5 comments about The Photographer's Guide to the Oregon Coast: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to Take Them.

1. I loved this book! The author shares many great secrets for finding out-of-the-way places to photograph. If you are looking for a book on technical how-to photograph, get another one. This book is all about location.



2. This book was amazingly specific in directions of how to best view an incredible scenery. It was great more for its direction of where to go, park, or stand than the photography tips. The author gave great detail such as tips for how to find the best parking lots, how to avoid the tourist packed spots, and how to find unmarked trails to find fantastic angles in isolation. We used it as our primary guide for three days down the coast and really loved it. Note that the order of the book is generally north to south.



3. Covers alot of ground and offers more photo op suggestions than one could ever hope to take in one visit. Used it extensively to plan a photography vacation on Highway 101.



4. Having this along with my on my recent trip up the Oregon Coast was absolutely invaluable. It helped me choose which turnouts to take and which to bypass. I loved the included suggestions of what to do according to the weather, since several of my days were overcast and drizzle, rendering some of the views drab or nonexistant. I wish there were more books like this available for everywhere I want to go!



5. I am what most people consider an advanced amateur photographer. Last week I went down to Portalnd on Business and used David's book as my guide on a little detour I took on the coast.
   
   I had only one day to drive through the coast. The book was extremely valuable in helping prioritize where to go, and save time by driving right to the good spots. Thanks to this book I was able to take amazing pictures in Cannon Beach and other places.
   
   Absolutely recommended for anyone visiting Oregon, even if you are not a photographer, this book is much better than any tourism guide I have seen.

No comments about Cape Cod and The Islands.

5 comments about Photoshop CS3 Raw: Get the Most Out of the Raw Format with Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Bridge.

1. I have a number of books that attempt to explain Photoshop CS3 and Camera Raw in particular. This book is, far and away, the best I have seen. It is extremely well written, easy to follow, and very comprehensive. I recommend it without qualifications.



2. 
   How do professional photographers turn RAW data into fine polished results? Photoshop CS3 RAW: Transform your RAW Images into Works of Art explains how to use the Photoshop CS2 tool, surveying the basics of optimizing RAW images and deciding when to shoot RAW, how to organize and automate their processing, how to tweak the images with professional techniques, and more. Neo-pros need this - and any computer or photography library strong in Photoshop techniques will find it popular.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. This is a fine introduction into CS3 RAW. It is very clear and easy to understand and follow. If you shoot in RAW and use ACR, this book should be in your library.



4. 'Photoshop CS3 Raw: Get the Most Out of the Raw Format with Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Bridge' is a great resource for all levels of digital photographers who want to work with images of the highest quality possible. A regular photo who takes images with their camera probably takes them saved in the JPEG file format that has been so widely known and loved for so many years. The problem with this format is that when JPEG is used their is always data lost in the compression used to save the images. This data usually is minimal and not a big deal but if you need the highest quality pictures without any loss or compression at all, you need to save these in a better format. One of those formats is the Adobe RAW format which is the data saved with no data loss at all. These files will be much bigger in size but they also will guarantee that whatever picture(s) you took, you will see everything that was intended to be seen (and saved).
   
   But simply taking the picture isn't enough, as there is tons of post-processing that goes on to get images looking even better than when they were taken. If you want to learn how to edit, crop, saturate, lighten, darken, whatever your heart desires with RAW imgagery, this is a great resource to have!! With nearly 250 pages spread across 12 chapters, this is a great introduction (in full color on glossy paper) to getting the most out of your camera and taking your images from Bs to As!!
   
   This is a great resource to digital editing, my only caveat is that I feel it could be a bit longer. Another 50 pages or so with another example per chapter could have made things even better. A small complaint (and not enough to hurt my rating for the book) but it's worth noting.
   
   If you take RAW images and want to learn how to get more out of them, this book will get you well on your way!!
   
   ***** RECOMMENDED



5. The outstanding thing to note about this book is that is organized very systematically. Instead of being a breathless description of everything you can do with the software, Aaland focuses on why you would do something and how to do it. Its an effort that is fun to read and easy to reference.

5 comments about Newspaper Designer's Handbook with CD-ROM.

1. Tim Harrower provides a very practical guide to newspaper design. The art of newspaper design tends to be very subjective, so this book lays down some facts and guidelines to put to rest some of the indecisive elements of design.
   
   For a beginner, this is a book that will give you the confidence and understanding to conquer page layout.
   
   The CD gives the novice an even more practical guide than the book can deliver.
   
   One criticism is that the book is printed on light gloss stock and is spiral bound. I am not sure how it was survive rough treatment.
   
   Brian Hurst



2. When I accepted my first "real" job in journalism as a page designer for a local weekly I was struck by a horrifying thought, I really knew nothing about newspaper design. I had done it before for my college paper, sure, but this was the big time. I needed a refresher course and I needed it fast... Tim Harrower and this spiral-bound book came to my rescue.
   
   Although it was first published in 1989, this book will be relevant as long as newspapers exist, even in this age of computer design. Harrower explains and shows why certain designs are good and bad and he approaches it in a situational, problem-solving format. For example, he explains what should be done when you have to design a page with no art, when you have butting headlines, or two horizontal photos etc. Harrower says that most page designers stumble into the job and from this point of view he explains what exactly, a good design is. This book will always be on my desk.
   
   (I wish my publications professor used this instead of the worthless $105 monstrosity he made us buy (and that we never used by the way).)
   
   So, after some mild freaking out followed by a lot of reading, I can start my new job with confidence thanks to this book.



3. I am an editor these days.
   I came on this book quite a few years ago when I was a sub. It was recommended to me by an old hand in the newspaper game.
   Without doubt, it is the single best aquisition I have made in terms of newspaper design.
   In the places I have worked, I have been regarded extremely highly for my layout skills.
   This book, with a little creativity, is the basis of almost everything I do in terms of layout.
   If you are serious about the newspaper game, get it, study it and then apply what you learn. It will help our career enormously.



4. This textbook is awesome. I've never seen a better textbook. It lays everything out, and makes it simple to understand. It tells you what to do and what not to do in simple language and clear pictures. It's one of few textbooks worth keeping for future use in your career (provided you're going into the newspaper industry)!



5. I ordered the hardbound and got the spiral bound, a product worth $12 less. It was then that I discovered there is no way to express a complaint to Amazon: no phone number, no email address, no human help. All that is available is a maze of pre-written web help, none of which includes "credit my account $12, since I don't want to go through the hassle of sending this book back." What's up, Amazon? Don't you want satisfied customers? I spend literally hundreds here each year. This egregious deficit needs to be fixed immediately. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.

1. For me, the real value of this book lies in the suggestions and examples given for taking creative shots involving a wide variety of subjects. The book is clearly aimed at photographers using point and shoot cameras, as each section will give you camera mode, lens zoom, ISO, and flash settings. While I wish he had included DSLR camera settings, I found more than enough helpful information to make me glad I purchased the book.



2. I've been taking digital pix for a long while and had chance to 'read' this book from cover to cover and discovered quite a few 'pointers' I had not been aware of in digital photography. much info. at a very reasonable price.



3. I have read many photography books. This book is packed with his breathtaking photography and he shares exactly how we can achieve the same results. For each shot he maps out what is needed. An example: "Misty Woodlands: For this shot he set his Camera Mode to landscape mode; Lens Setting, zoom to normal; Sensor/Film Speed, use a Low to Medium ISO setting; Flash, force the flash Off." Armed with that information he goes on to show us how to scout out the shot. With step by step instructions like that it is like having him right next to me telling me how to get the shot. I have found the book unlike any other. I give this book my highest recommendation.



4. I absolutely love this book. Ang has included everything in it necessary for the novice. At least for me. I would recommend this book to anyone just starting out as I am doing. It is simple to understand and the lay out was exceptional. I do believe, though, that a softbound cover would be much easier to handle. This book is rather heavy to carry around with you!



5. I plan on using this book as part of a digital photography workshop I'm conducting next month. The best thing about this book are the hundreds of photos the author includes. The photos are of the type of subjects most any serious photographer can find, and they are captured with a point-and-shoot camera which is what most people shoot with. I agree with previous reviewer that Ang could have included more detail about the exposure settings. This would have been very useful in helping readers understand better shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings for particular types of shots.
   
   I also don't particularly like the layout of the book. The size is pretty awkward. The paperback edition will I think make a better choice because it won't feel so weighty like this one. This book should be more than a coffee table book; it should one that serious photographers use almost like a manual for getting ideas about what and how to shoot in everyday situations. It's a great resource for picking out one or two types of shoots (like night or animal photography) and practicing the suggestions that Ang provides. Overall, great book, but if you don't like heavy hardback books, wait for the soft-bound edition.

5 comments about The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing.

1. First,
   I Purchased, read and dissatisfied and "mad" with the "Posing Head to Toe".
   then
   I loan "Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing" from the library. Wow! Bill clearly show the basic of posing and how different professional photographers do that. I own and read at least 10 books on portrait photography in different industry, children, wedding, teen... to models. The posing principle, composition... in this book can be apply to all type of photography. However, I should say, only 10% can be apply for children photography.
   I buy this book with no regret at all. (don't let any other negative comments about this book. If not satisfy sent me "$@#$#@%*" :-)



2. I would recommend this book to every photographer, beginner or a bit more advanced. the examples are very well explained. a big help in learning about posing etc... I would NOT buy this book at amazon, because I had to pay 10 euro custom taxes, wich is more than 30%!



3. The title of this book is slightly misleading. It's not a strictly posing guide but and all-around handbook on portraits. It covers things as technical camera settings for various effects, depth of field rules (and how to break them), posing and communication techniques, composition rules, detailed guide on how to enhance/fade various details of your model (ex too large chin, overweight body, etc).
   It is a great guide to have around and the perfect first step towards portraits. What I love most about it, is that for every rules it gives an example on how/when to break it.
   Don't expect very creative examples, this book isn't meant to put you on a pattern. The examples are average and to the point regarding the technique discussed, they are detailed and explain both the technical part and the concept behind it. Don't expect extreme creativity or breathtaking images inside, the images inside are meant to inspire, not to guide. After you learn the techniques inside, it's up to you to put them into practice according to your own style.



4. Great book, well written, clear and concise. I learned more from the first 3 chapters than 7 weeks of an instructor lead class I recently took on Portrait Photography.



5. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It gives great generalized poses with good examples. I find it is one of those books that you "go back to" in order to get mental concepts for upcoming sessions.

1 comments about Rediscovering Jacob Riis: The Reformer, His Journalism, and His Photographs.

1. While I'm no expert on the subject, I'd guess this will become one of the definitive bios on Jacob Riis, and also contains many of his important photos as a bonus. The reproduction quality is good enough -- probably better than the original print publications -- but not exceptional.

5 comments about The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes, Second Edition.

1. Very clear and detailed information, with excellent photo and graphics that illustrate the alternative processes.
   All the processes are historically contextualized.
   Congratulations Christopher James for this great book.



2. 'Tis the most complete alternative processes manual of all times. More beautiful color photograph illustrations than you could think to shake a stick at. To get the most alternative use of this book, one might stitch the pages together to wear as clothes, and alternatively processize to one's heart's content.



3. This book is for artists. It is worth every cent. Remember, you get what you pay for. It contains the details, the history, the examples and the intellect. Very well put together and a pleasure to read. If you are serious about learning "alternative" photographic processes, this is the book.



4. Every learning photographer must have this book. More to photography than photoshop and digital and this book will open up you photographic world.



5. You may not believe it, but this book is actually good bedtime reading for any photographer. Christopher presents the history of each process backed up with examples both historical and contemporary. His sense of humor is evident in much of the writing. If you've never tried any of these processes, step by step instructions are given as well as helpful tips to ensure success and sources for product. More about digital technology is incorporated in this edition- yes it is ok to make digital negatives to use with an old process!

5 comments about Expressions: Your Behind the Camera Guide to Taking Extraordinary Photos of Ordinary Life.

1. This book covers most of the basics of portrait photography and as a newbie to DSLR equipment it was quite useful. The many examples of photographs are great, and a wide range is shown. It covers a lot but doesn't go into great depth about specifics, so I'm finding that it's a good introduction to the general area of photographing family members, but I've quickly out-grown it and am looking for more detailed specific information. (So basically I need to spend more $$$ on more books!)
   
   At first I liked its clear, simple explanations and the fact it didn't blind me with the scary technical side of using a swanky camera. However I'm starting to think it's the kind of book I wish I'd browsed through in a bookstore or borrowed from the library, rather than bought to have at home to use for regular reference.
   I would recommend it to those without much experience with DSLR cameras who want to take 'gap-ad' shots of their kids. It's a great 'beginner book' and is written in a relaxed way that is not intimidating. Of course we are all constantly learning so expect to need to spend more on other books and info sources in the near future as you may be like me and will quickly be hungry for more!



2. beautiful book, with inspiring photographs, have started to put some of the ideas into practice but still learning my way around my camera. Some more rudimentary hints on achieving some of the shots would have been useful for me, but I'm certain not everyone is as unskilled as I am at photography. This is a book to inspire a different way of looking at portrait photography and is a fantastic introduction to that.



3. I think both will enjoy the book for different reasons. As a photographer I enjoyed the images and the focus on the important parts of a photograph (the details). I think people who scrapbook will get a lot of information on how to make your scrapbooks more interesting, more detailed and how to make their images "pop" out of the book.



4. I find myself reading this book over and over again...each time picking up a different tip or technique that I can incorporate into my photography. The pictures are delightful and text easy to understand. This is one of my favorite photography books.



5. WOW, I just purchased this book last night and I've only read to page 21. (because I have been mesmerized by the wonderful photography) I cannot say enough good things about what I had read thus far. I have many photography books however this will be the one that rarely stays on the shelf. It is a easy read while still giving definition to those important photography technical details. Like the introductions says if you are looking for photos of landscapes or hummingbirds you have the wrong book. If you are a mother or love children this book is for you. You do not need to be a serious photographer to purchase this book. And at the same time you can still learn things if you are a professional. (at least from the creative aspects)
   
   In closing if I could I would give this 10 stars! Way to go Donna and Allison!

5 comments about Still Life and Special Effects Photography: A Guide to Professional Lighting Techniques, Second Edition.

1. From the original review on PixSylated.com: I love the format of RotoVision books. A big, beautiful photo opposite a detailed lighting diagram with just enough words to explain how the image came together. This book is a compilation covering a wide range of still life photography.There are lessons to be learned for all types of still life and product photography. For instance, I found that the techniques for making a length of rusty chain look beautiful are equally applicable to lighting bread. Given that it costs about as much as a good pizza, Still Life and Special Effects Photography is another must-have.



2. Well. .I ordered this book and when I open it I realize that I found the book I was searching for a long time!
   
   The sets designs are very very helpuful to know the practise of lights and the shots help me a lot in my creative though!
   
   Very good book. I recommend it to all the photographer with a hard passion for still life photography.



3. This book is great for fueling your creativity and showing you how to accomplish the photos as shown.



4. This book reads like it was written before digital photography and Photoshop were viable options for the professional photographer. Many of the elaborately staged shots are laughable and seem quaint compared to today's techniques. Don't let the cover images fool you either, most of the shots inside have a very 1980s feel to them. Even so, a handful of the shots have useful lighting information, so this will stay on my studio's bookshelf.



5. This is an oldfashioned book with elementary sketches showing lighting setups and not much else. I would recommend instead:Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting This book explores an approach to lighting that excites the imaginiation.