5 comments about Food Play.

1. Food Play is clever, and gave many, many laughs. It's good, creative, innocent fun, suitable for any age, The photographs have good, clear color and lighting. The imagination of the "artist" is inexhaustible, who seeems to discover expression in most unusual sujects. I highly recommend it as a thank-you gift, a cheer-up thought, or just an unusual choice to amuse and delight.



2. I LOVE this book! I've had one for a while and bought this one as a gift. There are many wonderful ideas for both adults and kids, and I've done it with my grandkids as well as my friends. VERY FUN!



3. My wife is a teacher and loves this book. We have ordered 3 more as gifts.



4. Item was a gift and recipient was pleased. Very ingenious ways to "play with your food."



5. FOOD PLAY is an unique and adorable book suitable for any age person. My grandchildren to whom I gave the book were amazed and tickled by the expressiveness of the food faces and I was astonished at the imagination that created them. The fact that collectively several of them also tell stories is also great fun. I recommend this book for everyone.

1 comments about Spectacular Wineries of the Napa Valley: A Captivating Tour of Established, Estate and Boutique Wineries.

1. Having visited many of these wineries I can say that this book truly captures the best of Napa Valley. The book is an excellent guide of the "must see" wineries of California. I sent a dozen copies to my friends.

5 comments about Process Color Manual, 24,000 CMYK Combinations for Design, Prepress, and Printing.

1. 20-odd years in the design industry and I have no idea why I haven't had a book like this yet. I've been mentally mixing colors for a long time now, and yet it's a fantastic thing to be able to see what that subtle difference is between 25c+100y and 30c+100y looks like in print. OK, it only approximates based on one press and coated paper, but at the end of the day, it's better than your monitor. So get the book and dispense with a good bit of guesswork. It takes a minute to get used to how to find exactly what you're looking for, but it's there!



2. I owned a previous version of this book at my last job and plan to purchase this for my own use. As others have said, it contains an amazing number of combinations not available in most books. It takes a little bit of flipping through the book to understand how it is laid out, but the concept is very difficult anyway to put down on paper. I think that this book has accomplished making it as simple as it can get while still being very comprehensive.



3. Buy this. Discover what you have been missing on this exceptionally complicated subject.
   Learn how to match the use of color(s) to your project.
   Take your usage of color to a level well beyond your experience with the easy to understand non-techno language.
   Excellent investment.



4. Well, I've been using CorelDraw for a short time, and this book helped me a lot about printing preview colors.



5. The book contains many color swatches and its very useful when you want a specific shade printed. It's a pitty it doesn't have even the primitive index, that could help a lot when looking for most popular colors. This is the book every print designer should have on their desk. However I recommend having Pantone Color Bridge too for spot colors. Having these two references is surely enough to work easily on most prepress projects.

5 comments about Mutter Museum Historic Medical Photographs.

1. The truth is this books is in between two worlds, that of the scientific and that of the freakshow. I could say I'd prefer the former being a person with a disability myself (some of the photos here of people with "afflictions" like cerebral palsy would today lead normal lives) but also like any human being can understand your Malady of the Month curiousity about the whole thing and for that I'd reccomend the book "Death Scenes" (if you can stomach it and frankly the intro to that book has far more informative analysis of the photos than anything in this book). But the Mutter Museum although a sort of "odditorium" is also a scientific museum to inform people so I want facts. Obviously, the photos taken at the time and their captions don't depict current scientific knowledge. Many say "unknown disease" although a current scientist or medical provider could make a good guesstimate from the photo alone. What was the treatment at the time? What would the people have gone through? What would happen now? One photo particulary striking (among many though I'll choose one) says "meningitis, injected with serum, discharged 5 days later". The photo (striking to me because I have a neurological disability as well and after recovery from this disease people have long term after effects and disabilities that are neurological) unconsciously reminisant of the famous Victorian era photo "Fading Away" shows a girl in what appears to be a coma from that disease and one would assume she died after. But when it says she was "discharged five days later" she recovered, at least enough to be released. What happenend? A good "update" might read "the antitoxin available at the time would stop the progress of the disease and enable people to live though not nearly as effective as antibiotics did save some lives. But with the long term after effects of the disease people would often develop mental retardation or mental illness and in those times eventually end up in institutions which would not occur today". But that infomation (scientifically correct) is missing. The museum promises to be "shockingly informative". Good enough. Shock value I'll grant you but its a little lacking in the "informative" department.



2. This is a good source of interest for human oddities, and of history for conditions that are routinely corrected now.



3. oh my my my... i've seen a few programs on television that spotlighted the mutter museum, and one day i should so love to visit. but this book has given me more insight into the history of medicine and such. i was smitten by the pictures, and it makes me want to visit the museum even more! beautiful photographs. i poured over each one intently before turning the pages.
   i would have liked just a little bit more information about the subjects, otherwise it is a beautifully edited book!



4. This book is very interesting if you are intrigued by medical history. but I wouldn't necessarily call it fascinating, like I was thinking it might be. it does, however, provide an insight to 19th century medicine that I had no idea existed. pioneering lifesaving medical techniques and even astoundingly advanced corrective procedures that I had no idea were even possible during this period are shown.



5. I got this as a gift for my sister and having previously been to the museum, she was thrilled to have a book about it to look at whenever. It is packed with eerie pictures and information and is definitley worth giving it a look. If you or someone you know is interested in strange things, this is a perfect book for you. She said more than once that this was her favorite Christmas gift. Enjoy!

No comments about This Side of Paradise: Body and Landscape in Los Angeles Photographs.

3 comments about Helen Levitt.

1. I found this book nearly as good as Crossroads, which is now going for $200+. The binding and reproduction quality is excellent. The only difference with this is a lack of a tipped in image on the front. I purchased 7 of these books. One of them was defective, and this sometimes happens, but Amazon is very amenable to returns and I'm going to send it back for a replacement. Amazon pays the return shipment. I own over 6000 photography books and this is well-worth the investment!



2. I ordered 5 copies of this book! It was such a pleasure to see all the new images that have never been published. I love Evans forward (brief but articulate), and to see the genius of Levitt through the years makes this my favorite book to date in 2008! I couldn't recommend it more!



3. Always thought Helen Levitt's photography was excellent, so I ordered this book. Upon receiving it I found two pages to be bent back at the corners, badly crimped. So, I returned it asking that a second copy be sent along with the reason I was returning it.
   
   When the second copy arrived, it also had pages damaged & bent. Both had still been in the shrinkwrap, so it was something that apparently had happened during the production process of the book itself.
   
   After the second copy was also damaged, I just asked Amazon to credit me back a refund. It's a hassle packing the book up twice, printing out return labels on the computer twice, taking it down to the post office twice (gas is $3.18 a gallon). One might think if Amazon really cared about customer service they would have taken a look at the second copy before shipping it to me, knowing the first copy was damaged.
   
   I'll pick one up at a bookstore.
   
   Ron Evans / Charlottesville, Virginia

5 comments about Perfect Digital Photography.

1. I asked for this book as a gift, and was happy with the first 30 or so pages. At that point it turns into a photoshop primer, with step-by-step instructions on how to manipulate your image. But what if you don't have or use photoshop? Too bad. I've had a couple of classes in Photoshop Elements, but that's not enough to penetrate this book.
   
   Bottom line: this is not a photography book, this is a photoshop book. What if you'd prefer to take better photographs so that photoshop is not necessary? I'm not sure, but don't get this book.



2. I am new to photography but I am also the type who gets deep into things. This is a really beautiful book. The author is obviously an incredible artist. He writes in a passionate way and even when he needs to get technical he never loses that passion. It is a step by step introduction to Digital photography written by someone who has been out in the field for years. It has become my bible. A professional photographer I know said it helped him get "back to basics" in the non condescending meaning of the word.



3. This book deserves a 10 star rating, as it is not only well-written, but the information is worthy of continual review. It doesn't talk about non-essential gimickry, but instead how to caoture and transform the essence of light. Examples include using GRAD filters, scrims, reflectors of gold versus silver, and black to absorb light --creating shadows when there are no shadows. Gold and silver reflect 80 to 90 percent of the light into shadowed areas of the face or body, depending upon the size of the reflector. The black "absorbers" also come in various sizes depending upon the subject at hand.
   
   I've been in film photography for a long time and am familiar with the photographic terms that span both mediums. However, I'm a begineer when it comes to digital processing and digital photographic terminology.
   
   This book is inexpensive and chock full of important information that was barely touched in two local digital courses on which I spent over $200. If I learn how to use levels, curves, and layers properly, the book will surpass those local courses tremendously. But, there is more important information in the digital processing lab that I know nothing about and a world to explore.
   
   Therefore this is a book with which to grow and improve my photographic skills and to use as a digital photographic bible. It is definitely worthy of more than the inexpensive sticker price.
   
   I thank the authors and editors for making "Perfect Digital Photography" available, and my daughter, Heather, for giving me this book for my 65th birthday.



4. First off, this is written for the more "serious" amateur. It does, therefore, figure that you are probably something of a photographer to begin with. He refers to f/stops and other "more technical" photographic terms. I am just beginning to get into photography, so some of what he was talking about was above my head. This is not a bad thing. While I may not use all this information at this stage (I only have a Point & Shoot Kodak), if I decide to get into this more and get a true SLR or DSLR, this will come in handy.
   
   Having said that, there is a lot of good information for a lowly beginner such as myself. It is written in a fairly easy to understand way so even us true amateurs can understand. The addition of the section on Photoshop is also a wonderful thing. One may as well learn to use all of the 'tools' of the trade. Some may see Photoshop as a crutch; I feel it is a good way to perfect the picture you took to get it to be more of what you saw when you first snapped it. Why suffer with a picture that is less than perfect when you did everything correctly when you can contrast it better or sharpen it up?
   
   All in all, this is a book very worth picking up, whether you are a true beginner, a harder core amateur, or a total professional. It will teach everyone something, regardless of skill level.



5. Lot's of good information without it being too technical. Just like Scott Kelby's book on digital photography, easy to read and understand for beginners and I'm sure for pros as well. Money well spent.

5 comments about Macro Photography Photo Workshop.

1. This is a very helpful, informative book. I have not done much macro photography, and this book made it fun to try. I highly suggest that anyone who has a camera and a little time, read this book, and then get out and play.
   Gayle Gahn



2. I am a novice in macro photography, having been exposed only to medical/dental close-up photography in the past. The author has been kind enough to keep the text less technical and geared more to the novice to average photographer. The examples are annotated with the source and equipment used. He provides tips, cross-references with each new chapter, and has `assignments' that allows one to practice what was read. At the conclusion of the book he provides websites to allow you to see what others have to offer. I recommend this book for both the novice and the average photographer as an excellent resource.



3. As a beginner in Macro Photography, I found this book useful. It was thorough starting at the beginning by describing what macro photography is and the various pieces of equipment needed. The author then moves into more technical information such as lighting and depth of field. In his photos, he fully describes which camera was used, which lens, f-stops, shutter speeds, ISO, and additional information. At the end of each chapter he gives an "assignment" and encourages you to post your photo on a particular web site.
   He goes beyond the most obvious macro subjects of flowers and insects. He covers everyday objects, beauty of textures, abstracts, and people.The book is filled with many photos to learn from.
   I like the fact that it was not written so technically that I could not understand it. It was easy reading.Highly recommended for the beginner who wants to learn about macro photographer.



4. i now have 3 of these photo workshop books and they are excellent books and full of information. the photographs in the books have a statement next to them to tell you how they were shot. the information is current for the new digital camearas and it full of usefull information.



5. By concentrating on small images and texture representation a photographer's overall approach and finished results can appear more professional. MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO WORKSHOP is thus an outstanding title not just for working macro photographers seeking to improve their results, but for any looking to understand macro images in everyday surroundings, and use the latest camera devices to capture the best shots. From common macro problems and digital editing techniques to shooting insects, flowers and more, MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO WORKSHOP is especially recommended as a supplemental classroom text for any photographer moving beyond the beginner levels.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Hedi Slimane: Rock Diary.

4 comments about Los Alamos.

1. The photos in this book are not about Los Alamos, New Mexico. Although some of them may have been taken there, many--maybe most--are from Eggleston's familiar Deep South. One is done in an airplane flying over God-knows-where.

   But the photos aren't about the locations. They are about color. And the main colors are red, white and blue.

   If Eggleston's "...Guide" was photographed under the influence of the design of the Confederate flag (as Eggleston has claimed), then the framework and inspiration for this book are the colors of the American flag.

   Robert Frank's monotone classic "Americans" had the underlying theme of the American flag. Eggleston's "Los Alamos" uses the colors of the flag as a motif. Shot over the years 1966 through 1974, there is a range of emotions within the photographs. There is cynicism--those were times ripe with cynicism--but there is also much found to admire in the American landscape at that time. Particularly the richness of the colors portrayed in the most banal and commonplace of subjects. In this arena, few photographic artists compare with William Eggleston.




2. Los Alamos is a full-color, 175-page, photographic portrait of a New Mexican town. These images, captured on film by master photographer William Eggleston, range from 1966 to 1974 and superbly capture the ups, downs, scenery, and close-ups of a living, breathing city. No text distracts from the full-page photographs, which are presented as the works of art they are. This large sized compendium is a welcome and recommended addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library Photography collection.



3. Eggleston is a bit of a mystery. His photographs make you open your eyes wide and say, "Wow!" but it's hard to say what it is about them that is so stunning. This book is the best thing he has published to date and it offers the clearest window into Eggleston's genius that I've seen. Reproduced on large pages in rich colors that leap out and shake you until you splutter, these pictures bypass the intellect and kick your sense of raw beauty like a mule with a belly full of habaneros.

   It's clear to you that the beauty is all about the color, or is it? What's happening with the composition? Soemthing is at the tip of your tongue, but try as you might, you can't say what makes these pictures so obviously works of great genius.

   When you calm back down and try to figure how a book of pictures that look almost like snapshots could sting you so hard, the accompanying essay by Thomas Weski gives the best account of Eggleston's work that I've seen to date---short, but clearer and more insightful than Janet Malcolm's meditation on color and snapshots in Diana and Nikon or Eudora Welty's introduction to The Democratic Forest.




4. This book is stunning! A large number of Eggleston's photographs beautifully printed on good paper. "Los Alamos" is one of the best photography books I have seen in years.