pamela's chapter, I read the inscription, and I cried some more.
   
   Keith said to me, "I want you to keep that letter out. Anytime you need to be reminded of the beauty that is GRACE, you read that letter and continue on."
   
   Pamela, after reading the letter again and placing it into the book for safekeeping, I pulled out your headshot, held it up, and said, "I WILL find a way to cast you someday."
   
   And that is for sure. It is probably the only gift I could give back to you, for having shared so beautifully with the WORLD by being profiled in this wonderful book. I am humbled and honored that you sent this book to me. I am forever on your side and will be sure that others know what a gift LIFE is, as evidenced by your amazing story.
   
   Everyone... GET your hands on this book. You will be blown away, inspired, delighted, and motivated to live your dreams like only you can.
   
   I hope you don't mind the plug, Pamela. I just had to share my thoughts. Much love,
   -Bon.



4. This book contains photographs of some of the women I admire most. Unfortunately, the women are posed holding a large sword as a prop to indicate their fearlessness.
   
   I suppose that this was the feature that "sold" the book idea, but I would much prefer portraits of my heroines without the sword. The sword is a symbol of much more than fearlessness, and detracts from the book. It makes the book corny.
   
   My husband bought it for me for mother's day last year; I'd guess from an amazon recommendation -- but it was a most disappointing gift -- one that I would never leave out for others to view. This wouldn't be true if the swords weren't in every photo.



5. After looking at three of the photographs and reading the first page of the introduction, I immediately purchased three copies of this book - one for myself, and one for each of my sisters. Now halfway through looking at these amazing women and reading their inspiriational stories, I am empowered and inspired. Life is long, and the middle of it is fabulous! My first book was published when I was 53 and my next one is due out when, God willing, I will be 57. So take heart all you "women of an age." The best is yet to come, as the authors of this book and the women in its pages will show you. You, too, can join this company in making this the most delightful time of your life! Give this book to every "Boomer Babe" you know.

1 comments about Lights, Camera, Action!: A Guide to Video Instruction and Produciton in the Classroom.

1. This book appears simple and also shows a multitude of sall activities that students who are beginners in the world of video production (and range from 15-20 yrs) can cover easily. It makes Video production look fun and easy and also has nice large lettering to read and simple projects to do.