5 comments about Professional Children's Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers (Pro Photo Workshop).

1. I was really looking forward to this book and bought it without reading the reviews first. I wish I had read all of them before making this purchase.
   
   Well, another reviewer had it right: mostly fluff, little substance. I have to second that opinion of this book. The images are fantastic and there is some decent advice to photographers but the book doesn't promise what it implies in the title: Techniques. You get a few tiny tidbits here and there but nowhere near what I would have liked or would have expected considering the full title.
   
   You can think of this book as basically a 14 chapter interview of 14 different photographers. That's all it is. A question is asked and answered in much the same fashion as a magazine article of a celebrity. The question is written out, which is then followed by the answer and not all the answers are as in depth as you might like.
   
   It didn't meet my expectations to the point that I'm going to return the book and I got it only an hour ago!



2. This product is a Question and Answer style book where photographer will give there insights, methods, techniques and equipments used in shooting children/baby portrait. Nice book :)



3. If you want to be inspired then you need this book. The photographers stories are great!! It's one that I will read over and over for the Techniques.



4. After reading several books on children photography this last year, THIS is the one that I was most satisfied with.



5. The subtitle of this book is a bit misleading: Techniques and Images from Master Protographers. There are a lot of interesting images in the book, but no discussion of how to achieve the look and feel of those images in your own studio. The book reads like a scripted interview of 15 different working pros on various topics: Their background, their studio, their equipment, whether they shoot digital or film, some useless naritive on lighting, how they book sessions, etc. It makes the text read like an interview of Scott Baio in Teen Beat magazine. (I feel like the interviewer is next going to ask the photographer what their favorite color is). All of the responses are too broad, vague, and undeveloped to be of much value.
   
   There also doesn't seem to be a lot of variety in the type of work the photographers that were selected do. They all see themselves as 'mid to high end' and seem to see themselves as 'fine art' or 'photojournalistic'.
   
   When you get down to it, this book is mostly fluff. If you are looking for posing ideas, lighting ideas, concrete ideas on running or promoting your studio, you won't find them in this book. If you are looking for a general narrative on how children's photographers feel about being a photographer, I guess you might get something out of this book.

1 comments about Conformation (Threshold Picture Guides, No 19).

1. Lots of pictures and drawings to explain even to the youngest child or the most confused adult. The entire series is well done. Recommended.

5 comments about Domicilium Decoratus.

1. This book really is gorgeous. Of course, most of the style and emotion in this book was appropriated from design much earlier in the century, and books on this movement are cheap and plentiful in thrift stores. However, it is really nice to be able to see what life would be like if you were a playboy playmate and married to a real-estate tycoon. I am really not trying to put Kelly down, because her vision is mind-bendingly impeccable. It is truly rare when people with wealth also have taste.



2. As a practicing, professional Interior Designer I have to say I found Domicilium Decoratus inspiring. Being exposed to all types of design, I love it when I am actually left remembering a house...and this one is hard to forget. Although Kelly's style is not my particular taste, the house is full of beautiful color combinations, architectural details, and antiques. I would have to compare this book to looking at a Picasso--you either get it or you don't. If you are looking for a how to book, this is not the book for you. There is no text like in her first book--Your eyes have to do all the work spotting the curious, imaginative details. This is a living art book. If you want to view some images of her home before you buy the book go to her website and Hillcrest estate is under her residential projects.



3. Kelly Wearstler is undoubtedly one of the great interior designers of our time. Her style may be too much for most, and her critics pan her for her ego-centric couture gown wearing, but she has an incredible eye for style. She has managed to create a sophisticated home that is visually arresting, textured and comfortable. No, it may not be toddler safe, as she claims, but who's is?
   Kelly Wearstler appears to live a perfect life, a globally renowned and successful interior design business, a wealthy property developer husband (who happens to throw a few projects her way), two beautiful children and a gorgeous home full of antiques and art that is a wonderful backdrop to her all-round fabulous lifestyle.
   She may not have created the style she has made so popular (see Tony Duquette, David Hicks, Billy Haines or Dorothy Draper), but her almost single-handed revival of a myriad of styles that are as far flung from minimalism as I care to think about has brought a smile to the face of all us maximalists around the world.
   I won't dwell on how disappointed I was to find out she was a playboy playmate in a previous incarnation, but it has not changed my view of her talent.
   Domicilium Decoratus is a beautifully produced book full of gorgeous photos of Kelly, her children and her home. I can't wait to see how her new home turns out!



4. I wish I had have taken notice of the other reviews. I loved Kelly's first book and found it very useful, however this book is entirely over-rated and I'm so pleased I didn't pay full price for it. There is absolutely no text in the book - just pictures from Kelly's house showcasing her furniture and herself and none of them look at all practical for everyday living. Save your money for the many other fantastic books on offer.



5. I'm so glad that I didn't pay full price for this book. The Hillcrest Estate is grand and refreshingly unique; however, I have to laugh at the kid safe reference. As a mom of two young kids, I'm constantly looking for sophisticated kid-friendly decorating. I was thrilled when Kelly, herself,refers to her home as "toddler-safe and visually sophisticated". Huh?!? This home is about as warm and toddler safe as a museum. There are only a few pages dedicated to the kids rooms and only one plastic toy visible. Also, any pool fence?

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 Adobe Camera Raw for Digital Photographers Only (For Only).

1. If like me, you have ever tried taking an adult education class at a local community college to expose yourself to a new topic, you might understand my experience with this book. The author has all the dynamism of a bottle of cold molasses. He is like the ham radio operator who somehow has landed a job teaching Introduction to Broadcasting in the local community college. He may have the passion and the knowledge, but it certainly doesn't come through. This book drags on and on without imparting the information. His style treads the borderline of being pontification. One must endure a full 100 pages of this 350 page book before getting to the meat of the subject and THEN, the author does not provide the images to work along with that first exercise. In fact, for the entire book, he has provided a total of 8 images to download and work with the text.
   
   Especially if you are an aficionado of the writing/teaching style of someone like Deke McClelland, you really need to save your money and look for another book on camera raw. I admit, i got no further with this book than page 125, and i'd sell it on Ebay if only i wouldn't feel guilty for ripping someone off by doing so. I'll donate it to the public library.



2. Without a doubt this has been the greatest photography book that I have ever read; and I have an extensive library of other titles.



3. The subject of Adobe Camera Raw is covered well. There are some typos when talking about the controls in the Basic tab. In ACR version 4.* the Shadows adjustment has been renamed to Blacks. The author makes a point of discussing the change but then proceeds to call the control by it's old name, Shadows instead of Blacks.



4. Rob Sheppard has become one of the most prolific and well-received in the now crowded field of digital imaging authors and educators. Every writer has a style, and Rob's is simple and direct, avoiding hype and always seeking to communicate in the clearest possible manner regardless of the complexity of the topic.
   
   Really learning Adobe Camera Raw is not a simple task. There are many books on the subject varying in style from ponderous and mind-numbingly detailed, to once-over-lightly treatises that are mostly pictures and little substance. This book strikes a fine balance with accurate, colloquial, understandable discussion of the often highly technical details supported by ample illustrations and images to provide a visually appealing lesson that will tend to stick in your personal data bank. If you have no other books on Camera Raw, this would be an excellent one to start with, even if you are a "visual learning" person.
   
   This edition has numerous positive attributes. Its clear, concise, easy-to-read language cuts to the heart of complex issues, keeping them as non-technical as possible. Rob also avoids absolutes, suggesting that his opinion, as informed as it is, may not be the right answer for the reader. He points out there are often several different ways to accomplish a certain goal, and one method may suit an individual photographer better than another. One minor shortcoming is that the description of a task and its paired illustration sometimes wind up on different pages; this doesn't lessen the overall value, but it does make it a little harder to assimilate.
   
   One fine point worth noting is the discussion of sharpening during the Raw conversion. Anyone familiar with Bruce Fraser, PixelGenius, and PhotoKit Sharpener will want to study this section very carefully, for the "new" Camera Raw has incorporated some new sharpening features from this highly regarded plug-in that could make a real difference in achieving your highest quality output.
   
   Conclusion. Highly recommended. If Rob Sheppard writes it, it's bound to be good, and it is. Adobe Camera Raw is a fundamental cornerstone for the highest quality digital image processing for many top photographers, and this book, if studied carefully, will unlock most of Camera Raw's secrets. If you apply what you learn, you'll be able to take your photography to an entirely new level.



5. This book is one of the reasons I have started shooting in RAW format. Another reason? Photoshop Elements and the free Camera RAW plug-in from Adobe.
   
   All in all, the text appears to cover pretty much everything you would really need to know about Camera RAW and how to use it to show your photos at their best.
   
   At times the illustrations don't clearly show the subtle changes that result from applying some of the optional settings, but that probably is more a function of the limitations of photo print reproduction in an affordable book.

5 comments about One Hundred Seashells.

1. I LOVE this book!. It's a large, beautifully photographed coffee table book designed to delight the senses. I bought a second copy and framed six of the photographs for a spectacular wall display. If you love photography, seashells, or just a great coofee table book...this is a winner!!



2. I used this book as my sign in book at our wedding 2 weeks ago and everybody loved it. they loved so much that i have to order another one for a close friend who is opening a new restuarant and wants one for the table in the lounge. The rest. is beach house theme is go so well there. The photograpghs are so beatiful. thank you c.f. from ft.lauderdale



3. This is an absolutely gorgeous book. I learned of its existence at a beach wedding we attended recently where it was used as a Guest Book. People were expected to select a page and sign in on a shell with a big Sharpie pen. Naturally, when we celebrated our 25th Anniversary at the Yacht Club with a beach/shell/nautical theme last week, we used the book in the same way. People loved looking through the impressive photographs and it will be a beautiful memory maker for years to come!



4. I purchased this for my friend who has a condo on the water in Naples and it looks beautiful on her coffee table. Everyone who visits admires it. It's a very beautiful book and the perfect hostess gift. We really enjoy it!



5. Although this book has some compelling and beautiful photographs, they fall short of the high resolution photos we have all become used to. The photos (or perhaps the printing) lacks the clarity and detail that high-res photos (or printing) would have given.

4 comments about Sports Photography: How to Capture Action and Emotion.

1. I am a teacher with a side business in photography. I am my school's official photographer. For my situation, as a semi-professional photographer who is frequently faced with shooting a sport with which I am not intimately familiar, this was an excellent reference. It would also be great for a parent who is into photography and wants to get great shots of their kids' games.
   
   The best part of this book was its detailed discussion of "peak action" - the moment when the One Great Shot happens. It goes sport-by-sport to talk about how to predict and capture peak action - technical camera details, mental aspects, where to stand to get the best shot, and how to get coaches and officials to let you stand there.
   
   The book also included a brief discussion of when to get a release and how to market your photos. Although neither was dealt with in detail, it provided a framework for further research into these two topics.



2. I have a lifelong interest in photography, read and collect in a broad area of subject matter. Although I was always intrigued with sports photography, reading about it escaped me. So out of curiosity, I happened to browse, Sports Photography, How to Capture Action and Emotion, by Peter Skinner. Seldom do I read "how to" books chapter by chapter, page by page. Usually, I jump to the sections that interest me most, or skim to find specific solutions. Skinner's new book was a pleasant surprise, as I found myself unable to put it down until summoned to the dinner table.
   
   Skinner's book is well thought out, comprehensive, and packed with practical advice. The content is aesthetic as well as philosophical. There is a nice balance in each chapter between technical aspects and the broader issues behind demanding sports photography moments. Credit the editors with finding great examples among top-flight professionals, and then discussing the major points of capturing great shots in this far-ranging subject. You will learn what it takes in preparation, planning, precision and passion to create the great sports photos so easily taken for granted.
   
   I highly recommend Peter Skinner's, Sports Photography, How to Capture Action and Emotion to anyone hoping to improve and expand their knowledge and skill.
   
   L. Watters



3. Being an instructor of Photography, I am constantly on the lookout for a book which can help teach my students the "softer art" of picture making. Whether you're a novice nature photographer or a seasoned professional photojournalist, capturing emotion, drama, and a sense of spirit in a photograph, is something every serious photographer strives to achieve in their work. It is this ability that is at the core of a photographer's success, and yet, it is the most difficult aspect to teach. When a master of this craft creates an easy to understand, comprehensive guide, on how to accomplish this, it is worth taking notice! This book, Sports Photography - How to Capture Action and Emotion, by Peter Skinner, is a shining example of a master photographer realizing and sharing this gift with others.
   
   Starting out with a general overview of the concepts behind Sports Photography, Mr. Skinner takes the reader on a quick narrative journey through many past successful images that he and other great photographers have shared with us over the years. The photography in this book, contributed by Mr. Skinner himself, as well as many other top professionals, is absolutely stunning! Although this book concentrates more on composition and capturing "peak" moments, and less on the fundamentals, like exposure, Mr. Skinner did include the advanced "tricks of the trade" all of us should know, like sunny 16 rule, use of a grey card for proper exposure, and other helpful bits of knowledge usually reserved for the more advanced photographer.
   
   It's knowing and applying these subtle tricks that help us all create better images.
   
   I also appreciated the author's emphasis on the use of film cameras and digital point and shoot technology. Not everyone can afford to purchase a new digital SLR system. If all you have is a point and shoot camera, that's great! This book will show you how to get the most out of your equipment, whatever you use - understand the limitations of your equipment and make your weakness your strength. Whatever system you have will work fine, as long as you are out there creating images! Yes, "going digital" does offer a huge leap forward in taking an idea from the mind to the wall, but film cameras (especially used SLRs) do offer a great, and an initially less expensive, way to explore photography and learn about proper exposure, composition, and all the other aspects you'll need to know to be a success.
   
   After a broad look at what it takes to be a successful sports photographer, Mr. Skinner then begins to break down many of the sports we, as aspiring photographers, will likely be covering like football, basketball, and baseball, as well as cycling, hockey, golf, etc.... With each discipline, the author not only explains specific techniques for capturing great shots, but also the individuals you'll need to know and contact in your sport of choice. Knowing the right people and what to say can be essential in creating great images, and setting yourself apart in a competitive field. Mr. Skinner obviously understands this and has done a wonderful job in pointing out the important people to contact in many of our favorite sporting events.
   
   It is this type of experiential knowledge that puts this book on top against other similar photography books.
   
   To most of my students, photography is just a fun hobby. Most of them come to me to learn the fundamentals of exposure and the ideals of "proper" composition. However, to some, the idea of making a living as a photographer is a goal they wish to both explore and achieve. Through this book, Mr. Skinner offers the reader many ideas to help make that a reality. He presents several money making concepts that most motivated individuals can accomplish. You can tell right away, he has the reader's best interests at heart. This book reads less like a "how to" collection, and more like a conversation with someone who has "been there, done that, done it successfully, and genuinely hopes to show you how to be a success as well."
   
   If you are looking to get into photography as a hobby or a career, or are seeking a fresh new way of looking at capturing images, or just desire to create more powerful photographs, this book is definitely for you. Filled with fresh ideas, top notch photography, and a clear easy to follow format, this book should help take your images to the next level. So, go make room for this book on your self now, no photographer should be without it!



4. At one time or another, a serious photographer will be asked to take pictures of a young relative at a sports event, or of some local team. There will also be times when a photographer will attend a major sports event and have the urge to capture the event on film or digital media. The photographer may realize that sports photography may be just different enough from his regular fare to warrant some additional study. This fast-reading book is aimed at filling that gap.
   
   After a general introduction, the book starts out with a consideration of necessary equipment, including a comparison of digital media and film, and then goes on to a brief discussion of light and exposure. Thereafter the book is mostly concerned about the content of sports photographs. The author points out such considerations as selecting the best position, capturing the peak action, and the importance of the direction and speed of the action. There are discussions of the most important aspects of photographing specific sports, like cycling, ice skating and surfing. These discussions are necessarily brief but usually provide good tips for the inexperienced sports photographer. The book also has sections that deal with the emotions of sport, the aesthetics and moods of sport, getting access and working with sports groups, and self assignments. After discussing the possibility of making money photographing sports, there is an examination of the careers of several sports photographers.
   
   All of the pictures in the book, taken by top-flight sports photographers, are excellent, and the writing is simple and clear. Indeed, I suspect it may be too simple for anyone but the neophyte sports photographer. Experienced photographers are more likely to benefit from studying the pictures in the book, but that can be done as easily with a subscription to a magazine like Sports Illustrated.
   
   I thought that there were technical issues relating to sports photography that the book scanted. For example, many sports photographers shoot JPEG's not just because they can quickly be sent to an editor, but because it means that they can shoot a larger number of pictures without pausing. Similarly, while the author advises using fast lenses for reduced depth of field, there is less mention of the fact that sports photographers usually need to shoot at the faster shutter speeds that the larger apertures allow.
   
   Although it's certainly not required, there is no mention of post processing in the book. I was also startled that the author spent substantial space telling readers that it was okay to shoot with film. While I would never discourage a person with a film camera from shooting sports, I would find it very difficult to encourage any one to buy a film camera. I recognize that probably represents my own predisposition, but certainly, no arguments were made for the advantages of film.
   
   For the individual who knows nothing about sports photography, but does understand how to use a camera, this book may prove useful. For those who have already started to take sports pictures this book will be less useful.

5 comments about The Art of Wedding Photography: Professional Techniques with Style.

1. I was disappointed with the book because it was first published in the year 2000 and apparently it hasn't been updated ever since. The book talks a lot about how to abtain your best results using films! It stresses the importance of not worrying about saving films, it advises the photographer to shoot as much as possible - I doubt that is ever a worry for todays's digital shooters. Wanna have an idea about how out-dated that is? Page 116 :" ...In the mid 1990's Bambi made the decision to go proofless(...)To use Montage, send your film to the lab and ask them to put the images on a CD, or scan the negatives into electronic form yourself" - That was one of the "hottest" pieces of advice on the book! The pictures are ok, nothing really impressive - It might work well for a beginner, though!



2. if your looking for a book to help you on your way ,forget this one ! if you dont have hassleblad or other high end equipment' forget this book, if your not already a professional forget this book ,if your using digital media , forget this book, the book however does have some good pointers and suggestions, but if avant garde photography isnt your bag,,, forget this book. i was extremely disappointed in the way it seemed to just address the already established proffessional, and last if your not interested in black white and infrared film usage forget this book!
   maybe if this book was updated it would be better but that is a big maybe



3. You must have this book and read it... you will learn something and giving ideas... I do not mind what camera they used but the measurement of lenses is very important... I searched throught out the web site... my conclusion are most of wedding photographer I counted used 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm and 300mm. My attention is to shot portrait and wedding therefore I bought 50mm and my 85mm is on the way but I could not afford to buy the rest might be the wide lens and zooms
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4. The imagery in this book is of a fairly high quality. The locations and scenes look believeable; nothing over-the-top and extravagent like some books show (by that I mean, obviously created by wedding photographers who shoot only for the wealthy in the best locales). The complete lack of digital is a real weak point to this book. As of the time of this review, I'm told that nearly 95% of wedding photographers shoot digital, especially starting out. Therefore the equipment suggestions, while still somewhat informative, are heavily dated (the primary emphasis on medium format, while compelling, is no longer the most efficient way to get going in the business). The images are all high quality and quite inspiring. It's a decent work, but I'll probably buy a few more wedding photography books before finding the one that does me the most good.



5. The images in this book are very inspiring. Studying the imagery alone is very educational.
   
   A constant student of light and photography, this was my first book on Wedding Photography. After reading it, my wishlist grew to include more lenses, camera bodies and flash units. And my photo-journalistic wedding photography improved (results may vary ;)
   
   This book will have you thinking more about contemporary, artistic and moody images to be captured on the Wedding day. You'll also begin thinking about your services and the value you can offer your clients. This book will have you thinking about adding an assistant to your list of must-haves for every Wedding job--an assistant who understands your vision and goals for the wedding day adds so much to the quality and quantity of images you can take on that day which (hopefully) is a once-in-a-lifetime event for your clients.
   
   This book does not cover so much about Engagement photos, group formals, or the marketing of your services (although these topics are covered briefly).
   
   I also recommend "The Best of Wedding Photography" by Bill Hurter.

5 comments about Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos.

1. I am relatively new to the hobby of astrophotography, however, I've done a lot of research online through astrophoto websites and by joining forums dedicated to the subject. Wanting to increase my knowledge, I bought this book for two reasons: First of all it's a newly published book, so I figured it would have information pertaining to the latest cameras, devices, and software available. Secondly, I read all the 5 star reviews here on Amazon which sealed the deal for me.
   
   I'm sorry I ever bought it. The book felt very disjointed. It felt like every paragraph introduced you to a new topic, but never really explained anything. By the end of the paragraph you would be wanting more, only for the book to go on about something new.
   
   To make things worse, the book is filled with sentences that will leave you scratching your head. Here's a perfect example from page 27. And I quote:
   
   "If your camera does not allow the complete manual setting of the exposure, you may be able to use the camera's exposure compensation. For example, if the automatic mode produces over exposures, you can try a manual correction selecting shorter exposures."
   
   What was that he said?? Ok, maybe he'll explain it clearer in the next paragraph... Not.
   
   On the subject of processing your photos, telling me to open Photoshop and click and drag on the curve to adjust the colors doesn't quite cut it. Can we be a little more specific?? Here's the quote:
   
   "In order to create an impressive nighttime image, the following menu item is more helpful: Image->Adjustments->Curves...
   As shown in the curves dialog box, you can click and drag on the straight line with the mouse to change the shape of the curve. The result (image 3) more closely resembles a nightime shot"
   
   I need a little more why's and how's than this book offers. The majority of the book is pictures, and even the pictures lack the information normally found in photography books. I'm used to seeing photos where the photographer explains the equipment and settings - you won't find any of that here.
   
   If you already have a general knowledge of astrophotography, I would suggest that you pass on this book.



2. 'Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos' is a wonderful guide for any hobbyists that enjoy looking up at the night sky and wishing to record the images they see for prosperity. Like all of the photography genre there is so much more to taking pictures than just pressing a button and aiming, no matter what the subject matter is. When you look up at the sky and all you see for the most part is black with objects in between, there certainly is an art form to this as well, well presented in this book.
   
   Not a long book, content is spread over 150+ pages and 5 chapters. Discussing regular cameras, web cams, computer settings, ISO, balance, etc. all the basics that you would expect to be discussed are done here. Interspersed throughout the text are pictures of the cosmos, beautiful and basic.
   
   If you are an amateur photographer or a newbie that is looking to find out how you can take pictures of the night sky better and more effectively, this is a great resource to have.
   
   Easy to recommend, fun to peruse, a solid addition to any photographers shelf.
   
   ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



3. First off, wow! This book has very good detail introducing any level of photographer to astrophotography. I have been interested to see how people not affiliated with a major college or governmental organization get amazing photos the night time sky. What I appreciate from this title is various methods are described from as small as a web cam to as involved as a camera attached to a telescope. Hardware recommendations and Photoshop enhancements are all spelled out with great examples and easy to understand steps. If you are at all interested in capturing photos of the moon, stars and even impressive galaxy shots better than the average snapshot anyone can take, this book will is the ultimate guide.



4. DIGITAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: A GUIDE TO CAPTURING THE COSMOS covers all the basics of astrophotogaphy, from choosing equipment and obtaining sharp images to taking lovely night shots with a digital camera and tripod setup and using a webcam to get planet images. All levels of astrophotography are covered in a guide perfect for both photography and science libraries at all levels of interest, with color examples throughout supplementing step-by-step directions, tips, and overviews.



5. What astronomer hasn't wished to record the splendor of the night sky to review later? It is natural to want to be able to recall those glorious evenings that are so few and far between, like looking at a family album. Astrophotography is a way to do that but as anyone who has tried it can tell you, that can be daunting.
   
   In Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos, Stefan Seip provides a solid introduction to several digital techniques for recording the visible universe. After a first "Before You Start" chapter describing the basics of resolution, focal length and ratio, Seip breaks the remainder of the book into four main categories of digital astrophotography: the Digital Compact Camera (DCC), the Webcam (WC), the Digital SLR (DLSR), and the dedicated Astronomical Camera (AC).
   
   The ubiquitous Digital Compact Camera is inexpensive and most everyone already has one so getting started takes little or no money. They are self contained so no computer is required to acquire the images. On the downside, they are often not very flexible in use, mounting to a telescope may be difficult, and some simply don't have the needed features such as long exposure. The book provides tips for connecting the camera to the telescope for either through the optical tube assembly for high power imaging or piggy back for low power. The author then covers after the fact image processing with popular software.
   
   The Webcam, introduced first for live images over the Internet, has had an enormous impact on planetary imaging in the last decade. Like the DCC, many people already have one and they are inexpensive if not. Also like the DCC, some webcams are better suited to astrophotography than others. Unlike the DCC, they do require an attached computer and typically they are used for through the telescope imaging only. Seip provides tips for purchasing the webcam and accessories for attaching it to the telescope. He goes into detail on setting up the software, the critical focusing, tips for acquiring the images, and processing with the popular (and free) Registax application.
   
   Next, Seip covers the Digital SLR which has the advantages of the DCC but far fewer of the disadvantages so as a fixed lens and limited functionality. Of course, DSLRs are a big step up price wise from the previous two camera types but that price is coming down. Since DSLRs have removable lens, you can switch focal length very easily and also shoot through the telescope much more easily. They also usually have much larger chips making for larger fields of view and more sophisticated software than their DCC cousins. They do tend to be prone to electronic noise and tend to run through batteries so you need to take measures to overcome both issues.
   
   Finally, Seip discusses dedicated Astronomical Cameras which tend to be more sensitive, cooled to reduce electronic noise, and more dynamic range than any of the previous camera types discussed. Of course, they cannot be used for normal photography and must be controlled by a computer. The author covers the details of these cameras, what accessories you might want, as well as the software you might use to acquire and process your images.
   
   Digital Astrophotography: A Guide to Capturing the Cosmos provides a solid introduction to the art for the beginning astrophotographer. If you follow his tips and techniques you should be soon producing good images of night sky objects. However, if you are not new to the subject you may find the book of limited value.

1 comments about LIFE: Dream Destinations: 100 of the World's Best Vacations.

1. The book is wonderful and what is even more wonderful for me is that I LIVE in one of the dream destinations...beautiful Bucks County PA.