1 comments about Madagascar Safari Companion (Safari Companions).

1. I did not expect much from this book. What was my surprise when I finally have a look at it! Composition of the pictures, lighting, colors and what is very important - quality of the print - is excellent! Photos are taken with all kind of lenses: from macro to telephoto. Commentary provided to each chapter is short but informative enough. If you are planning trip to Madagascar this book could help decide which national parks to visit. There are also some general traveling (what to take, when and where to go) tips.

No comments about Hip Hotels Beach.

2 comments about Tom Mackie's Landscape Photography Secrets.

1. I could not find any secrets from this book. Since digital is now the new photgraphy this book is totally film. Even so it was not too helpful.



2. There are no secrets in "Tom Mackie's Landscape Photography Secrets" except those encoded in Mackie's brilliant photographs. But for the photographer willing to take the time to decode them, Mackie's book will speak volumes.
   
   The book is organized into different environments for landscape photography, including urban, rural, coastal, mountain, forest, desert, water and garden landscapes. The reader will find this approach convenient for review before entering one of these environments with his or her camera.
   
   The pictures are spectacular. As I write, I've randomly opened the book to a winter picture of a crystal encrusted tree, set off against an intense blue sky, and framed by the ruins of a church. In front of the ruin and to the right is a lone crystal encrusted weed and set further back from the subject and to the left is a smaller encrusted tree. The ruins, the weed and the smaller tree and several other objects continually lead the eye back to the central subject.
   
   Mackie loves the panoramic view that imitates the way we naturally see. There is a photograph of a snow-covered ridge moving from near left to far right, enclosing a green valley. And there in the left foreground is a highland sheep, like an exclamation point.
   
   Mackie regularly uses filters to improve his pictures. Almost every photograph uses a polarizing filter to intensify colors. Mackie is not above using a coral filter to capture his vision.
   
   This book was a twice eaten meal. The first time I read it I rushed from picture to text and back again. I must confess to being a little disappointed by the text. Then I went back over the pictures slowly, analyzing and comparing them. Each one was a mini-lesson in landscape photography.
   
   Mackie's ghost writer did a competent job of writing but did not provide any illumination for the student landscape photographer. Rather than secrets, the prose contains a number of tips that are common in the literature but still bear repeating. It's no secret that returning to a photographic scene under different time and weather conditions will yield new material that will probably be enhanced by the light of experience or that wet rocks provide more dramatic subjects than dry ones.
   
   I wish that Mackie had given us his own words, taking the time to shape and polish them the same way that he does with his photographs. It's hard work to apply writing techniques to explain your vision, but it's not something that someone else can do well for you.
   
   As an instructional manual, this book is aimed at advanced photographers who are capable of analyzing the photographs and extracting lessons from them. Others readers may just have to sit back and enjoy the glorious landscape photographs.

3 comments about The Perfect Boy: #50 (Postcard Books (Bruno)).

1. "A hot and sweet collection of nude male photos by Howard Roffman, a master at photographing young guys."--© zebraz



2. This is truly a beautiful portfolio and will make a great addtion to any collection of this type. One can never have too many coffee table books of this genre.



3. This is another beautiful example of Roffman's exquisite photographic skill as well as his eye for beautiful young men. The book is divided into sections, each section is devoted to a particular young man, with a brief introduction about either how Roffman met him or how the shoot went. There is at least one boy that is repeated again later in the book, as Roffman did a second shoot with him. The cover photograph is a good indication of the quality of the work inside, it was all shot with natural light (from the looks of it), and the young men seem totally at ease, not only with the camera and their own nudity, but with their bodies in general and with Roffman. In parts the book feels a little like another of Roffman's work, "Friends and Lovers", although this work is devoted more to the boys on their own. Stunningly done.

1 comments about Sit!: The Dog Portraits of Thierry Poncelet.

1. M.Poncelet's "aristochiens" are hilarious and skillfully and, yes, artistically well done. There are about 70 paintings shown in the book and is a delight. But the diamond-studded collar on this book is the wonderfully creative writing by Bruce McCall. His little vignettes on the subject of each painting are a falling down delight. A grand sense of humor and an even grander sense of history and literary styles of the past make his contribution to this book a true masterpiece. While dog lovers will appreciate the book, even lowly cat people will enjoy the wit, style and imagination of Sit!: The Dog Portraits of Thierry Poncelet. Move over Poirot; Belgium has a new and better representative!

1 comments about Elephants: A Book for Children.

1. I bought this book for my elephant-obsessed son. It is a stunningly beautiful book. Steve Bloom is a wildlife and nature photographer and the quality of the photographs is outstanding. Both African and Indian elephants are featured throughout, photographed in the wild, at work, at play and even swimming in deep water - who knew elephants can swim?
   
   The text manages to be both highly informative and perfectly pitched to a younger audience. Facts are put in terms that children can relate to. In reading this book I learned so many interesting things about elephants (not something I would previously have thought likely). Some examples: Elephants are either left or right tusked just as humans are left or right handed. Elephants can swim underwater using their trunks as snorkels. Elephants educate their boys and girls separately. Elephants remember, even years later, the exact spot where one of their herd died. An easy way to tell Indian and African elephants apart is by the shape of their ears, which resemble the continents which give them their names.
   
   The text and photographs also complement each other extremely well. A lot of thought has been put into this book. It is an absolute joy to read.
   
   This truly beautiful book would make a wonderful gift for any child who enjoys animals.

2 comments about Seasoned By Salt: A Historical Album of the Outer Banks.

1. I have been curious about the people who have lived and worked on the Outer Banks in the past. They had a special kind of endurance and obvious love of their wonderful environment, which is apparently inherent in the current residents of the area. When I found this book, I couldn't wait to read it cover to cover. My anticipation was rewarded with a comprehensive look into the lives and livelihoods of the hard-working and family-oriented "Bankers". It is with admiration that I refer to this book again and again for a reminder of why the Outer Banks is such a great place.



2. This book, a gift from a friend, provides a sensitive portrait of the men and women who spent their lives on or at the edge of the sea. It chronicles their daily battles as well as the beauty and tranquillity that the islands provide. A factual presentation, the book illustrates the relationship of people and the sea from numerous viewpoints. While not written to be glamorous, there is a beauty and passion in the book that captivates and fascinates the reader. One finishes the book with a new viewpoint on those who make their life and living in and near the sea and a new appreciation for the hardships, dedication and passion that these men, women and children demonstrate. We can all take some life lessons from the pages of this handsome volume.

5 comments about The Hasselblad Manual, Sixth Edition.

1. The book is pretty informative in explaining the Hasselblad world. However some of his recommendations given with no rational (Example - he does not recommend using thrid party dark slide keepers for older film backs, but does not say why.) which leads one to think that he is just parotting the company line.
   
   Every single photo example is of his own photos. It would be more ueful to see a variety of diefferent photographers' work.



2. This book is okay for the novice Hasselblad user, of which I am one. Since it tries to be all things to all people, you have to wade through a lot to find what you are looking for. More than a bit pricy for what it is.



3. I bought this based upon other reviews. I was grossly dissapointed. This book is a product of the 60s - 70s that's been added to as Hassleblad releases new lines. How can a $60 USD book on Hasselblad contain NO photographs of any Hasselblad equipment? It's all line drawings and the better part of them are relatively primative based on today's standards.
   
   The book does cover most of the body lines and accessories. But I found the narrative to be brief and the accompanying illustrations to be difficult to see - especially for the older gear. The book covers some technique but I didn't buy this book to learn technique. If you've ever used a Magic Lantern camera guide you'll think you've bought an antique with this book. I immediately returned this book.



4. This is a great book if you have new or nearly new hasselblad equipment. Example of lack of details are very little information about the older prisem finders and he does not even mention the 21 mm extension tube, which by the way works great with my 80 cf lens.
   
   He sounds like he works for Hasselblad often mentions you should upgrade your equipment.
   
   Did have a good section on flash and exposure though. I am now looking to buy an older book from ebay that covers the older hasselblad stuff with proper details.



5. Hasselblad cameras have good and bad points. The good points are that they are, through longevity and marketing as well as other qualities, the standard in pro medium format photography, and Hasselblad system items can be rented worldwide: they are reasonably durable, have good optical quality, and lots of system accessories are available. No other medium format system boasts a fifth of all the various items available for the Hasselblad system. Because they are the standard most photographers understand them. Because working pros favor them, prestiege buyers, wannabes, and dilettantes do so as well.

   The downside is that they are heavy, noisy, expensive (especially for the lenses which are not so much better than their Japanese counterparts), and can be damaged easily by careless or untutored handling: they are somewhat awkward: and their 6x6 cm format is simply out of sync with standard print sizes (with a 1.2:1 aspect ratio) or 35mm practice (1.5:1), leading to never utilizing the whole negative in practice.

   This volume is to all intents and purposes the official unofficial Hasselblad manual of practice. You are getting "100% Standard Tech" here:this is the fountainhead of Hasselblad doctrine. If you've committed to using Hasselblad cameras the Hasselblad way, this book shows you how to do it. You won't find any criticism of any current Hasselblad equipment or any objective "vis-a-vis" here.

   If you are looking into whether or not you should choose Hassselblad, this book is essential provided you keep the above in mind. Other books will provide information on other systems. Hasselblad is definitely not for everyone, even everyone without financial impediments to doing so. Large format, 35mm, other MF SLRs and the classic twin lens reflex are all better choices for some uses-and users. However, if you want a visually conspicuous status symbol, it's tough to go very wrong with Hasselblad.

4 comments about Histories Are Mirrors: The Path of Conflict through Iraq and Afghanistan.

1. Contrary to the first reviewer's misinformed and erroneous comment about "are the photographs faked," Hicks is one of the world's finest, most authentic and reliable photojournalists. This magisterial book is a good entrance into the world of his extraordinary visual testimony about the world's events. It is not necessary for me to add more than what Ms. Hegland has already contributed villifing the outlandish accusations promulgated about Hick's work. We, unfortunately, live in a time of easy words and radiant mistruths spread with electrical velocity. If only the hard-won expression of what passes in this life were so easily and readily available to be swallowed and digested.
   
   I recommend this book and the entire scrupulously honest work of Mr. Hicks.
   
   It is magisterial and breath-stealing. Allow yourself this wind-swept moment: by swallowing Hick's photographs, you shall be transformed.
   
   cheers,



2. With vivid photography by Tyler Hicks and thoughtful essays from John F. Burns And Ian Fisher of the New York Times, Histories Are Mirrors: The Path Of Conflict Through Afghanistan And Iraq is a truly impressive collection of the many truths that comprise the realities of the contemporary Afghanistan and Iraq. Histories Are Mirrors is a strong recommendation for students of International Studies in general, and the controversial involvement of the United States in these two Islamic nations.



3. Our world is in a very tumultuous state. To many, the words "Iraq" and "Afghanistan" are just that... Words. Tyler Hicks' "Histories Are Mirrors" is an important record for our time. He offers the viewer a glimpse of what our global neighbors have to do to survive and exist. War is not pretty. And to those who live in comfort in countries free of continuous conflict, the idea of war is as foreign a concept as the land that they take place in. In my opinion it is the responsibility of all to seek out, view and to try and understand the issues at hand. Some people may consider a few of the photographs difficult to look at... But we must. Mr. Hicks' book is a testament to all those whose paths he has crossed on his journeys. Look at the photographs and look into the eyes of those affected.



4. People talk endlessly about how the world has changed since 9/11. In his new book, "Histories are Mirrors," Tyler Hicks doesn't talk about the changes, he records them in some of the most riveting photographs I've ever seen.
   
   This book may be the best document to date of what has happened in our world since the World Trade Towers came down. From the Hicks's earliest pictures, taken at ground zero immediately after the attack, through the invasion of Afghanistan and on to Iraq, the viewer is taken step by step through world-changing events and the resulting hope, euphoria, death and destruction.
   
   Hicks is one of the world's leading war photographers. Sometimes it seems barely a bullet was fired that he was not there to record. His pictures of the execution of a wounded Taliban soldier-previously splashed across the front page of the New York Times where Hicks is a staff photographer-are gut-wrenching. And there are many more like that: Marines in close-quarters combat in the cemetery in Najaf, Saddam's soldiers searching for downed Americans along the Tigris, bleeding Northern Alliance soldiers an arm's reach from the lens. The pictures of Iraqi prisoners fleeing the open doors of Abu Ghraib are alone worth the price of the book
   
   But Hicks has another, more empathetic side as well. He goes into the homes of grieving families; he shows the funerals and the hospital wards, the parents who have lost children, the children who are now orphans. The viewer feels the human suffering that results as world leaders solve political problems with guns and bombs.
   
   There are many talented, committed photojournalists working today. Two characteristics separate Hicks from the crowd. One is his persistence-he was one of a handful of journalists who remained in Baghdad during the US bombing campaign. The second is his artistry. Simply put, he understands how to make a riveting, often haunting picture in the quiet moments when there is no action.
   
   Robert Capa, Eugene Smith and Larry Burrows are recognized as the preeminent war photographers of the twentieth century. All were brave beyond belief (Capa and Burrows died in Vietnam). Yet they are remembered as much for their artistry, and for the humanity in their photos. Tyler Hicks follows in their footsteps.
   
   Michael Kamber

1 comments about Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum.

1. In a very few words, this book is informative to both the newcomer and the more advanced collector. The historical and technical information is authoratative and concise, but the best part of the book are the incredible photos of the blades. These are the best photos I have ever seen, you can actually see the hamons and hadas which are also described in the text. It is extremely difficult to take photos like these, and in many books you can see the blade but not the individual characteristics which actually give the beauty to the blade.