4 comments about Beneath The Roses.

1. In his opening essay of this volume of photographs, Russell Banks describes the cinematic qualities of Crewdson's work; in particular, how "the pictures are assembled and staged." Though not necessarily immediately obvious in all of the individual pictures, after looking for awhile the viewer does begin to recognize the artificiality of the moments. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however. In many cases, particularly when the setting is an exterior, it works very well. The eye searches out the odd detail in the landscape. In the interiors, however, it seems to work less well. In these, the overall effect seems to be oddity and garishness.
   
   More interesting is the theme of isolation that runs through these photos. Even in the shots where more than one person is present, each seems trapped inside their own space. Raised to an even higher degree in some of the wide exteriors, you end up searching out the individual who is nearly swallowed up by the rest of the picture. Perhaps it is that very searching quality required by some of the photographs that makes them the most moving of the group.
   
   When I first received this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. I was first put off by the unwieldiness of its size--bigger than a normal volume and wider than it is high. As I looked through the photographs and grew to like many of them, I realized the importance of the book's size and shape--to take advantage of the movie aspect ratio Crewdson uses as well as the need for as much space as possible in his wide, detailed exterior shots.
   
   In fact, I went to see a gallery presentation of some of the photographs in this volume. The prints hanging on the wall were large, perhaps six feet or more wide, which I thought did much better justice to Crewdson's work. I found this experience to be of great benefit. When I came home and looked through the book again, I was moved to look even more closely at some of the pictures, seeking out that isolation and detail.
   
   Still, as I said, I think Crewdson's work is uneven. The exteriors, for the most part, greatly outdo the interiors and there is a tendency towards a garishness I don't like in some of his work. However, when he hits the right notes, his landscapes are as beautiful and interesting as anything I've seen.



2. The book is fantastic! However to my horror it was packed very badly and the book arrived scratched and a big chunk taken out of the cover. Amazon expects me to pay for all shipping costs to get a refund. 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!!



3. The first thing Russell Banks mentions in the book's introduction is the comparison between Crewdson's work and Hollywood. Not surprising of course because the photos are produced like the movies only here it's one shot at a time. Looking at the fascinating production photos at the back of the book I'm reminded of Winston Link, another photographer who went to endless trouble for the one shot and mostly in small town America, too.
   
   Crewdson provides you with forty-nine content rich photos, you have to provide everything else and that is not difficult because the people and situations before your eyes pull you into their lives. What is she thinking, is she speaking to him, what is he doing, why are they together? I thought the small town setting ideal for these tableaux, the streets, houses and people seem to fit together and allow the viewer to focus on the characters. Maybe the plates should have been loose in a box making it easier for the viewer to create an ever changing scenario according to their sequence.
   
   I was rather disappointed though with part of the book's production. The photos, thankfully suitable larger than those in Twilight, are only printed in 175dpi. These images are saturated with detail and texture and I would have thought a minimum of 200 or preferably 250dpi would be necessary to bring out their quality. So many of them have a long depth of field but also feature some small detail or frozen action that is important: a person in a car, the items on a bedside table or people seen through the window of a motel room.
   
   Like Twilight the back of this book has chapters on Location and Soundstage, both have production shots (unfortunately not captioned) and drawings to show the amazing amount of work that goes into these photos. A look at the Production Credits also confirms this (and reinforces the movie connection) with Lighting, Best Boys, Gaffers, Key Grip, Special Effects, Prop Masters, Wardrobe, Transportation, Hair and Make-up, Casting, Catering, Legal and more. Oh yes, let's not forget Swamp Design by Buzz Gray, too.
   
   Overall a remarkable book but if you are new to his work have a look at Gregory Crewdson which includes twenty plates from Beneath the Roses.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



4. There are several books that contain Crewdson's cinematic photography, and I think that most people would agree that this one is the best so far.
   
   In his other books, people have complained that the images were not large enough. This book has larger images. The book contains 49 plates, which measure about 14.5" x 9.5"
   
   The book also has photographs and sketches of a lot of the work that went into the final photographs, such as set design, lighting, props, and more.
   
   Some of the photos in this book are also in the book "1985-2005", but they are larger in this book.
   
   The book still doesn't come close to capturing how breathtaking his full-size 4' x 5' photographs are, but it does a better job than any of his other books. It would make a great addition to any photography book collection.

5 comments about The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos.

1. Uno de los mejores libros que he tenido ocasión de leer. Realmente te inspira y te invita a reflexionar sobre los tantos y tantos errores que como fotografo aficionado cometes, sobre todo cuando no estando especialmente inspirado, te olvidas que lo importante es saber mirar, ver y entender lo que tratas de fotografiar y no simplemente querer hacer una buena foto porque si.
   Reconozco que me gusta este libro. Lo recomiendo.



2. High quality productions, great color, easy to read and you simply enjoy the guidance offered through the wonderful examples, tips, and points of view.
   
   There are six chapters with over 50 topics, that make you think through the photographer's decision process.
   
   I am a hobbyist photographer of over 30 years and of all the books I have purchased this one is by far the most outstanding. However, my biggest challenge since getting the book is containing my enthusiasm. I want all the info presented in this book in my brain now, but alas I have a memory like a sieve. So I'm trying to figure out how to absord it all. I find I need to take baby steps, practice, review the photos in context of the points made from the book and continue to the next challenge. You do improve and its amazing! Next, I thought I might try a topic from the book and practice it, this has become my biggest challenge.
   
   Very informative, great reference guide to be read time and time again.
   
   PS: You may also want to check out this book on a different topic that I found quite good Exposure and Lighting for Digital Photographers Only (For Only)



3. I am writing this review to rest the minds of many posts I have found on forums asking if 'anyone knows where to buy the no longer published book "The Image ..." by Michael Freeman'. I am here to tell you that it is here and now called "The Photographer's Eye". If you are buying The Image just to say you have it and are willing to pay the upwards of $275.00 to the used sellers then that is a different story. If you want the book for the content you can get it right here on Amazon in the form of The Photographer's Eye. I own both books. I recently ordered the image and paid $21.00 including shipping for a slightly highlighted edition because I had heard so much about the book. Although different (not by much concerning the important information) the Photographer's Eye is basically the same book in new packaging and obviously now referencing some digital techniques. Now I must admit I have not actually read the entire book "The Image" and I have about 20 more pages in "The Photographer's Eye" but I have flipped through "The Image" and there is quite a bit of the same information. That is a good thing as far as I am concerned. For those of you wanted Freeman's original, I suggest TPE if you truly want it for content. The book/books are phenomenal as they have been in the past. Definitely a worthwhile purchase.



4. Simply the best resource design and composition for those of us who did not attend design classes in College. Or for those who didn't major in design, it lays out the concepts and makes a valiant attempt at explaining what makes great photographs. From this, we are extrapolate the skills needed to take great compositional shots. Draws heavily on Bauhaus design concepts.



5. If you're trying to learn how to "see" better photographic opportunities, this book will certainly inspire you. While there could be more technical instructions included, the author does a great job of outlining the things that you should be looking for in your composition. In fact, the only reason this book didn't get the fifth star is because of the lack of more instructions on how to actually practice getting some of the results featured in the book. Nonetheless, this is a good companion book to something like "Understanding Exposure."

5 comments about Quiet Corners of Paris.

1. I bought this book based on previous reviews. It is a wonderful little book with lovely photographs. I plan to use it to plan my next trip to Paris. The fact that all of the places mentioned are free to the public , is an added plus for travelers.



2. This is a sweet little book. I wish I'd had it when I lived in Paris. It reveals many wonderful quiet spots, places for picnics and contemplation, and peace in that busy city. As a tourist to Paris, you probably won't value it as much--you'll want to be out in the busy, soaking it all up. But for anyone who lives in Paris, or is going to spend a long time there, I'd recommend it. And for those of us who just like to read about Paris, in between visits, it's a great book, well written and warm.



3. I've been to Paris countless times and never knew about many of the hidden corners and little parks that are featured in this book. I can't wait to return to explore them. I loved this little book.



4. A very interesting small book that details some of the hidden places in Paris. A joy for those who have "Paris on the Brain".



5. I will keep my review uncomplicated, like this book. There is a lot of information packed into this little book. Instead of focusing on the usual tourist sights, the author points out some of the beautiful, quaint parks, gardens and museums. The book also shows other out of the way places that the usual travel books don't. With the exception of 1 site (Musee Eugene Delacroix), all the sights shown are free to the public. If you are going to visit Paris, this is a great little guide book when searching for different places to see. If you want to go to Paris some day, this is a great book to dream by. It's packed with beautiful pictures. I just loved it!

4 comments about Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People.

1. you have to love decor and fashion to understand this book.it is Vogue after all!!!! the book is full of fabulous properties and fabulous people.I went through it already many times and got inspired by it.
   Buy it f you are a fan of vogue magazine !!!



2. There is no disputing that this is a sumptuous volume. Lavishly produced, its oversized 384 pages are crammed with images of exquisite rooms and lush gardens from 36 unique homes, owned by the rich and/or famous in Europe, America and North Africa and into the likes of which you and I will never set foot. (Which is the reason, thankfully, such books are produced and why we lesser mortals buy them.)
   
   There are rooms modern and rooms classic, arranged with the taste, elegance and restraint of the world's best decorators and captured by the world's greatest photographers. And yet the rooms are not museum pieces, but are demonstrably inhabited by their owners, their well-scrubbed children and their adorable dogs, such as the greyhound on page 317 filching a piece of cheese from the dinner table.
   
   My favourite room which is featured on the front jacket cover is of Janet de Botton's breakfast room in Provence, its French chateau décor a study in white, cream and faded pastel, the background, literally a wall of china - floral motifed white plates and platters displayed on white-painted, floor-to-ceiling wooden plate racks built into the walls. (Already I've been measuring my walls to see how I can incorporate something similar - though less vast - into my old house).
   
   At the opposite end of the décor spectrum is Amanda Brooks NYC loft, all kitsch and brash eye-popping colour like a Barbie Doll house with Brooks herself photographed in a Barbie Doll style gown in a Barbie Doll pose. (It's not to my personal taste but cleverly done & I had to look twice to be sure the figure lying stiffly across the bed wasn't a mannequin).
   
   If you are a fan of décor books you will find plenty more here to inspire, amuse and entertain you and your like-minded friends and family.
   
   So why did I hold back from a five star rating? My quibble is with the empty 14 pages devoted to Madonna which might have been put to better use: Madonna's cow pastures, M. with (admittedly cute) children; a gowned & high-heeled & coiffed M. feeding the chickens (as if!); M. canoodling with husband, a double-page shot of M's sheep -- & only one tiny interior shot, a sitting room that was rearranged by the photographer & does not reflect the actual décor of Madonna's house - which might have been of real interest even to a non-fan like me.
   Thus the book falls just a little short of being, for me, the epitome of the coffee-table décor genre.



3. Flash review: The perfect gift book for this season.
   
   This new book, timed for Xmas giving, features a selection of the best homes shown in Vogue in the past several years. It is a large-scale book, filled with wonderful color photography. Although Elle Decor and Architectural Digest have come out with similar books this season, neither can hold a candle to Vogue's tome. If you are familiar with the 1968 publication, "Vogue's Book of Houses, Gardens, People", which now sells for $400 and up if you can find it, you will know what is in store for you.
   
   Maximum emphasis on homes you would love to see in person, owned by people of impeccable style: Janet de Botton in the south of France, Marella Agnelli in Marrakech, David Cholmondeley's stately, etc.; minimal number of celebrity digs done by decorators of questionable taste which you tend to see in Architectural Digest. The style and taste of the featured houses, gardens (and, yes, people) are on an entirely different plane than those shown in the new books by the other two lifestyle magazines.



4. Photography is extraordinary. The people featured therein, not so much. Still, it's a beautifully done publication and worth the cash but buy it at discount.
   Stylemaven

5 comments about A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel: My Journey in Photographs.

1. This book is just wonderful! It has the most beautiful photographs and commentary. I've been reading it to my children for bedtime story. I saw a television program where the author was talking about each picture. She gave even greater details about the stories and circumstances behind each picture! It would be great if that would have been included along with the book itself in CD/DVD format. I loved listening to her describe in detail all that goes in to getting the one perfect shot! Again, wonderful book. The photos are just breath-taking!



2. After reading the book and seeing the world through Annie G. Belts stunning photos, I am beyond moved. Her story is funny and beautiful. She makes me feel like I can do anything in the world that I dream of doing and bring my children along for the ride. This book has enriched my life and opened up my heart to new possibilitites.



3. A book to treasure! Simply magnificent photographs by the brilliant Annie G. Belt. Beautifully reproduced and narrated - a fascinating tour of the world and humanity by one of the top photographers in the world. Highly recommend!



4. The photos grab you at first, but it's the words that will make you treasure this must-have hardback. Author Annie Griffiths Belt was one of the first female photographers hired at the National Geographic Society, and in these pages you can understand why. The 133 images soar.
   
   Subjects range from Minnesota blizzards to Jerusalem Ramadan celebrations to refugee camps in Pakistan and Thailand. An image that sticks with me is a Biloxi Katrina survivor sitting alone in a bare room, holding her 81st birthday cake in her lap. Another indelible photo: dolphins playing at dawn in New Zealand.
   
   Also in the book are Belt's stories about her travels and adventures. Accompanying each photo is a short narrative, in which the author describes what was happening before, during and after she took the shot. Throughout the book Belt describes what it was like bringing her two young kids with her while she traveled, often with her husband in tow, too. These tales are often funny, always interesting.
   
   The dust jacket slips off to reveal a paisley-print cover with the title in gold letters on the spine.



5. This is a wonderful book; a keepsake. Annie Griffiths Belt is a well-known, gifted photographer, but her charming voice, gentle humor, and sincere sense of wonder and gratitude give new depth and meaning to the images she captures. Her openness and honesty make it easy to see how she has been able to create a bond of trust across cultural barriers that has been one of the hallmarks of her career. The real message of this book is that people are beautiful and that anything, even your wildest dream, is possible. That is the reason, come Mother's Day, I'll be giving this book to my daughter.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC.

1. This is one of my favorite Photoshop CS3 books; I have quite a few. The quality of the book is excellent and I have learned so much from the lessons. The book comes with a very good DVD that makes this book an outstanding value. I have read some of the bad reviews. I think they expected a "dummies" or "beginners" type book. This is for a photographer who wants to get the most out of Adobe Photoshop. You can tell that Mr. Evening came from a photography background. Is this book a bit on the complex side? Sure. But I already know Photoshop basics and I did not want a rehash. That is why I highly recommend this book.



2. Martin Evening's guide to a better understanding of that indespensable piece of software, Photoshop CS3, is indeed very good and very comprehensive. Not many aspects of set up, adjustments, editing, or indeed any other action you take is left uncovered by this volume. As opposed to other reviewers I don't find the text lenghty or incomprehensible, but rather on the spot and easily accessible. The pedagogical way of colourcoding shortcuts for both Mac and PC makes it easy to find and use these, thus increasing your editing efficiency.
   
   This book can be used as a sort of encyclopedia, looking up solutions for problems whenever you encouter such, or it can be read from cover to cover, which ,dull and trying it may be just because of the sheer quantity of information in there, I would recommend. It does give a nice, comprehensive, and effective overlook of Photoshop for any digital photographer.
   
   Highly recommendable.



3. As a commercial photographer and Photoshop expert, Martin Evening is ideally placed to write a Photoshop book for photographers. Bruce Fraser fans will enjoy the technical insight provided by this book. Photographers will enjoy the targeted content. Anyone who wants to know how to manage, develop and print their digital negatives will find this book indispensable.



4. This is possible the best reference book I have ever purchased. Every thechnique is explained simply and effectivly.
   I've been using photoshop for many years and considered myself somewhat of and expert but this book as oped my eyes to what is possible.
   I wouldnt limit this to photographers only, it is perfect for any photoshop user.
   All I can say is BUY THIS BOOK.



5. I think the main problem with the book is due mainly to the mentionable differences between American English and true Anglo English. The book is very thorough and extremely relevant to the digital photographer. However it seems a bit verbose and I have decided the length/volume of the book could be reduced by about 20% if the explanations were simplified; the voice of the book could be greatly clarified with the editing out of too many embellishing adverbs that are greatly distracting. In spite a very good book for a seasoned digital photographer/Photoshop user and probably not a good idea for the beginner.

5 comments about Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing, and Retouching Faces and Bodies.

1. Behind the scenes look at the art and technique of glamour/nude photography. Includes discussion and many wonderful photos to help understand the concepts. I learned several techniques that I was not previously aware of. If you are interested in this type of photo work, I recommend the book. A good value.



2. I haven't really read all the chapters yet but this book is very professional in terms of the processes they use to enhance images. Everything from different kinds of lighting to the steps through photoshop to printing. With that said, this is not a beginner book. Prior photoshop experience is needed or else one will easily get lost.



3. This is a must have book for anyone shooting professional portraits or stock photos with people in them. It explains everything from lighting, to photoshop. Very well written!



4. The tools and exercises were easy to follow and understand, I found all of the information relevant and heplful. All of my photoshop project begin with a glance into this book for tips on how to do it better!
   Great investment.



5. Not the best for those new to Photoshop, and will be difficult for some to follow along with versions of PS older than CS. But packed with tips and tricks to allow you to get the most out of your digital images in the digital darkroom.

5 comments about Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS3 (Real World).

1. Great book. Very well written, easily understood and helpful. This is definitely a must have for digital photographers processing their camera raw files! This book was recommended to me by a professional stock photographer. He was dead on target that it was packed full of important info. I have already recommended this book to several other photographers I know.



2. Adobe Camera RAW (version 4 with photoshop CS3) is an amazing product, and this book is a must have when trying to get the most out of it. If you are processing RAW with CS3 do yourself a favour and get this.



3. This book is the best one I have read on the topic of shooting raw verses jpeg; why to shoot raw, and how to take advantage of the expanded potential in digital raw photography. The authors provide extensive rationale and great technical background on the topics of adjusting raw images to best effect. Although I use Photoshop Lightroom 1.3 instead of the Camera Raw within Photoshop Bridge or Photoshop CS3, the discussions and techniques are equally applicable to my workflow.
   
   This is one of the most productive books I have read to date within my library of digital photography books!



4. I love Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop CS3. But there were many facets and functions of ACR that I didn't understand. This is a great book, written in friendly manner and packed with illustrations and screen shots. The book answers all my questions and has me saying "Ah Ha . . ." in almost every chapter and subject.
   And may I say that if your camera includes Raw mode and you don't use it you're missing a great way to improve your photos and your workflow.
   Thanks, Jeff Schewe for a great book.



5. A digital camera that gives you photos in the usual JPEG format is doing some photo processing for you before you see the shot. The camera applies the camera manufacturer's algorithms to the way your photos should look. But if you want to do more than take good snapshots you should consider setting the camera to give you images without the automatic processing. That kind of image uses the camera's "raw" format.
   
   If you have a digital SLR, you have the ability to take raw files. (A few non-SLR digitals have the ability to take raw files -- the Canon G9, for example.) Each camera manufacturer has its own type of raw file -- Canon's use the extension .CR2, for example. But all raw images need to be opened by a photo editing package that can read the specific type of raw file your camera produces, like Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
   
   The major advantage of using raw files is that you have more control over fine tuning the image, and the major disadvantage is that you will probably have to do some fine tuning.
   
   Photoshop CS3, the current version of Adobe's industrial-strength photo editing software includes Adobe Camera Raw ("ACR"). ACR recognizes the raw formats from virtually all manufacturers. If you understand the basics of Photoshop or PS Elements, you can use ACR on your own right out of the box, because the basic screen is reasonably intuitive. But "Real World Camera Raw with...CS3" does a great job of helping you get a lot more out of ACR, and there's quite a lot to get. The book explains what raw images are in both technical and non-technical terms and then takes you through the multiple options for preparing them in ACR. The authors clearly know Photoshop from the inside, all the way down to the software code. The in-depth explanations of how Photoshop works are there is you want them. But they don't throw a blizzard of tech talk at you. The instructions are there in plain language to help you make efficient, effective step-by-step use of Adobe Camera Raw. You can stop after Chapter 5 and you'll be a solid intermediate user, or you can absorb the whole book and emerge with an even more in-depth understanding.
   
   The book is written for photographers who have at least a basic understanding of color and of Photoshop, so it's not the first book on photo editing to read. (A good choice would be "Adobe Photoshop CS2 One-on-One" by Deke McClelland -- excellent and less expensive than his DVD-based CS3 version.) But "Real World Camera Raw...CS3" is a great next step as you move up the Photoshop learning curve.

5 comments about A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005.

1. It's likely the first time you browse through A Photographer's Life, you will use it as a peeping tom would use a window, as a voyeur, looking in on the lives of famous people -- and perhaps that's the intention. But then, go back and gaze at the photos as art, looking for the lighting, the mood, the context. Leibovitz's photos of herself are almost too revealing, but use them as the introduction to herself as she intended. The photos she took for Rolling Stone of rock stars and politicians are as rich as the articles for which her photos were shot. Read them as you would the article itself. You will learn much.



2. I was very excited to win this book as a prize for a photo contest tied to the Annie Liebowitz exhibit in SF, CA. My photo was related to families. I acknowledge the other reviewers. The graphic layout of the photos reduced the value of her beautiful work. This book is important. It's production should have accorded it the same treatment. Who was in charge of its publication? Was Annie consulted? I can't imagine it. Actually it would make me feel better to think that she wasn't included in the approval cycle; how could you do this to yourself?



3. A beautiful and touching collection of her life and friends in her own words------photography. I have her first book and this one is just as great. A beautiful, interesting coffee table book. Every time you look through it you see it again differently.



4. After reading some of the other reviews, i have to agree with the comments about content however i believe it's important to understand that this was a publication for an accompanying exhibition at the brooklyn museum of art. It is an exhibition that is still touring around today. I saw the exhibition and was struck by the quality of the photographs as well as their diversity. It is as the title suggests, "A Photographers Life" and should be seen as such. I really liked the exhibition for it's incite into the life behind all of the famous photograph's we have come to know annie leibovitz for.



5. Book was brand new in plastic, at a deeply discounted price. Couldn't ask for more!

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