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.

5 comments about Wedding Photography, 2nd Edition: Art, Business & Style (A Lark Photography Book).

1. It is the first wedding book that I like out of three that I have. Easy to read and understand, covered every area that I had questions about, nice and light humor. Full of useful examples and advices. I immediately saw how implementing some new techniques from this book can improve my work.



2. I was disappointed with this book. There were some good ideas such as formal posing, but otherwise, outdated. A better wedding photography book by far is "Digital Wedding Photography" by Glen Johnson.



3. If you lean more towards wedding photojournalism, you'll find this book annoying. The author takes stab after stab at the photojournalistic style and concentrates on listing which images you can sell after the wedding.
   
   I found the photography examples rather cheesy and old. The "Posing" chapter starts with a full page image of a bride and groom (almost smack in the middle of the photograph) and the groom's arms hanging down to his sides. I'm new to wedding photography, but even I know that's poor posing! It has some good points, but I wasn't too impressed.
   
   If you're into Traditional style of photography, this is a very good book for you to read. The author breaks the wedding down to almost every kind of picture you should create and how to make it sell at the end. It will be useful to you.
   
   So far, after having read 4 separate books on wedding photography this is my least favorite.



4. I have bought several books on posing and wedding photography. This is my first covering the most important aspects of the wedding photography business. Although it admits the prevailing tendency of admitting casual, journalistic photos on a wedding album, it still thoroughly explains the conventional wedding photos. It also describes how to deal with the business side of this activity. I consider this book a good very good source for those of us who would like to enter on this field of photography.



5. I've been reading through this and have found it very informative. I'm happy with my purchase.

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 Foro Italico.

1. George Mott's 1982 photographs of some of the most beautiful of the male athletic statues that surround the Foro Italico is the subject of this book. Mussolini, attempting to glorify the althetic male body in his Stadium of Statues, was disappointed that the 1944 Olympics in Rome were cancelled because of World War II. Yet the stadium and these 12 foot marble statues remain and are captured well by Mott's black and white presentation.
   
   The core of the book is 32 photographs of these graceful statues of athletic men. The Boxer is certainly one of the most impressive and is featured not only on the book cover but by two photographs inside the book showing the statue of heayweight champion Primo Carnera from two views. The Diver is of a youth that looks like an image from classical antiquity. Hercules is shown twice, once as the discus thrower and then again with the head of the defeated lion covering the back of his head and shoulders. The Boxer donated by Mantova is a strong work of art, showing the expanded brow and broken nose of a powerful and confident man. The Bare Fisted Boxer by Bellini also is a work of masculine power with the characteristic expanded brow and broken nose, adding to the masculine attraction rather than distracting. The Soccer Player by Morescalchi again evokes the sublime youth of classical antiquity.
   
   If someone was purchasing this book purely for male erotica, I would think they will be disappointed. The figures of young male athelets in the prime of their youth and power are certainly compelling, but the statues are of unequal appeal and Mott selects only half for this book. The images are of marble statues and whereas the bodies are stunning, they are also stylized in a manner later seen in Soviet social realism. However, in 4 or 5 images, the essence of male beauty is captured in these marble giants in powerful almost architypal simplicity and grace.



2. For anyone who has seen the statues of the Foro Italico in Rome, this book will come as a surprise. A visit to the Foro will not impress the viewer in the same way as this book. The photographer has captured the allure and grave dignity of the most beautiful (they are not all of the same high quality) of these statues in an array of close-ups and full figure shots. The essays by Sabatino and Ballerini are fascinating and well written. The book itself is magnificently produced. Mott seems to have taken the photographs before the statues were disfigured by the effects of air pollution. One wonders how long it will take the Italian authorities to realize the value of these works from the 30s and restore them?



3. For anyone who has seen the statues of the Foro Italico in Rome, this book will come as a surprise. A visit to the Foro will not impress the viewer in the same way as this book. The photographer has captured the allure and grave dignity of the most beautiful (they are not all of the same high quality) of these statues in an array of close-ups and full figure shots. The essays by Sabatino and Ballerini are fascinating and well written. The book itself is magnificently produced. Mott seems to have taken the photographs before the statues were disfigured by the effects of air pollution. One wonders how long it will take the Italian authorities to realize the value of these works from the 30s and restore them?



4. The book is beautifully printed and bound, but the photographer (Mott) uses almost exclusively head and upper-chest shots of the statues. In the rare occasions where the full body is displayed, a side or back view is often shown. Half of the photos are in color, which is a waste. These statues demand black and white film. Only a small fraction of the 60 statues were photographed. Luigi Ballerini's long (6 pages) piece was so long-winded and convoluted, I had to read it three times and I still don't understand what he was trying to say. For such a short book, I was surprised to find detail shots of a hand with a ball in it and a hand with a discus in it. What is the point? The 8-page article by Michelangelo Sabatino was interesting, but I would have preferred more full shots of more statues instead. Mott, clearly, has spent too much time in the United States to have an understanding of the meaning of eroticism. I'd love to see these statues photographed by a northern European!



5. This book reveals a little known part of Roman and Italian history that is incredible. The photos and the information presented are fascinating and this book makes a wonderful addition to any collection of art books, photographic volumes or Italian cultural texts. The composition and presentation of the photographs is truly striking and erotic without being in any way prurient. It is absolutely a true work of art about incredible works of art!

1 comments about Creating Exhibition-Quality Digital Prints: A Photographer's Guide to Developing RAW Files and Optimising Print Quality.

1. This is an excellent book. I've been able to get some excellent prints using the techniques described by the author. It is Photoshop oriented. I been fine art printing for about 18 months. I've been able to develop some images that were previously eluding me. I've gotten some very nice complements on these prints.
   
   Well worth the reading.

1 comments about Main Street to Miracle Mile: American Roadside Architecture.

1. "Main Street to Miracle Mile" is an excellent introduction to the development of American cities in this century. What's more, it takes what could be a dull topic and makes it lively by looking at such structures as gas stations, motels, and shopping centers and showing how the changes in the architecture of these businesses reflect the changes that were taking place in American society. Good photographs from many parts of America illustrate the impact a more mobile population has had on the location, size, and design of the buildings that serve us. While this book has been used as a text for college classes, it also can be very enjoyable for the casual reader.

4 comments about Idora Park: The Last Ride of Summer.

1. Fasinating book! Great history of the Youngstown, Ohio area during the start-up of the city as it rapidy grew during the 1800's through 20th century! Anyone with a desire to learn more about what Yougstown was about during the boom years should purchase this book, the history of Mill Creek Park, and Steel Valley.



2. Another fantastic trip back down the amusement park midway, courtesy of Mr. Jacques. This well researched and colorful book manages to chronicle the life and times of Youngstown's Idora Park - without reading like your typical history lesson. Filled with hundreds of pictures, this book is a must read for any amusement park enthusiast. Although I have never been to Idora, or even Youngstown, this book put me right back on Idora's midway and in the front seat of their infamous Wildcat and Jack Rabbit roller coasters.

   Mr. Jacques' book also includes many unique behind the scenes stories and anecdotes from countless interviews and local archives. Personal photos and individual recollections of time spent at Idora Park take the reader back to a time when the traditional amusement park was the highlight of our summer days.




3. Anyone who lives in and around Youngstown, Ohio and those who are devotees of the amusement park tradition in America will find this attractive book to be both informative and nostalgic. The Last Ride... is an intelligent, intriguing look back through time to the park's opening in 1899 through to the fire which sealed its fate! The book is beautifully and thoroughly illustrated with copious photos and other interesting items; including a summary list of the events, groups, bands, etc. who were part of the park's history. This book is a must for everyone who's ever set foot in the park wither during its glowing years or during its decline.



4. I found the book to back great old memories of the greasy french fries and rattly old coasters. The old train was my favorite

5 comments about Jamie Drake's New American Glamour.

1. From the cover to the last page there was nothing I didn't love. I was warmly brought into Drake's world by the sweet memoir-like background and explanations given. He is wonderfully specific about what he's included and why. You do not have to be a a fan of the flashy or particularly modern style to appreciate the luster of his look and find elements to emulate in your own home.



2. This is a great book for anyone interested in "glam". Once you read you understand why Jamie is so highly acclaimed. He is not bashful to share his knowledge with those of us who are self taught decorators. I highly recommend this book. The photograph's are awesome.



3. This elegant tome beautifully tells us how to think through design in all it's aspects from color to shape, form and texture. It is not only visually stunning, but a very worthwhile read. Love his drawings as inspirations.



4. The images in Jamie Drake's New American Glamour are fabulous. I have been fortunate enough to be in one of his rooms. I particular like the fact the he included a lot of colored sketches of his ideas for rooms and then we get to see the finished room. This is a fabulous picture book for interior inspirations.



5. MR. DRAKE MUST BE A FUN PERSON TO KNOW....HIS INTERIORS ARE VERY, VERY COLORFUL AND FUN TO LOOK AT ..I WOULD NOT WANT TO LIVE DAY TO DAY WITH ALL THAT BUT IT'S FUN TO KNOW HIS CLIENTS LIKE TO LIVE THAT WAY....THE COVER OF THE BOOK IS VERY CREATIVE JUST LIKE THE MIND OF MR. DRAKE ...LOOK AT THE BOOK ON A CLOUDY,RAINY DAY AND YOUR SPIRITS WILL BE LIFTED.......

4 comments about Nonlinear - A Field Guide to Digital Video and Film Editing.

1. I've read a number of books on the subject, and this is by far the best. Its clarity and concision put most of the others (such as the disorganized Ohanian books) to shame.



2. As a working (nonlinear) editor, and as an editing teacher, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Six years ago I made the switch from film to computer, with Michael Rubin's book as my constant companion. Rubin writes with a keen intelligence and an implied sympathy for both the professional editor and the student trying to make sense of the complex and rapidly-changing world of post production.

   Because he IS an editor, Rubin is the only technical writer I know who is able to prioritize exactly what you need to know and to tell you why you need to know it. Like any good editor, he has the ability to think macro- and microscopically at once. His post-production flowcharts, history of nonlinear, and overview of systems and distribution are unsurpassed in the field. The down-and-dirty details of digital video- subjects like timecode, telecine and 3:2 pulldown, and compression algorithms- are clearly demystified. These are sections to which I still refer! This book is always in my cutting room as a reference, and when I teach I borrow examples from the book and urge my students to purchase their own copy.

   This book contains another unique feature, which is an intellectual and practical interest in editing theory. Rubin has worked not only as an editor, but also in research and development at several companies during the dawn of nonlinear technology. Thus, he is able to pose and answer the most fundamental questions: Why do we need nonlinear technology? And how can that technology serve our creative needs? What might we see in the future?

   This is a book that will be helpful for anyone who is already editing at any level, or for anyone just learning about the craft. Straightforward, well-organized, and filled with humor and wisdom, this is quite simply my favorite book about the technical side of editing.




3. Like many new editors, I came to Final Cut Pro with no NLE experience nor any knowledge of video whatsoever. In fact when I started, just over two years ago, there was not a single book on FCP. Since that time there have been a number of excellent books published about FCP. I have bought and read all of them.

   During the past two years I have learned the terminology used with FCP video. But my knowledge is FCP-centeric. I had little understanding of video, it's relationship to film or it's history.

   Last week I discovered "Nonlinear/4" written by Michael Rubin. I can best describe this book as a complete reference guide to all things video. But its actually more.

   Each element covered in this book is in it's own section. Each section is brief, concise and clearly written. Very simple (read: clever) analogies are employed to help the reader gain understanding. While there is technical information, the book is not overly technical. There is a great deal of art, illustrations and photos. This art furthers the learning experience and is one reason that the book works so well, the art really illustrates the
   lessons being taught.

   The history of film and video runs throughout the book. This history is essential to understanding how and why video is what it is today.

   I learned a great deal from this book and now have a better understanding of why things are the way they are. Our modern day NLE Digital video is the result of a long legacy, going all the way back to the early days of film. This book is a great reference guide as well with a full index at the back.

   I am really glad that I came across Nonlinear/4. I truly have a better understanding of what's going on with Video and how it works. This knowledge will certainly help me with FCP.

   --ken




4. This book helped me to put aside all doubt and really get a product. It made the process very easy and was a constant help throughout the whole editing experience. I feel a more competent and able editor thanks to this book. I hope everyone considers it when making their next purchase!

5 comments about The Photoshop Elements 4 Book for Digital Photographers (VOICES).

1. I am not a "serious" book reader, but Scott Kelby keeps me interrested with his little quirks thoughout the book, yet I learned tons of information. I have the book right next to the computer and dog-eared in many places for quick reference.



2. I enjoyed reading the book and use it extensively.
   I thought the book could have had less "corn" dialogue.
   The book did not address how to remove flash reflections off of eye glasses.



3. Excellent layout and easy to read.
   Kelby has a great instructional, yet whimsical style.
   Very good for the layman; would be digital photo manipulator.
   The only demerit I would note is the lack of more indepth instructions for uses of "layers".
   Layers are my weakest area for this software, but the rest of the info was great and very useful with great illustrations.



4. I have the same review title for all Scott's books. I did a panorama in 5 minutes...what more can I say? Dont think - Scott's books are awesome.



5. Excellent workbook to learn how to use a great photo editing program. The photographs used in the book can be downloaded from Scott Kelby's web site and you can perform photo editing just like in the book. Our club has made a series of workshops out of this book to improve the skills of members and the book is recommended for everyone.