4 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS3 Revealed (Revealed (Thomson)).

1. Finally, a great book to really delve into Photoshop nuances and secrets. I love the well-written chapters and it's alot of fun going through each one. I've learned so much and the author was very clear and concise. I also bought Classroom in A Book for CS3. It's also a great tool, but lacks some of the in-depth detail that I needed. I'll be buying the In-Design Revealed next. I can't wait - definitely worth the higher price!



2. I still have not recieved this book!!!! I recieved a notice from the post office--i guess it was the post office--saying they missed me. When I try to call the number back, it doesn't work. I had to drop my class because the book never came!! I paid good money for something I never recieved!!! Whose fault is this!! I really want my money back!!! ...if they did deliver it, I'm glad they didn't just leave it outside like the other book I ordered (sent by another company on Amazon), but it doesn't take away from the fact that I still don't have my book.



3. I received the book promptly and it was in the best possible condition. Hope to purchase others items from them in the future.



4. I purchased this book along with CS3 Photoshop Classroom in a Book. I can only compare the two, and I have to say that I like CIAB better. Revealed is hard to follow if you are just started out. As you get further into the class, if you are taking one, there are some helpful things things that you can't find in CIAB. My suggestion: Purchase both books together.

5 comments about Life: Heaven on Earth: 100 Places to See in Your Lifetime (Life).

1. The pictures in this book are gorgeous. I have become obsessed with traveling to these places.



2. This book is very disapponting. The 100 places picked most of the times are over rated and the pictures in it are poor. Also the list forgets about magnificent places in the world, one of them is Angel Falls in Venezuela, the largest fall in the world in the middle of the jungle. I think it must e reviewed.
   We all have opinions but I didnt enjoy this book at all.



3. I bought this book to get travel ideas. I was not disappointed. It included several terrific places that I've already gone to such as Paris and Cartagena, Colombia, several places I've already planned to go to such as Guilin, China and Kauai and dozens of beautiful places I had never known about before. Only 20 of the places are from the United States so it does a good job of depicting places from every continent except the south pole.
   
   The photos, for the most part, are high quality and beautiful. The only drawback is that there is only one picture of each location with only a one paragraph description of each place. Although you will have to do more research on your own if you are interested in actually going there, this is a very good place to get started.
   
   Another good book is "Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die" which only has 40 places, but has multiple photos of each place as well as a six to eight page description of each place. There's not that much overlap since only about 15 places are in both books.



4. First, it took forever to get this book shipped and then when I did receive it - what a disappointment. Most of the photos are poor, lots of "noise" in most enlargments - which is very surprising for "Life". Second, there is very little written information.



5. I ordered my copy direct from Time Life and it came in the mail yesterday; I was truly impressed; I heard about the Seychelles Islands, but who knew it was that lovely; the flat as pancake Maldive Islands impressed me as well; How they got through the tsunami is nothing short but a miracle; To see the pictures of these islands are beautiful. Closer to home, The Natchez Trace and how it started really impressed me to check it out; Of course, The Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty(which I've been to) was all interesting; Highly recommended for the wanderlust among us;

No comments about Books of Nudes.

5 comments about How to Photograph Your Baby.

1. This is the book I wish I'd had when my son was a baby, and it's been my standard baby-shower gift for several years. However, I just ordered another from Amazon and discovered what "[BARGAIN PRICE]" means on the Amazon listing--there's a big sticker on the back of the book (which is virtually impossible to remove cleanly) saying it's an Amazon Bargain Book, as well as a thick black remainder line across the bottom edge of all the pages. Translation: this is not a gift-quality book.
   
   I was really annoyed to see this, as I needed it today and had even paid extra for faster shipping. When I went back to the Amazon listing, I found some small print explaining that "Bargain books are new but could include a small mark from the publisher and an Amazon.com price sticker identifying them as such." I'd guess lots of people don't notice this. I'll be writing to Amazon to urge them to make this info more prominent--like saying [BARGAIN PRICE--MAY HAVE "BARGAIN BOOK" STICKER AND REMAINDER MARK]. Meanwhile, if you want a new-quality book, be sure to read the fine print! (There is a new-quality version of the book available for about $5.50 more--I wish I hadn't been in such a hurry, as I might have noticed that and tried to see what the difference was.)



2. This book has become my standard "new baby" gift. Parents love it, use it, and come out with pictures they'll enjoy for a lifetime.



3. This is the perfect book for new parents. It provides basic tips for the everyday parent who simply desires better photos of their child.



4. Though the book was written with film photography in mind, the principles/tips apply to the digital world as well. Most tips can be easily applied without buying any expensive equipments.
   
   The illustrative comparison of good vs. bad pictures is very helpful. For example, it showed the same setting taken using flash vs. natural window light. I especially enjoyed the section on how to find such ideal light conditions around the house.
   
   This book discusses concepts/tips without using technical terms like aperture, shutter speed, exposure, and flash ratio, etc.



5. The author's advice is straightforward, easy to follow, and makes a world of difference. I used to say that I was good at photographing scenery but terrible with people. I've now used the advice in this book to take pictures of my nephews for several years and the results are better than professional shots the kids' parents have paid for - much more personal and relaxed and insightful. The author's suggestions address all aspects of the process; for example, I involve the kids moms/dads (just off screen) to engage the kids and relax them. This is a phenomenal resource!

5 comments about Sports Illustrated: In the Paint.

1. Interesting photography. If you are a fan of the swimsuit issue, and art, you will love this book.



2. Terrific collection of SI photographs highlighted by pains taking application of paint. Very artful!



3. Who would have believed that body-painting could so realistically depict actual swim-suits, etc. Outstanding!



4. SI's annual swimsuit issue is a highly anticipated delight for many afficionados of the female form.
   
   This collection of photos of some of the most beautiful women on the planet features the body painting genius of Joanne Gair. These bountiful babes sure look like they are wearing some nifty swimsuits. NOT!
   
   They are all as naked as the day they were born. Wow! I wish I had this to read back when I was in my teen years! Still enjoyable, even now.
   
   The perfect gift for that straight male you know, aged teen to octagenarian. He will appreciate your exquisite taste.



5. A beautiful gift for any SI fan, photographer or artist... the book is well put together and done with class. It goes through each year SI has featured the "painted" models with additional, never seen before photos and model comments. Gorgeous color. Great holiday gift.

No comments about Josef Koudelka: Invasion 68.

5 comments about Air Guitar.

1. For the most part, art critism is pretty dry, boring stuff. In Hickey's hands, it's much more lively. The writing is pretty crisp and engaging. Hickey uses all sorts of literary devices to get his points across- some with more success than others. Overall, it's the kind of book you enjoy to read. Rare in this genre.
   
   The basic "marketplace" angle he takes on the quality of art is pretty edgey. The art world is pretty dominated by those with intense socialist leanings, so his point of view is a nice contrast. He manages to inform us without being too snotty about it.



2. "Air Guitar" is Hickey's characterization of critical writing, it's direct relationship to its subject(s) being of approximately equal import as a person playing air guitar in his living room is to a rock concert. In the words of Vladimir Horowitz, the concert pianist, it is "the words without the music." That being said, it's damned interesting, all the same, especially when approached this way. Hickey's favorite technique is to take two seemingly disparate things and to discuss the way in which they inform each other, all the while examining the net effect on his life as your basic, educated, ambitious Joe trying to fill the "great gap of time" between birth and death with a mind boggling array of interesting experiences. In this way, they're more 'think pieces' than academic essays. I'll admit, there were moments when my brain hurt; but most of the time, I was enjoying his company and his facility for mental gymnastics -- and the obvious pleasure he took in it personally. I heard of this book on a radio interview (Fresh Air? Diane Rehm Show?) and bought it specifically so that I could have my own personal copy of "My Weimar" -- a spectacular, 'where am I in the grand sceme of things now' type touchstone. Reading the whole book as a part of a recent essay jag, I found it all equally challenging, equally enjoyable.



3. Ignore all of the negative press--decide for yourself and read the book (contrary to the opinions of some reviewers, this book is not hard to read). Yes, Dave frequently uses the word "quotidian" (Oh noooo!!!) and the cover may be too much if you have bad "good" taste. And at times, having to learn a new word is required (Is that a bad thing?). I think Hickey would say, that what all of the reviewers on this page are involved in, is exactly what he is arguing for--democratic discussion of the art that does or does not move you.



4. OK, granted, this is this first thing I've read by Dave Hickey, so I may not be giving his overall legacy a fair review. I know he's been around for awhile and has made numerous contributions to many top-notch magazines and journals. This book was recommended to me by a guy in a Williamsburg bookshop, and despite the pretentious accusation of 'genius' slapped on the front cover, I glanced through the book (spotting some obviously great writing) and bought it on the spot.
   I was really taken by his unabashed, intimate style for several chapters of the book, until he began his defenses of art dealing and art criticism and his pompous attacks on 'spectators' versus 'participants' (are critics participants?) in his version of the art world. Sorry Dave, this doesn't wash and you know it --- simply announcing that 'Art is not a commodity' simplifies a huge can of worms best dealt with by Debord or even Hakim Bey, not by an art dealer aspiring to belong to this community, rather than getting dirty in the spectating and profiteering himself. When I hit the end of a couple of these verbose defenses of his history of 'dirty occupations', I was left thinking, 'Is it that important you were an art dealer?', or 'Who really cares that you're an art critic?'.
   I simply want to be regaled with tales of Sigfried and Roy, or stomp in the boots of Hank Williams, or read Dave's ridiculous opinions on Chet Baker and, most importantly, laugh (or even smile out loud). This is where he is at his best, and consequently where the book shines. It is great writing, indeed, but too bad Dave feels it's necessary to namedrop and pontificate to purge himself from the sea of soulless art critics. Just do what you do best, and write!



5. I'm ready- couldn't wait. Finished a book by Leo Marks who was codemaker for SOE during wwii which was very interesting and surprisingly compelling- even when he described the basics of codes and betrayals. But it tired me out in alot of ways. So Hickey seemed a good way to go: clear and noncant according to reputation. Plus I read an interview Hickey gave to a colorado newspaper where he was spot on even if his stevedoreness was a little droll coming from a man obvious bored with small pieties. Started it last night and I'm already wavering. My initial enthusiasm is slightly dampened by his repeated use of the word "quotidian" and his p'haps too obvious placement of himself as heavy meta dude who hangs with grass in Mexico and in the next breath is able for instance claim that Norman Rockwell is, in fact, a great democratic artist with impressive technical skills. He claims too that every artist he knows admires Rockwell. I always thought it was schlock- I could be wrong- (I think Rockwell leads to Tarantino) but what worries me is that Hickey seems willing to take a perverse position for the pleasure of taking a perverse position. Well that's OK but he isn't Panofsky. He's acrobatic and synthetic- but afterwards like any dance by Arthur Murray you wonder what you have experienced and when.
   The book cover is terrible, almost the worst I have ever seen which again suggests a willful postmodern banality offered w/o irony which is the hippest position possible. Says Sean Puffy Combs, Puff Daddy, P Daddy, P Diddy: "its all good." He's a genius too.

5 comments about Twilight: Photographs by Gregory Crewdson.

1. The book is fantastic! However to my horror it was packed very badly and the book arrived scratched and a damaged. Amazon expects me to pay for all shipping costs to get a refund of the book value only. Since I live in Australia the return shipping would surpass the value of the books sent. I emailed Amazon with this issue 2 weeks ago and NO REPLY!
   
   
   DO NOT BUY FINE ART BOOKS FROM AMAZON!!



2. I love this book, its so inspiring. The title "twilight" is a time of the day when things seem real but at the same time they dont. The thing I love is that the illustrations look like photographs in a way, which is the piont their trying to make.



3. These photos are 'quiet' but intriguing. The lightings in these photos are amazing. Sometimes it is hard to believe that these are photos and not drawings.
   
   I personally like photos/movies shot under low budget -- and these settings were certainly not cheap -- but if you don't mind that, this is good book to have.



4. While Gregory Crewdson may be the most overhyped, overpaid photography around today, he is also a master of this type of color, creative, fictive scene. This work is deliberate, deep, and strange, and includes a good essay by Rick Moody. It is a modern masterwork, for sure, and while Crewdson's retrospective book "1985-2005" is average at best, this cohesive body of work is well worth the price.



5. 
   I can't believe another reviewer called this book contrived and insincere. That is absolutely ridiculous. This collection of work is quite sincerely attached to feelings of strangeness and otherness in everyday life. If you think those feelings are shallow and relegated to teenagers (and I find it very insulting that someone spoke of teens that way), then it's a sad, sad world.
   
   It is mysterious and strange and wonderful. Everyone can appreciate that.

No comments about Koto Bolofo: Venus Williams.

No comments about Saul Leiter.