2 comments about Paparazzi: And Our Obsession with Celebrity.

1. Peter Howe has done a terrific job at explaining who the paparazzi are, what compels them (think $$$) and why we're compelled to look at their work (think celebrity driven culture). His commentary is insightful and his interviews with the paparazzi are lively and revealing. Howe, an experienced photo editor, has chosen a wonderful collection of pictures. My own favorite: a National Enquirer shot of a bleary eyed Harrison Ford during a bar binge with partying fans.



2. 
   For most of us, just the name "paparazzi" brings forth thoughts of stalkers, intruders, low lifes who seek to profit from photographs of the famous, particularly in private moments. According to author Peter Howe, that's not too far off. He speaks to paparazzi as follows: You will be "despised by your subjects, your peers, and the public, the ultimate consumers of your work. You will run afoul of security guards and publicists, lawyers and the police. You will be punched, spat upon, and have any number of objects thrown at you. And you will earn a great deal of money."
   
   Mr Howe also asks why if everyone hates their work, are paparazzi the highest paid photo journalists in the world? He posits a simple answer - because we are a celebrity obsessed society and crave every news tidbit and photo of celebrities. Further, he notes that while we condemn paparazzi we stand in line to buy copies of People Magazine or The National Enquirer (think of the magazine copies sold containing beach photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie).
   
   Whether we can't wait for a glimpse of the latest intimate photo or detest paparazzi so much that we wouldn't add a penny to their wallets, Mr. Howe has created an interesting study of their work. He's a former picture editor for the New York Times Magazine and director of photography for Life. In 173 folio size pages Mr. Howe treats his subject objectively and with amazing thoroughness.
   
   We learn of the paparazzi's early days (it was much easier in the 1950s when young Italians first discovered they could brings in some extra lira by selling photos of vacationing celebs to newspapers and magazines.) Money has always been the paparazzi's prime interest - they pursue those whose photos will fetch the highest price, and they'll do anything to accomplish this. Perhaps the most far-out example of their no-holds-barred attiude is photographer Phil Ramey who hired a submarine to get shots of Princess Diana on a Caribbean island.
   
   Most paparazzi are male and, frankly, not a particularly likable lot as they don't seem to care what anyone thinks of them and are extremely driven. We're reminded that paparazzo Ron Galella wore a football helmet to try to catch snaps of Marlon Brando after an early encounter with the actor put Galella in the hospital minus five teeth. For the paparazzi life isn't all hiding in bushes as Ben Affleck led one on a 120 mph chase.
   
   The other side of the coin is that A-List celebrities need to have their photos in print or they'll soon be C-Listers. Perhaps Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have the best idea of all - they allow the paparazzi limited access which significantly diminishes intrusiveness.
   
   Whatever the case, it seems that paparazzi are here to stay (not at all discouraged by the 15 packets of ketchup Brad Pitt frosted a cheeseburger with before tossing it at a photographer). In addition to interviews with many of the featured photographers "Paparazzi" holds over 200 photos, from Frank Sinatra to Charlize Theron.

4 comments about Dachshunds: Lightweights Littermates.

1. I purchased French Bulldogs: Lightweights Littermates and Dachshunds: Lightweights Littermates together, as gifts... I flipped through them prior to sending them off to their final recipient and was pleased to find that the photography and composition was appealing to my tastes. Sharon Montrose's composition skill is what sets these photos out from the rest. I like the bold imagery. And having tried to take pictures of my own pets, I know it's a VERY tough experience to have them pose... they're curious little creatures. My 1-star off of the review is pretty much for repetitiveness; the concept is fresh to begin with, but it gets boring, real fast.



2. I have always loved dachshunds and owned a couple. It is a race you can get addicted on: loads of personality and energy and the funny shape - despite which they are really highly mobile and athletic and strong and brave - and cleverness that can baffle humans. I found this book by accident, opened it - of course - and adored it. There are litters of dachshund puppies, mostly 4-5 weeks old, together and then on individual portraits, each of the puppies on a scale, their name and weight written on the page. And that's all. The scales are of different types and puppies come in smooth- and long-haired variations and several colours, all of them are cute and clearly have their own personality already. Just watch these coy, mischievous, sulking, endearing faces and their round little bums, short legs and long ears! You need to get a living dachshund puppy after these pictures - but watch out: I can tell you from personal experience that a 2-month-old dachshund puppy can wear down two young, healthy, highly fit retrievers and still bounce around yapping "What are you lying there for? I just got started!! Get up and play!!!"



3. Love the adorable pictures! I have had dachshunds my whole life, and these pictures capture just how precious they are, especially as puppies. I would highly recommend this book if you are a dachsie lover!



4. Ok.. i dont need to say much for this adorable cute book!
   This book has everything!!! high quality book, great photographs, bright color backgrounds make the book alive! and of course, Dachahund puppies! The photographs are very well taken and trust me!!! you can hear the puppies's "sigh...." , you want to jump into the book and give them kissy and smoochies their bellies......and you can smell puppies's breath!!!!!! at least i do.... great book for all dachshund lovers out there!! worth every penny!

5 comments about Jungles.

1. And yet another 10 star book on nature photography. This is a hard to get title, if you find it buy it. It is absolutely fascinating, I cannot say anything else that hasn't been said by all other previous reviewers. For nature lovers and rainforest addicts, this should be a must have. Bravo, Mr. Lanting!!! Save the jungles and the wonderful creatures of the world!!!!



2. Frans Lanting is a god among nature photographers. This book's *gorgeous* imagery takes me to another world completey, and I can only hope to follow in his genius footsteps with my humble little SLR. For anyone who loves to look at up close and personal pictures of animals or of lush jungle vegetation/rivers, or anyone who loves nature photography, I highly recommend this book. No wildlife photographer's shelf should be void of it.



3. This is really an excellent portfolio with some stunning photography that really inspires one. I am a fan of Lanting's work and this book does not dissapoint.

   My only issue is not with Lanting, but rather with Taschen (the publisher). The book is really very poorly bound and the glue just does'nt seem to hold the book together. This is not just an isolated case with my copy. I found that most of the copies (even those on the bookstore shelves) that I handled has this problem. I must say that this is quite dissapointing work from Taschen.




4. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys photography, animals, scenery, and just beautiful magical things. Franz Lanting is able to capture images from the real world but in a way that makes them seem not of this world.

   Not only are the pictures a work of art but the book itself is contructed so that it too feels like a masterpiece. An oversized book that just feels good to hold in your hands and each new section in the book is seperated by lovely, transparant vellum.

   Treat yourself or someone you love and buy this book!




5. Well,when I was 14-15 years old,I was mostly interested in underwater photography and therefore,I had only a few photo books. But later,my interest for other animals too,grew much larger and therefore,I received this book as a christmas gift from my mother. It was really not a bad book,and it made me love Lanting and buy two more books with his pictures later.
   It is a huge book,weighing perhaps 1,5 kilograms and with dimensions "14" x "10". It contains 150 photographs of plants and animals living in jungles around the world. Among the animals included are a series of pictures of red macaws in Peru,
   dancing lemurs of Madagascar,cute little frogs in giant flowers in Borneo,incredibly strang-looking insects of various jungles,bats fishing at night in South America,and the shining eyes of caimans in Brazil.
   But don`t just look at the animal pictures. The part which I find most inspiring is the jungle habitats. Especially the morning light in Borneo and Peru,and the palm savannah of Brazil. They all look humid and there are fog clouds in the dawin. Very beautifull. The australian jungles look very exciting too. Many pictures,especially of birds,are very windy to make a real impression of the movements of the animals. Lanting`s capability of capturing details of animals has never been as well presented as in this book. Especially in this huge format and double-page photos in the half of the book.
   Over all,this is a fantastic book recommended to anyone interested in jungles,animals,or just in beautifull natural photography. You`ll be amazed,whoever you are.

1 comments about Scrapbooking Baby's Cherished Moments: 200 Page Designs.

1. I purchased this book because of the reviews . . . none of which mentioned that she uses MOSTLY black and white photographs in her layouts! As ALL sacrapbookers have been taught, black and white photo layouts are done VERY differently then Color photo layouts! I was dissapointed even though I picked up a few GREAT tips!
   
   If you do ONLY or Mostly Black and White Photography and like simple layouts this is the book for you!

4 comments about Small Deaths: Photographs (Southwestern & Mexican Photography Series, Wittliff Collections at Texas State University-San Marcos).

1. There is a great deal of juxtaposition in Kate Breakey's work, and to great effect; though her photographs capture often pitiable subjects, particularly the birds, they portray them with a magnificence of color they could only dream of in life. Breakey's photography is excellent and evocative, and her skillful application of color to each image only heightens the experience. Soft focus and a saturated palette produce a dreamlike quality to many of her pieces. As I turned the pages of the book, I felt sadness for the small creatures that go unnoticed, but I was also moved by the quiet dignity they have in death. Breakey's treatment of her subject matter elevates it from the mundane to the transcendent, and it's an utterly captivating journey.



2. This book has received the Southern Books Competition 2001 Award of Overall Excellence for book design. "Truly enchanting, this is a wonderful example of how valuable intellectual content is enhanced and enriched by thoughtful book design. From the breathtaking front and back covers to the informative colophon at the end, this is an exceptional book. Color continuity from jacket to the text pages rewards the reader and enhances legibility. The dramatic frontispiece dazzles, and the title page is clear and elegant. Section openings mirror the title page opening. Plates and captions combine in bright, clean two-page spreads that inform and reward the viewer." Congratulations to the author, designers D.J. Stout & Julie Savaska of Pentagram Design, and the University of Texas Press.



3. I bought this book after not being able to find any other images online except the cover. I was really looking forward to owning it; I'm one of those people who collect things like tiny bird bodies, egg shells, nests....
   It's a beautiful concept, but the format of the book was extemely disappointing; too much white space framed the images, keeping the viewer at a distance instead of inviting intimacy, empathy. The creatures in the photographs often looked posed.

   The images also would have been more touching if they hadn't seemed so manipulated in color. It was like the photographer hadn't truly been recording the beauty of the "insignificant" deaths but seeking and exploiting them by forcing unnatural aspects on them.
   
   I also expected this book to be filled with the record of the deaths of bird, rodents, lizards.... not the many images of dying flora that looked like pop culture greeting cards.




4. A beautiful book of an art form created with a heartfelt sensitivity for some of nature's smaller creatures.

4 comments about Artist's Photo Reference: Wildlife.

1. This book is great as regards to being a visual guide of beautiful pictures of wildlife which will help me with my future oil paintings.



2. When I need a reference book it is because I want to see the different angles, and a wide variety of types of animals and activity. This book ventured off too often into a lesson and show and tell for one piece of art. I think that is where the effectiveness is lost. If I want a "how to book" for an art project, I'll get a more descriptive and helpful book. If I want a reference guide to see angles, I am probably going to opt for a photographic books. I still was able to find some of what I needed, but was overall very disappointed in the content of the book and some of the subjects (whale tails and wet otters). I'm not sure I'd waste my money on another from this series.



3. This photo reference is adequate, however, there are much better resources for the artist out there. For example, "Paradise on Earth" by Jim Thorsell puts this book to shame. It is not intended as a photo reference, and I came upon it by accident, but it is a far better reference. The photos are diverse and they are of superb quality. In addition, this is a coffee table sized book so the photos are of adequate size- often in the ARtist's photo reference series the photos are just too small to be of any practical use. Also, the photos just aren't that striking- they don't excite at all. Paradise on Earth will get you feeling creative guaranteed. The bottom line is that there are many books often at bargain prices that don't purport to be artist's photo references that do a better job than this book. I just wish I'd looked around before I purchased this book.



4. This is a fantastic book. It's a must for any wildlife artist and it even makes a great coffee table book for anyone who likes wildlife. The book is just full of great photographs and the step by step paintings are very usefull.

5 comments about Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast: Your Guide to the Lighthouses of California, Oregon, and Washington (Pictorial Discovery Guide).

1. I was a little disappointed with the pictures. I was hoping for close up pictures. The photographer seemed to take distant photos. only one or 2 were a frontal view and up close, most were from odd angles.



2. A beautiful book to add to your collection. The pictures are wonderful and to read the book is a joy. A great buy to learn more about lighthouses on the coast.



3. A beautiful book to add to your collection. The pictures are wonderful and to read the book is a joy. A great buy to learn more about lighthouses on the coast.



4. This book written by Leffingwell and Welty is visually appealing and sets down historical facts in an engaging style. The beautiful photographs taken by Leffingwell are augmented by stories of the politics and history behind the lighthouses and their keepers. They include information about women lighthouse keepers, how the lighthouses were constructed, which have been de-activated, and most important - how to get to the various lighthouses for a visit in person.

   The most interesting story was that of a construction crew and Coast Guard team working nearly around the clock for five days to restore the Cape Flattery lighthouse near Neah Bay in Tatoosh, Washington. Also worth noting were the descriptions of life as a lighthouse keeper, the artisanship of making the Fresnel lights, and the automation that replaced the need for human presence in these remote outposts.

   As the Oregon Contributing editor at Suite101.com, I am always on the lookout for books my visitors will enjoy and will help them plan their next trip to Oregon. This one is a winner!




5. This pictorial coffee table guide highlights lighthouse history and lighthouses of the Pacific Coast, revealing the development of lighthouses in three states. From the technological evolution of the lighthouse to how they were maintained and are today restored and preserved, Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast provides very beautiful photos spiced with descriptions and information accessible to both destination-bound and at-home enthusiasts.

2 comments about Helmut Newton (Photofile) (Photofile).

1. I think that Mr. Bray's review refers to Newton's autobiography, and not this little work. There is text here, a rather long (and interesting and insightful) introduction by Karl Lagerfield. But the major portion of the slender volume is devoted to approximately 60 images of Newton's work, primarily from the late sixties through the mid-eighties.
   
   This is a small, inexpensive book. The images are not the highest quality reproductions, but for the money they're excellent. The images include some of his best-known work (One of the "Big Nudes", for example) and some that was unfamiliar to me, and I've been a fan of his work for forty years.
   
   This would be an ideal inexpensive gift for someone who's already a fan, or who likes quirky, mildly erotic imagery.



2. Helmut Newton's autobiography is a real delight, and must also be the cheapest Helmut Newton book to be made available anywhere. For someone who hated school and failed to reach his parents' expectations he is an exceptional writer. But more than this the book is an inspiration for anyone who seriously is considering a career in photography.
   
   This is because despite various hardships, brought on largely by Nazi anti-Semitism and persecution which murdered his uncle, and also his original employer a photographer called Yva Newton remains positive. He neither dwells on the horrors of the Holocaust nor the hardships of internment as a stateless alien in Australia followed by four years of military service in the Australian forces. Instead he describes in great detail how he 'laid' his way across Europe, Asia and `down under' before meeting his beloved wife June Browne, [who is also takes photographs professionally under the pseudonym Alice Springs].
   
   The couples' sometimes tempestuous, but always loving relationship reveals the strains that a photographer's lifestyle can place upon a relationship.
   
   As the book progresses Newton leaves Australia with June to work for London Vogue. "My pictures were a disaster", he writes.
   
   Subsequently the couple settled in Paris where they struggled to make ends meet, even though Newton was regularly employed by French Vogue, as well as Elle and other publications. Nevertheless sometimes he also was forced to go to Berlin to photograph collections for very little return,
   
   The couple vacillated about whether to live in Australia or Europe. In Australia Newton's career was successful and his finances were stronger, but to be in the first rung of photography he needed to be either in Europe or the USA.
   
   In due course the Newtons settled in Paris, living there for over twenty years, later they moved to Monte Carlo.
   
   It must have been shortly after his heart attack in America that I first came across Helmut Newton's work. It is the original `Porno Chic` that has moved his work into art galleries across the globe. Newton always insisted he wasn't an artist, but a 'gun for hire'.
   
   The book is well produced and contains a number of images from Newton's life and work. It must be said however that this is primarily a work of text and not a 'fine art' book. Many of Newton's images from such works as 'Big Nudes', and 'White Women' are there, but in order to see them at their best readers should refer to Newton's other books, which are printed to reproduce the quality of the photographs and contain less text.
   
   Stephen Bray

1 comments about Disfarmer: The Vintage Prints.

1. For those who found the simplistic, honest, raw portraits of the ordinary townsfolk of Heber Springs, Arkansas taken by Mike Disfarmer (aka Mike Meyer) from 1939 - 1946 as touching as did this viewer, then this book is a must. As recently as 2004 the many prints and negatives of Disfarmer's 'people pictures' that spanned his entire career as a quiet small town photographer were discovered and are here printed, many for the first time.
   
   The result of the research and compassion for the gifts of Mike Disfarmer as an observer of the common man fill the pages of this fine book, produced with the highest quality on fine paper. The subjects are couples, individuals, soldiers from WW I and WW II home on leave or ready for departure to the frontlines - this is a captured moment in history of life in middle America that is reminiscent of the poetry of Walt Whitman or the dust bowl of Dorothea Lange. Turning the pages of The Vintage Prints is like meeting paused souls who are of the earth and of the time (WWI to the 1950s) and the effect is one of aesthetic pleasure as well as deep nostalgia for a more honest time. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, November 05

1 comments about Marc Baptiste Nudes: Nudes by Marc Baptiste.

1. Compared to his last book, I like this one more..!! Models are not all beautiful, but they did very well under Marc's lense to express their natural feeling. Beside, natural light is extensively used on all pictures, so..you can feel the difference..!!