1 comments about Motion Blur: 2: Multidimensional Moving Imagemakers.

1. The book delivered. If you're a filmmaker/graphic animator, I highly recommend it. And your friends will think you're the coolest cause there's nothing like purposely buying a collection of commercials. Ha. I also discovered a handful of cool bands too from the music videos on the DVD... and the book itself makes a great coffee table piece as well.

3 comments about The Beginner's Guide to Pinhole Photography.

1. This book is a delight. Proper balance between technical acuracy and enjoyable reading. Highly recommended for first time adventures into pinhole photography. True beginners might appreciate a bit more detail in the construction of the three camera types but exploration is part of the fun. I should think the book highly suitable for younger readers especially. My daughter-in-law who is the photographer of the family managed a wonderful array of spectacular pictures using this book as a guide. Since I handicrafted her wooden pinhole camera, I also am pleased with the fact the the thing worked and that her pictures were so beautiful.



2. This is a wonderful introductory text to the world of pinhole photography; Mr. Shull is very clear, and provides easy to follow instructions and diagrams for creating simple pinhole cameras and printing the resultant images. His instructions are well-laid enough for even a photographic novice to use this books as a teaching text, for example for children, as a good science project for understanding light and/or basic photography.

   He keeps it simple enough that experienced pinholers will want to look elsewhere for detailed technical information or designs to push the edges of pinhole practice, but this is also the book's strength as a beginner's guide. Strongly recommended.




3. Jim Shull's second book is an expanded version of the first, 'The Hole Thing', which inspired me to pursue pinhole photography. The new version includes more information and fotografs. Just as the first book, it differentiates between photography and fotografy.

   In his folksy, non-technical style, Jim Shull explains the ins and outs of pinhole fotografy. Where technical information must be given, he does so in a very accessible manner. His guide contains essential information enabling beginners to construct and use pinhole cameras. It also shows the minimal equipment needed to process your on pictures and guides you through each step on how to do it.

   Many teachers will find Jim's guide an excellent reference.

   Thanks Jim! Excellent book!

5 comments about As I See It.

1. I own two Greg Gorman books, Inside Life and Perspectives both of which feature his celebrity portraits. They are wonderful collections and his photos of Keanu Reeves and Stephen Dorff remain among the most iconic and appealing ever shot of those two actors. Truth be told however, I've always found Gorman's nude work on the dull side and much of this comes down to simple stylistic preference. To generalize, there are two major styles of physique photography, the naturalism of photographers like Nan Goldin, Larry Clark and Bruce Weber that follows in the path of Wilhelm Von Gloeden (1856-1931) and on the other hand the stylized, studio-bound artifice of people like Greg Gorman, Robert Mapplethorpe (even his rougher work) and Herb Ritts that has its origins more in the physique mags of the 1950's. As I See It falls squarely into the latter of these styles.
   
   Where the naturalistic photographers are happy to explore real interiors and airy outdoor locations (preferably with people engaged in recognizable activities) people like Gorman are interested in re-creating a particular stylized ideal with studio lighting and studio poses. The models in this world don't sweat, break out or laugh...just pose. All that's missing are (to borrow a phrase I once read) beach balls and hula hoops. Compare this style to Bruce Webers. While his advertising campaign for Abercrombie and Fitch may be monotonous, his book collections are funny, sexy and memorable. I can call to mind individual photos from his last book Branded Youth whether the amusing wrestling camp series or the photo of the little birds clawing into the white shoulders of the boy with braces.
   
   As I See It is a world of Tadzio-like models held at arms length by a photographer who is best when exploring what is unique about each of his subjects rather than making them all look interchangeable.



2. The photos of nude men are beutifully captured in sepia tones. There is nothing provocative or crude. It's just men posing in the buff. There are a few photos of Christopher Atkins and Josh Duhamel. The book is just beautifully put together.



3. ONE OF THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL BOOKS OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE WORLD>
   MR. GORMAN AT HIS BEST!



4. 
   Art is a matter of taste, and taste will affect one's assessment. The reason I was immensely disappointed in this book was because (a) almost all the models look the same and (b) that particular style of clone isn't what I find particularly appealing--at least not enough to welcome a couple hundred pictures of essentially the same thing. With that many models, one might naturally expect to find a variety--a few alternate races thrown in, or at least a few different looks (body types) and variety of presentation. We all have our preferences, and this wasn't mine.
   
   Maybe I should give three stars instead of two, because, after all, the editorial review does provide a hint (if inadequate) that these are "carefully selected" guys "who exemplify FOR GORMAN a perfected state." It's just that you won't know what that limitation is exactly (what his idea of perfection is), until you get the book.
   
   One thing I found odd, which is partly why I say "clones," is that virtually all the models are circumcised (if they're not, they appear to be...). A whole bookful of cut models--who are touted as a perfected state of grace, beauty and elegance of the nude male form--has got to be disappointing to those who appreciate the natural male form. The only natural-appearing model featured in the entire book (that I could find) is the very LAST one pictured--and I couldn't help but wonder if the only reason for its inclusion had something to do with size. Oh, I did see just one other "natural" photo, but only in one shot in the series of a long-haired, girlish-looking blond from slightly more of a distance, an outdoor shot. Perhaps this non-prominate exception was also included, again in the back of the book, for its jarringly different look (the fluffy long hair). Just a hint of diversity.
   
   If you share the same idea of what is the "perfected state" of the male form (white, cut and youngish), and don't mind purchasing a whole book limited to just that, then this book is quite respectable. Buy it. Still, I wonder how it could receive such utterly superlative accolades in the other reviews. After all, inside its elegantly macho covers, it's rather ordinary in its presentation, not glossy, not strikingly presented (no margins, pictures covering the entire page--which in my opinion is not the most ideal presentation of black and white photos); so I could understand "very good" or even "excellent," but the best ever seen since the beginning of time? Not even close for this reviewer who is an avid collector of fine photography in diverse genres. Others obviously feel differently--and that's why we have reviews.



5. The photographs in this book are just marvelous. Gorman has a way of evoking each model's personality so well with his shots. There are also some lower level celebrities in the mix so that is cool. Christopher Atkins has a great spread. If you love the male form, you will love this book of breathtaking photos.

5 comments about Minnesota's North Shore.

1. The book & DVD are unbelievable. Soothing and breathtaking at the same time. Truly a treasure.



2. For many years, my family and I have been vacationing for several weeks on Minnesota's North Shore. Despite its magnificent scenery both on the
   Superior Shore and the Superior National Forest from Duluth through the Canadian border,the North Shore remains fairly uncommercial, maintaining a surprising amount of spectacular imagery, in its uncrowded area
   Blacklock's photographic book and its contained DVD do adequate justice to this beautiful part of the earth. His eye is perceptive; his
   artistry is at a high level in composing his photgraphs. The four seasons
   are fully encompassed. I get pleasure from seeing the images, when I am
   not in that area.



3. To put it bluntly, Craig Blacklock's Minnesota's North Shore is the most comprehensive and well photographed book that currently exists of the Minnesota-Superior shoreline. The book is comprised of one hundred and seventy-five color photographs, as well as a three hour DVD of additional video content. The photographs are organized regionally, beginning with images taken in Duluth and ending with the Susie Islands along the Canadian Border. All in all, the print quality is superb, as is the physical construction of the book. Of course, it's the content of the book that is most important. Thankfully, the photographs themselves are stunning; Blacklock's attention to composition, light and detail are a testament to both his refined technical and aesthetic sensibilities. This said, I found Minnesota's North Shore to be a very different book than Blacklock's well known work, The Lake Superior Images.
   
   Compared to his earlier work, Minnesota's North Shore tends to gravitate towards quieter and more intimate compositions. While grand landscape compositions are still present, there seems to be a greater interest in representing the essence of place through the use of small vignettes and understated moments. A parallel to this approach could drawn with Japanese haiku poetry. Blacklock tends to be very successful in eliciting emotional response when working within this vein, resulting in a body of work that contains an element of depth only found in the best of nature photography. The focus of the book's content is on the Superior shoreline itself, though inland images from the North Shore's scenic rivers, prominent viewpoints and natural history are also included. This bias of images towards the shoreline should not come as a great surprise for those who are familiar with Blacklock's previous work.
   
   Additionally, conservation of the shoreline as both a state and national resource is clearly a primary concern for Blacklock. The book ends on a somber note with a photograph of lakeshore development and an essay on the need to immediately act in order to preserve what remains of Minnesota's North Shore. For those who love the lake, this book may prove to be a record of what was lost if action is not taken. Let's hope that this isn't the case, Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior is undoubtedly one of the greatest natural treasures of the state. In order to preserve this place for the enrichment of future generations, it's clear that the responsibility lies in our hands today.
   
   All in all, highly recommended.



4. This is a fabulous "coffee table" book full of stunning images of Minnesota's North Shore. My jaw drops with each turn of the page.
   
   I haven't even looked at the DVD yet - but the book itself is more than worth purchasing!
   
   I recommend this book for people who love the North Shore, but also for anyone who loves photography in general. Mr. Blacklock's composition skills are AMAZING!



5. 4 1/2 *
   
   This new book of Craig Blacklock features digital photographs, both new and enhanced from previous work. As expected, it is magnificent.
   
   The best part is the inclusion of a 3-hour DVD, which for me is like having a video chronicle of my own excursions to the North Shore. What a treat to be able to experience this wonderful place like this at home.
   
   The DVD is in 5 chapters, each exploring a different segment of the North Shore. While all are wondeful, special attention should be made to Part 3: Tettegouche State Park. Here the photography and music are truly poetic and form an almost symphonic arc that is inspirational.
   
   On the other hand, Chapters 1 and 5 are a bit over long and concentrate too excessively, in my opinion, on repetitive detail.
   
   I think perhaps Blacklock could also have augmented the inland attractions of the shore (waterfalls and canyons).
   
   These are small complaints, however, the entire DVD is very much worth having. The electronically produced music forms an evocative backdrop, or you can turn it off and just listen to the waves and the birds. The inclusion of two wonderful songs by folk singer Pater Mayer are a big plus, as well.

5 comments about Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks.

1. I didn't think that Memory Makers would be able to top the original book, "Memory Makers Creative Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks", but they did with this book! Instead of presenting the first book with some slight modifications, Memory Makers generated all new cropping ideas and examples. Both of these books will be of value to anyone who scrapbooks. I guarantee that this is not the same old scrapbook publication.



2. So many wonderful and useful cropping ideas. I've tried them and my scrapbook pages are too good to be true. These unusual crops truly made my pages a work of art.



3. What an awesome book for a remarkably awesome price



4. This is a book provides new ideas for cropping to enhance your scrapbooks. The page descriptions are clear and easy to understand. This is a good book for the intermediate scrapbooker.



5. As always with these kinds of books - another great read and guide for scrapbookers!

5 comments about Working with HDV: Shoot, Edit, and Deliver Your High Definition Video.

1. I am just starting to explore using HDV and purchasing some equipment. The book "Working with HDV" was a great introduction to HDV but the overal quality of the book was very mixed. The author did seem very knowledgeable about the subject matter and parts of the writing were excellent. The first few chapters which provide a historical perspective and overview of HDV was really excellent with the right balance of technical detail. the middle portion on HDV production techniques was marginally useful as it did not go into enough detail to be really helpful. The last portion on post production and delivery was awful. It seemed like the deadline was approaching and the last few chapters were just thrown together. It was just a bunch of disjointed information on various options without any flow to it whatsoever. Some sections seemed incomplete and without any clear purpose in the text (e.g. some of the case studies). Maybe it was because there are so many software and hardware products on the market it was not possible to go into any detail. One of the problems was several terms were used which were not defined unlike the first chapters which explained everything thoroughly. There were also a fair number of editing mistakes which I found a bit annyoing (example: page 59 second paragraph last sentence should read "384-Kbps").
   
   Overall I found the book useful and the first few chapters alone were worth the cost...but barely.



2. I am a computer professional, and bought this book to learn how to get started in HDV. To my dismay I found numerous errors when the authors referred to computing. e.g. in one place they call RAID, Random Access Internal Drives, yet in the glossary they correctly call it Redundant Array of Independent Disks. They claim that USB 2 is faster than Firewire (not true, although the theoretical maximum speed in USB is higher, in actual use Firewire is much faster for sustained data transfer, such as one sees with digital video.) They also say that Mac files cannot be accessed from Windows. This is also not, strictly speaking, true (although it is not easy).



3. This is an excellent book. It covers the topic of High Definition very thoroughly.
   It is copyright 2007. At the time of this review (July, 2007) it seems very much up to date.
   It reviews ALL the high definition cameras on the market today. It covers the best video editing programs (Sopny Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro2, Avid Xpress ProHD, Apple Final Cut Pro HD 5, Ulead Media Studio Pro 8).
   Dr. Pescatore does a masterful job of describing the various Digital Video formats. (Did you know that you can have digital video without it being High Definition)?
   Chapter 5 deals with shooting with HDV, and could have used a few more rewrites. It seems to lack coherence.
   HDV is the wave of the future, and you need this book to prepare you for this technology



4. With the advances in High Definition and HDV, staying ahead of the learning curve might seem a daunting task. "Working with HDV" is a god-send. Seven chapters of technical wizardry, yet it's incredibly approachable; allowing even the most novice of film makers to grasp it. This is a MUST HAVE for any one considering whether or not to shoot on HDV for your next project!



5. Chuck Gloman has definitely helped me,a non-technical person, understand the basics of working with HDV. I have begun my project with a new confidence, and he has showed me this can be real simple.

No comments about Portrait in Light and Shadow: The Life of Yousuf Karsh.

No comments about Blue Prints: The Natural World in Cyanotype Photos.

5 comments about Graphis Nudes 4.

1. I have the full collection o Graphis Nudes, volumes 1 through 4. The best buy I've made get. They look really cool in my living room...



2. Graphis presents a book of excellent fine art nudes. The pages are heavy gauge and the pictures are maximized in the space without going edge to edge. My only complaint is that the information on each photographer is stuffed together in the back. There is plenty of room on the page opposing the photograph for this relevant information.



3. If you, dear reader, know the Graphis Nudes volumes 1 to 3, buy this one too. It's just as great as the other ones (I now own all 4 of them). If you don't know the series, start saving money, because if you buy one of them you will want them all. I do have a whole shelf of books with nude photography. These volumes are my absolute favourites. If I could take only 10 books with me from my ~1000 book mini-library, all 4 Graphis Nudes volumes would be in there.
   
   Every single photo in this book is beautiful (In most other books I usually am not very fond of 30 to 50% of the pics).
   If you are into very provocative photographs, this book might be too quiet for you. Most pictures are black and white or in a limited color palette. The photographers rather concentrate on form and texture of the human body then on provocative poses. The artists in this book play with beautiful lines and curves, strong light-shadow contrasts, or the contrast between a soft human body and rough nature. It is a praise of the beauty of the human body in all its forms. If you like classic black and white photography, get this book, I am sure you will like the color photographs in there too. (Oh, and see whether you can get the other three volumes ;)
   
   Some more facts: The paper of the book is heavy and semi glossy, and the print quality is magnificent. Photographs are on the back and front of the page, so no empty pages (don't worry, no shine-through with this paper). Also the binding is very well done. The book opens easily and lies open flat without having to press down on it. There are many black/white photos, but also dualtone photos and color photos.
   
   I usually do not endorse or praise any products, but with this one (and the whole series) I do. It is definitely worth the price.



4. I love nude art and photography from an artistic and appreciative standpoint. I have several books of nude photography. Most use airbrushed looking models, but this one has a little bit of everything from tiny to large, white to black, male and female, etc. This has definitely put my other books to shame! I just wish they could have included more male pics since most are of women (which honestly probably make more beatiful nude models than males ;-).



5. 'Graphis' is the 'Science' magazine of the visual design world, the premiere outlet for the most thoughtful and innovative in imagery and image-makers. Books published by Graphis give every reason to expect the world's best pictures, figure photography in the case of this series of books. Although there's a commercial purpose here as an artists' showcase, this delivers the very finest artistry in praise of the human form.
   
   There's no one mood or style here. There's a mix of color, B&W, and one striking monochrome with just one trrace of color (#58). Some of the photos capture the simple elegance of a figure (#1, 11, 29, 61). Others (#17, 27) create abstractions from utterly literal rendition of the body's line or surface. Others (#87, 91, 96) draw more on classic portraiture. The pictures aren't all about conventional beauty (#6, 23, 64, 66), though many (#49, 51, 93) are. Bare skin predominates, but is sometimes draped (#46, 81, 84), decorated (#18, 30, 82), or complemented with other visual elements (#35). A few image explore techniques of image capture (#48) or printing (#44). Unlike many collections, these photos cover wide ranges of skin tones (#97, 24, 32, 15) and shapes of body, with nearly as many male models as female.
   
   There's a lot more to say, but "writing about art is like dancing about architecture." Only the images themselves can convey their messages. These are messages well worth understanding, and well worth coming back to.
   
   //wiredweird

5 comments about AAA's National Park Photography.

1. If you're a photography enthusiast aspiring to visit the beautiful places in this world, this is a wonderful book. I'm a big fan of Tim Fitzharris books and this is another example of his excellent contribution to the field. After reading this book (and referencing it numerous times), I find myself wanting to go to every one of these national parks.



2. This book is so beautiful and so inspiring that, after reading it, I made a plan to visit 24 national parks over the next four years. (So far I have been to Yosemite... but I still have hope to get to the other 23).
   
   Bottom line, Tim is a truly amazing nature and wildlife photographer. His images alone will inspire and motivate you to make a travel plan like I did. What's more, his ability to write far outshines the competition. The book contains useful instruction on general technique, as well as specific advice on when and where to go in each park. His text is filled with practical, helpful tips - the kind of information you would really use. I found myself jotting down notes again and again as I read through his advice and instructions.
   
   If you are a nature lover and photography enthusiast... if you find yourself at your greatest place of peace and tranquility when you visit our national parks, you'll love this book. It's a true gem.



3. I was prepared not to like this book. I mean, what could an automobile club teach me about photography? Then I saw that the author was Tom Fitzharris, a noted nature photographer, so I decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised.
   
   The book starts out with a chapter on photographic equipment and technique , and then proceeds with separate chapters on 22 of the major national parks. The book claims that it is aimed at both beginners and experts, but I'm always skeptical of such claims. Once again, I was wrong.
   
   Consider the first chapter on Photography Essentials. The techniques described are indeed essential if one expects to take better than average pictures in the national parks. The beginner may indeed be a little awed by what the author considers essential, but he will learn where there are holes in his knowledge. I would recommend reading John Shaw's "Nature Photography Field Guide" if you want to get a better understanding of technique. More advanced photographers will use the first chapter as a checklist.
   
   The author recognizes that many of the shots are classic shots that appear on calendars and postcards but says that the individual photographer's variations will make the pictures worth taking. He also suggests that the reader study the author's photographs for ideas on how to handle different subjects and I think that's good advice.
   
   I was very interested in the chapters on parks where I had photographed. I found that not only was Fitzharris quite comprehensive, but he even suggested some places to go to that I had not visited, and some approaches I had not tried, even in parks I thought I knew well. I wish I had had this book before visiting some of those parks. I also know I may visit a few parks because they are in Fitzharris' book.
   
   I have a few minor quibbles. Fitzharris suggested visiting Yosemite before June and shooting early in the morning and late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. It's good advice but the last time I was there in May at 6:30 PM at Tunnel View, there were fourteen tripods set up with crossed legs by photographers making an homage to Ansel Adams. I suppose that's better than it would be at 3:00 PM on a July day, but some of the hot spots suggested by the author will always be crowded.
   
   The author makes no reference to digital photography, but I don't consider that much of a problem. The book is aimed at getting you to the best spots in the major national parks, and creating the best composition. That doesn't change very much with digital photography.
   
   My biggest complaint about this book was that it only covers 22 of the national parks. I wanted more coverage.



4. This is not a book to learn about photography. If you already know the basic of nature photography and plan to take photograph in national parks, this is what you need. It covers most of the more popular national parks. It shows you what to expect and what to photograph in each national park listed in the book, including best tripod locations and best time. Very organized and clear. The pictures and print quality are superb.



5. I bought this book for the beautiful photos and was overwhelmed by the great photography advice and information about where to go to take these pictures. I'm traveling out west next month and look forward to taking this book along so that I can go to these beautiful parks.