3 comments about Scrapbooking Digitally: The Ultimate Guide to Saving Your Memories Digitally.

1. I love this book! I've learned so much from it even though I'm actually using PSE6 and not 5. (PSE5 comes with it) I've made about 20+ layouts in about a week's time and until opening this book I had zero experience with PSE. The scrapbooking goodies that came with the DVD are so beautiful and I've gotten so many different looks from them. Great book all around!



2. This is a great book. The software featured in the book is Photoshop. I have taken one Photoshop class and used the software for about a year. This book covered things NOT covered in the class I took. It is easy to understand and use. I'm NOT doing my scrapbooking digitally but I still love the book.



3. This is an amazing book! I'm typically skeptical when it comes to books on technology because I'm a technology teacher. Often these books are far too "Beginners Based" for me to stay interested. However, this book is totally different. I found myself reading through it like it was a best selling novel!
   
   This book comes with a CD that has three complete digital scrapbooking kits. For each kit you get backgrounds and embellishments to add to your scrapbooking pages. Also on the CD is a free trial version of Photoshop Elements which is a wonderful program to use when creating digital scrapbooks.
   
   What makes this book so wonderful is that it's easy for beginners to use but it's also great for those who are avid scrappers but haven't reached "Expert" status yet. It gives you step by step guides in completing tasks in Photoshop. The CD even has some lesson files that you can use to follow along in the book to practice. It's simply amazing!
   
   It's also a wonderful book to get layout ideas from. Purchase this book without hesitation, you won't be disappointed!

5 comments about SuicideGirls.

1. This book is a collection of unique and beautifully shot photographs. It will make a good addition to any Suicide Girls' collection.



2. I first got this book because I wanted to perfect my artist skill on drawing the human form, aside from wanting to look at hot naked women. After I first gazed at the pages, I realized that it is more of an artsy-pin up book than a collection of nude photgraphs like the cover leads you to believe.
   I was instantly hooked and wanted to become one simply becuase of the fact that I have so much in common with girls such as Fractal, Mary, Snow, Regan, Tegan, Sicily, Voltaire, Stormy and Shera as well as countless others. Also the fact that it has a section in the back that allows you to get to know the girls is a definate bonus.
   Yet since the date of the books first publication most of the girls have left. (I.E. Tegan, Sicily, Apnea, Katie, Voltaire, Stormy and Shera ect) A 2005 article suggests that several of these models had filed claimes of breach of contract and exploitation.
   Such claimes gave way to an unsuccesful law suit which ended in favor of the owners of Suicide Girls rather than the ex-models. Yet you can still see some if not all at other alternative porn websites such as Godsgirls,Deviant Nation and Apneatic. However this does not make me love Suicide Girls any less and I still catch myself glancing at the book and drawing them, not to mention visiting the website and fantasizing of becoming a model...Well maybe if I lose at least the 20lbs that I have been needing to get off!



3. So. I've never wanted to pay for membership on the SG site, but I've always had an attraction and fascination with the whole punk/goth/indie/alternative type of look. So when this book was released, I jumped on it.
   
   - The photos aren't very artistic. They're simple and straightforward, shot with a standard digital camera.
   - It's arranged rather simply, with little or no thought to the placement of the images. (Usually two images side by side per page)
   - True, you can probably find a lot of similar images on the internet.
   - Some of the girls are absolutely beautiful, but I find some rather unattractive.
   - The quality of the pictures is rather poor, since the original intent of SG was purely online. So the change from pixels to print never translates well.
   - There's very little about the girls themselves... just short, self-written bio's on some of the girls in the back.
   - Let's be honest... you're just buying this for the boobies of cute indie chicks... and that's okay.
   
   After a couple viewings, it doesn't have a lasting effect that the likes of Tony Ward or maybe Richard Kern's work might have. Less art and more taboo. It's an inexpensive book, so if you're into the whole naked chicks with tattoos and piercing, I'd say go for it.



4. The was fine...and thats all....sorry to say
   I have been a Suicide Girls fan from the moment i stumbled across their site.
   I expected the book to make me go WOW, most of the picvtures were known to me. some were quite ordinary
   even for me....a die hard fan it was hrd to find the WOW Factor.



5. To each their own,"beauty in the eye of the beholder", & all that.I find this a bit of a yawn - funny how all this leather/tats/piercings/etc seems to symbolize having a "free mind" nowadays.You see this all the time now,these daring "non-conformists" conforming to the hipster wannabe Ideal.Seems so uninspired and well,boring.Again,to each their own.....

5 comments about Iceland: Land of the Sagas.

1. A beautiful book combining stunning photography with an in-depth historical, literary, and cultural examination of Iceland. This book manages to be heavy on both text and photographs.
   Recommended for those interested in Iceland, but it is not a travel guide-type book.



2. This is an absolutely gorgeous book...the photographs inspire one to call Icelandic Air and make a reservation asap! Iceland, a placenot to be missed!



3. Awesome photographs and well written, you will want to visit this wonderful landscape.



4. I recently visited Iceland for a a couple days enroute from Europe to the US and found myself enchanted by the country and its people. Returning home, I immediately wanted to purchase a book that would give me a better understanding of the culture, the land, and the history. This book has it all, and has filled me with interesting facts and stories, not to mention the beautiful visuals the photographs give. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in or loves Iceland.



5. Well, I must admit a slight "prejudice" regarding this book. I bought it because I've already read all the other books by Jon Krakauer (and loved every one a bunch!). But, this book is quite different from any other that Krakauer has been involved in. Right on the front cover it says "Photographs by Jon Krakauer Text by David Roberts" so I guess I shouldn't really have been all that surprised by the "difference." In fact, I have no choice but to believe that virtually everything that Jon Krakauer lays his hands on turns to gold somehow (this book is no different in this regard), since he absolutely has to be a severely super-experienced pro explorer, mountain climber, skier, paddler, writer and now, photographer, as well, judging from all he's written. If anything, he "under" emphasizes the feelings and emotions, at least, for those of us who've had at least a small taste of the miseries, dangers and pitfalls-- weather can play a big role-- that befall nearly every person who does these things. At some point, if your heart is in it at all, you'll get the crap scared out of you big time, unless you are completely out of your mind, either due to drugs, insanity or whatever. Krakauer is amazing at writing about all of this and more, but you'll find none of that in this book, at least none written by Krakauer. Nonetheless, as I said, Krakauer does anything and everything to perfection and with class, and in this book the text by David Roberts is nothing to boo-hoo at all. He is the equal of Krakauer in his own writing style and he tells great stories which are parts of the endless "sagas" that go on for centuries there, part of ordinary everyday life and culture for an Icelander, but a strange curiosity for foreigners from afar. Krakauer deferred to Roberts here most likely for a couple reasons; because he thought Roberts knew more and could write easier and with better results regarding Iceland, and he probably wanted to focus on developing yet another great natural talent of his own, photography, especially in such a surreal and amazingly different place that most peoples of the world aren't very familiar with. I'm guessing here, but the end results are superb. I know there are the little issues of content and various criticisms about whether they covered Iceland in a "balanced" and "informative" way, or whether the photos really represent the "true Iceland" that you'd see and experience should you take a "normal" vacation there (if there is such a thing). But those types of travel info books can be gotten by buying the title "Iceland" from any number of companies like Frommers or Fodors to many lesser known and more colorfully illustrated travel books that may or may not have as current of info as these well-known ones. I'm sure this is NOT the genre that Roberts and Krakauer had in mind when doing this book. Their book should be in that genre, too, but is very much more than that and I can definitely recommend it for anyone interested in Iceland, whether you have been there, are going there soon or maybe never will go there, but just want to know about the place. This title must be on your Iceland (or Jon Krakauer or David Roberts) list, whether short or long!

5 comments about The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography (Sandy Puc Guide).

1. Acclaimed children's portrait photographer Sandy Puc' covers all facets of producing a 'kid care' system to produce engaging, professional photos of kids of all ages. From designing a kid-friendly studio and using pre-session consultations to working with kids of all ages to draw them out, THE SANDY PUC' GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY offers up a host of tips and tricks of the trade and is perfect for any who would open their own studio.



2. Sandy's tips and tricks are as wonderful as her final images. I have already implemented some of her marketing ideas and product suggestions, as well as, some of her lighting technique. I am just starting out but it is already working.
   Great read for sure!



3. I'm not saying I want to be Sandy, but I do want to be a children's photographer one day. Sandy has lots of useful information in her book. She is very down to earth and the reader can tell she absolutely loves what she does.
   
   The information in the book is helpful and informative, but I don't know that I learned a lot. Although there are some great pictures, it's not necessarily a posing book. There are some great tips for what/how to photograph children of different ages.



4. Tired of buying photography books that cover the same old stuff? Have you ever purchased a posing book that shows you a picture of a camera, softbox, umbrella and a reflector and then proceeds to show you a gallery of someone's photographs. Where do those books reside now? I have a ton of them sitting on a remote bookshelf, covered with dust. Well, Sandy Puc's book is a little different. Sure, she shows you the equipment, but, it is the equipment that she uses everyday and she explains why she prefers this equipment. The book proceeds through different age groups, yes showing you her photography, however she goes into the process behind the shots, both mentally and physically. This book covers real-life photography experiences, the joys, successes and also the pitfalls with solutions. I am now anxiously awaiting the release of her new book on Bellies and Babies.



5. I ordered this book to see what all the buzz was about and I am left scratching my head. The images are nice, but nothing very new or inspiring here, just a lot of VERY traditional, old school (mostly) studio photography. This book would be good for a beginner interested in basic studio photography. The author runs a huge high volume operation, shooting 7-10 sessions a day. Not a lot of time for creativity with that type of schedule!

5 comments about Mexicolor: The Spirit of Mexican Design.

1. A really beautiful book. One of the best I have seen. I live in Mexico and will be using many ideas.



2. While I was in the process of planning and building my next casa in Baja, this book provided mucho inspiration. The Spanish Colonial, and Hacienda designs, the avalanche of colors and gardens provided me the basis of making mi casa as Mexico as I could.
   Yes, the binding is weak, but the book remains as an Essential. I now have 2 copies, one very worn out copy.



3. If you love the bold, life-affirming colors of Mexican houses and interiors but not necessarily the traditional architecture and furnishings of the mexican tradition, this is the book for you! I ordered several books on Mexican interiors and details and this was the best. It gave me great ideas for using bold, bright color in my house without turning it into a hacienda. The book is beautifully designed and the color just blows off the pages. It has in it everything I love about Mexico that is bright, lively, joyous, and enlivening and nothing that is stodgy. As An artist, I found the book irresistable.



4. i've been to colonial mexico, and i've seen more exciting stuff than what's on this book. also, the pages come appart easily



5. I have always loved everything about Mexico, especially their use of color. When I bought my new house I wanted to bring that freedom and joy into my home.
   
   This book was a wonderful guide. Almost every page reminded me to let go and celebrate. There are so many visual feasts and ideas. If you are timid about colors this book will definitely give you a new lease on life.

4 comments about The Complete Guide to Professional Wedding Photography: Creating a more profitable and fulfilling business.

1. As an emerging wedding photographer, I was seeking a definitive resource that provided good compositional examples, ideas for running the scheduling of a wedding day, advice about business management and customer service, and workflow. I found all this and much more in Damien Lovegrove's superb book.
   
   Where other wedding photography books failed for me, this one stood out heads and shoulders above the rest. I found that this book (while demonstrating a distinct British flavour, given the high formality of many of the weddings photographed) still transcended international barriers, where everything became relevant for me even as an Australian photographer.
   
   Damien Lovegrove has a clear, succinct and easy-to-read narrative style of writing. He offers solid examples of his fine work, technical information and the environmental context relating to how they were achieved, together with detailed information about how to manage a wedding day, post-wedding workflow, and developing your business for profit.
   
   Mr Lovegrove doesn't bog the book down with explanations of basic photographic theory, nor does he spend too much time discussing the type of camera or flash you should be using. He jumps straight into the nitty-gritty of the issue, and assumes that the reader already has at least some experience with cameras and photography. If he ever produced a book with detailed lighting concepts and theory, photographers would have the perfect library for their career in just two books.
   
   Mr Lovegrove is genuinely inspirational and explains that he too worked from the ground up, and that only through hard work and dedication was his ambition realised.
   
   This book was absolutely fantastic and I know that I will be buying any of his future books, his DVDs and attending his seminars. Damien Lovegrove is truly a master in his field. This book, above any other non-technical resource you may be considering, is vital for any photographer serious about becoming great.



2. When I heard and read that Damien Lovegrove was to release a book I smiled and thought YES.A portfolio and notes of advice all rolled into one from one of the UK's most sought after Photographer and Speaker is certainly worth a second look. Knowing Damien and his work like I do, it was no surprise that I would be ordering one as soon as the chance presented itself. Having being on one of Damien's Location Lighting Courses, I was in receipt of a set of notes at the end of the course which are kept on a safe location in my bookshelf. These aforementioned notes are still an important reference document. Shelved alogside this is my new investment (Damien' Book, The Complete Guide to Professional Wedding Photography) It is up ther with Bambi Cantrell and Julie Oswin.
   The book itself is well presented and feels good tothe touch, like a wedding album which is to be cherished. It is full of well lit and well composed images with metadata attached so that you the reader can get an insight into the creation and the story of the image. The text is carefully worded and easy to read and anyone who knows Damien's voice you could be forgiven for thinking he was reading it to you.
   I refer to it for both ideas and reference so that I am not outdone by the challenges that the present day photographer has to face.
   Get your copy, it is well worth twice what you would pay, you will be sure to get several ideas from it, if you only get one it will still be worth it.
   I hope you will enjoy the book as my as I have done,
   
   
   Tim Collins.



3. The book is well written, with good images, so why not 5 stars?
   
   I read the book cover to cover and that is the problem it's not an easy read. They didn't know what this book was when they did the layout. It's set up as a coffee table book with lots of good images and lots of information on how the images were taken. This causes bad breaks in the text, they break in the middle of paragraphs, and even worse sentences. One sentence cuts in the middle for multiple pages of images then picks back up with the end of the sentence.
   
   As for the information provided in the book, it's good but not really new. One issue I have is that some of the chapters feel forced. This book covers the business of wedding photography so it has a chapter on bookkeeping that can be summed up as find good software and a good accountant. I get it, he doesn't do his own bookwork, fine, skip the chapter and write about what you do.
   
   The images are great, the text is nothing new but it is motivational and gives a good blueprint to follow for the business of wedding photography. Overall this is a good book and would have been 5 stars if they had shown the attention to detail in the layout of the book that they put into the images.



4. This book is great!! Everything a photographer needs, to learn more about his/her photography business. The examples are also fantastic (they even give all the details about the picture) which I love!!

2 comments about Sunday Afternoon on the Porch: Reflections of a Small Town in Iowa, 1939-1942 (Bur Oak Book).

1. This is a wonderful book to evoke those bygone memories. The pictures bring back so many memories from my own childhood years. The writing just ties it all together and transports you back in time. It stimulates thoughts and feelings from a simpler and slower paced time. Very enjoyable. Makes for good conversation with family and friends from the past! Loved It!!!!!!!!!



2. I received this book as a Fathers Day gift and once I opened it, I did not put it down until I read it and looked at all the pictures.
   Since I was born in 1929 in a small Pennsylvania town, I couldn't help remembering seeing and playing with similar people that were depicted in the book. During that era, in the early forties, I delivered meats and groceries on a bicycle for the local store. The food prices reflected in the pictures, brought back memories of the cost of those groceries. A family of five, was able to live on $10 to $15 dollars a week food bill.
   This book is a legacy to the life of Everett Kuntz
   Jack Vax

5 comments about Andreas Gursky.

1. This book included some good photos of Gursky.
   Also having a detail explanation and script fro Gursky's work.



2. The pictures are jaw dropping. Exquisite. Incredible. Six stars pictures.. The most important thing to me is that his photography is SUCH that I turn pages very very slowly... Each picture contains majestic details... such a level of detail in each photo is what makes his photo craft so unique...
   
   However, there are too few pictures and many pages devoted to words and words... essays that ramble on art, pictures and blabla... I mean, I love words, i love books, but this, to me, misses the point of a book tha's mean for beautiful pictures...
   
   That's it...



3. This is a fairly inexpensive way to acquire one of Andreas Gursky's books. Most of his other books are fairly expensive and seem to be increasing in value. The quality of the images is excellent and the only issue I have with the book is the size of the offerings. If you have ever seen one of Gursky's images in the flesh you will quickly realize that this book only hints at what his prints really look like. But an oversized book would have been more costly and even then would not have approached the scale that Gursky prefers. All in all, I would recommend purchasing this book which is something that I have obviously done.



4. Probably the most innovative and gifted
   photographer of our time Mr. Gursky's work is
   selected, edited and presented by equally competent
   eyes at MOMA. It is a 'must have' for those who
   enjoy photography and contemporary art.



5. Gursky's prints in person are astounding--words fail to capture not only their size, but their detail. This book does an excellent job of taking those gigantic prints and putting them into a manageable size. Plus, this is a comprehensive overview of Gursky's work.

4 comments about Babydoll.

1. Richard Murrian's muse is perfection embodied. His model exudes the natural/erotic with such subtle power. Her skill at posing and Murrian's talent with his camera come together to compose an unbelievably beautiful portrait of an enchantingly sublime goddess. My only criticism, and it is a minor one, is that the images would have benefitted from being slightly larger. Other than that, the book is exceptional.



2. This is one of the hottest books I have seen in a long time. The love and affection the photographer has for his subject comes through loud and clear somehow making what would be just ordinary shots of a good looking nude woman into something truely special.



3. I have admired Richard's photography, but most of my opinion was drawn from excerpts, and what I'd seen and from his first book (which I own as well). This book was a lot more erotic and explicit than I was expecting. While not a prude, it is not nearly as mainstream artistic as I was expecting, and significantly more adult-oriented and liberal erotica than anticipated. The work is still well done with some stunningly beautiful shots, and he is clearly a very talented photographer. However, this small book might not be placed in the most accessible portion of the art nude shelf when Mom comes over.



4. This gorgeous book features just one model (except once or twice): Murrian's wife, Nancy. She has a native grace and beauty that come through in every picture, enhanced by Murrian's obvious affection for her. Most of these pictures are nudes, and certainly not for anyone shy about genital details. They range from charming honeymoon pictures of the teenage bride, through a wide range of elegant poses and generally romantic settings, apparently covering many of their ten years of marriage. Her erotic potential simmers behind every photograph, and boils over one set of photos early on, then again in the final set that celebrates the Murrians' intimacy together. Even those photos of Nancy and a startling sex toy manages to avoid hard-core vulgarity, at least to my eye.
   
   It's a beautiful book, and a charming tribute to a woman that the photographer obviously loves.
   
   -- wiredweird

No comments about Chulo.