5 comments about Group Portrait Photography Handbook.

1. After reading this book, I realized it's not the high power camera that makes a great photo; it's the person behind the camera.
   Learning the art of photography takes time and this book is a start.
   
   DEz5 - Photography, Video and Audio engineer.



2. Many of the challenges in photographing group portraiture versus individual portraiture are identified and addressed. There is much useful information and detail for any photographer of any skill level. Among the attributes this book offers is a nice format that covers technical aspects, posing and composition, building groups and big groups as well as indoor and outdoor lighting. Although mainly focused on film as the photographer's medium, the techniques can easily be applied to the digital age of photography. Overall, a very well written book on a subject that could use the literature makes this a good investment.



3. Group Portrait Photography Handbook
   
   As an intermediate photographer but a beginner in portrait photography this book was a HUGE resource for me as I was asked to take a group portrait recently.
   
   I had no idea what to do and this book was very helpful. It taught me about group shape, DOV, positioning and so much more. I read trhu it the first time very quickly as I got this book the day before I had to take the group photo! So I am looking forward to another reading of it.
   
   My only complaint was I'd like to have seen more examples. A diagram showing placement for the photo examples would have been great.
   
   If you ever have to (or want to) do any family or group photography then this book is for you.



4. This book did not live up to my expectations. The reader might reasonably expect a handbook to be just that: a treatise that explicates the method used to achieve the examples shown. This would translate to the listing of f stop, shutter speed, lighting arrangement, etc. for the photographic illustration chosen. Unfortunately this information was missing in most of the photos shown in Group Portrait Photography. Although there is some information that the reader can employ when photographing groups, I believe that other books on portrait lighting offer more usable material than was found in Group Portrait Photography. In fact, additional books I own by Mr. Hurter seem superior to this one.



5. If you ever have to shoot a group portrait, this book is a must; unless, you are a pro at it. Lots of examples and tips in crafting pleasing group portraits.

5 comments about The California Coast: The Most Spectacular Sights & Destinations.

1. This is a book we repeatedly buy, since we give this to our house guests as a keepsake of their trip to the Bay area. Since it also mentions the town we live in - Half Moon Bay - it is especially meaningful. Wonderful pictures!



2. I bought this booking thinking it would be a good guide to the hidden gems on the West Coast but found that it was more a coffee table book or souvenir book. If you are looking for something with detailed information on the coastal drive, e.g., highlights, directions, tips, etc. this isn't it. If you want a nice momento of the California Coast, then it's a beautiful book.



3. What an excellently written book. If a picture is worth a thousand words, the authors words are worth a thousand (mental) pictures. But there are very nice photo's as well. Covers nature, towns, and cities with the type of information a tourist or native would appreciate. And if you can't actually do such a trip, you definitely can from your armchair while reading this book. A real pleasure.



4. Stunning photographs!! A beautiful book! Text is most interesting & informative too. Well written. You wish you could jump into the page & pictures themselves. I once lived in California - wish I had this book - years ago! SM Pierrot Olney, MD



5. One of my favorite things to do is to travel down sections of the California coast. I do this whenever I can, and usually have an opportunity to revisit a favorite site at least once a year. One of the high points of being a teenager in California was taking a driving trip with my mother and sister where we covered almost the entire coast.

   I was very impressed by this book. If you think you are interested in taking a trip to the California coast, I think this book is essential!

   First, I couldn't find any sight that I have enjoyed visiting that was not included. For example, I have spent a lot of time near Laguna in Southern California in recent years. I found every activity that I enjoy doing in Laguna captured in the book, down the art galleries and museum I like to visit there.

   Second, most books of photography cause you to have great envy for the skill of the photographer, with no idea how to take your own images. I was delighted when the book opened with a brief photographic note that explained what equipment was used for the photographs. It's all equipment that I can access and manage, which is also nice. The images of sunsets over the ocean are the best!

   Third, the book brings in the environmental issues of defending the coastline from California's enormous population and heavy tourism industry. You will read about how development and wildlife are both being protected and brought together in complementary ways. Ms. Misuraca's text makes no bones about the smog and congestion near Los Angeles, and the photographs make those problems visually appalling.

   Fourth, the writing is way above what I've come to expect for travel-related books. I thought that Jean-Michel Cousteau's Foreword was especially eloquent. "California is a fabled land . . . . From small, Hispanic-influenced farming towns to the cosmopolitan bustle of San Francisco and Los Angeles, it is host to a blend of cultures not seen since the days of ancient Rome."

   Fifth, there's a balance in the subject matter that I found helpful. Many areas of California offer seasonal festivals related to fishing, harvesting or simply cultural history. Anyone who loves California enjoys visit those festivals. The book is quite complete in telling you about those activities. At the same time, you get ideas of where the architecture, hiking, photography, swimming, surfing, and nature observing are good.

   This is probably the only book about California's coast that I have seen that both residents and potential visitors will treasure equally.

   After you have finished enjoying this remarkable book, I hope you will plan to visit some of California's lesser known but remarkable locales. I particularly recommend the section of Route 1 that goes south from Carmel through Big Sur, the Lost Coast, Fort Ross, Muir Woods, Point Reyes, Drake's Bay, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve, Morro Bay, Catalina, and Torrey Pines.

5 comments about The Best Dog in the World: Vintage Portraits of Children and Their Dogs.

1. I am so happy that I purchased this book! As a mother of 4 young children (and one 12 year old golden retriever!) I was very excited to read it! The pictures are beautiful and the writing is phenominal. It captures the timeless love that children give to the world and their dogs. Our family will treasure this book forever!



2. I received this book as a gift from a fellow dog lover and have been pouring over it ever since. This is the kind of book that I keep out on my coffee table and browse through it over a cup of tea. i love all of authentic photos and appreciate how much the author has put into researching the content. This book is not only about the bond between humans and their dogs but also about life at the turn of the century. "The Best Dog in the World" is not only beautifully done, but it's interesting, informative, and just fun to look at! This would be a simple, timeless gift for any dog lover or someone who loves all things vintage.



3. Of course we all believe that we have the single best dog in the world, but as the images in this wonderful book show, there have been and will always be children (and adults) who believe that their dog is truly the best. You can't help but get drawn into the lives of the children who are photographed a century and a half ago in beautiful sepia images with their beloved pet. Though I do not consider myself a true "dog person" I have the deepest affection for the dog I spent my childhood with and indeed was photographed with her in much the same fashion, although in color. This book brought back those memories of childhood and having a true best four-legged friend rushing back to me. I picked up off of the shelf and could not put it down.



4. What a great little book. I loved the photography and the history. Wonderful book for dog lovers and history lovers.



5. Ms. Long's daughter is in my class and so I got the oppurtunity to look at the book at length. The photographs are smile-inducing and original. Who can resist photographs of children with their dogs? But before you think its all about cute overload, let me say that the most interesting aspect of the book is actually the well researched text. It goes into the delination of breeds and their uses without being overly verbose or scientific. A lot of the photographs have inscriptions on the back and those long forgotten letters are included. This is the true selling point of the book because it give you insight into the lives of these people and the their lives with their loved ones (both human and animal). A worthy buy for not only dog lovers but lovers of social history.

5 comments about Digital Sports Photography : Take Winning Shots Every Time.

1. Don't buy this book.
   I did and am VERY disappointed. The photos are very uninspiring in general, and very little useful knowledge.
   
   Instead get "Sport and Action". A much better book.



2. This excellent book very clearly targets "enthusiast," part-time, and semi-pro photographers taking photos of sports. It's clearly not intended or marketed for the pro, who will know most of what's here, or for the beginner, for whom there's more information than they need. But, for the weekend warrior sports photographer, parent, or person intent on learning and practicing digital photography using sports as subject matter, it's perfect.
   
   The best things about this book are that it is a) filled with sports info from a wide variety of sports photographers each specialized in their own area; b) it is very readable and conversational; and c) written by a photographer who knowledgeably shares his experiences and techniques and doesn't talk-down to readers.
   
   I got a lot out of the general sections of this book, and from the sports-specific sections that interest me and relate to what I shoot (mostly bicycling). It made some photography concepts really clear in a way that I had not found in other books I've read on photography.
   
   It was an enjoyable and informative read and continues to be a valuable reference for me.



3. If you're brand new to shooting sports or photography in general, then this isn't a bad book. It covers alot of the basics acrss different sports that if you'r not familar is a decent introduction. However, if you've ever been on a sideline shooting as I have for the last few years - you'll learn very little new that will make you're pictures better. I learned more in a 20 minute conversation with a real sports journalist than I did reading the book. My recommendation is to rent this one from the library or buy it used if you have to have it. My copy is now for sale on ebay.



4. 20pp on what a great int'l fencing photographer he is, followed by fluff, then a rehash of some digital darkroom basics. Absolutely a disappointment; publisher's marketing group pulled one on us with this title.
   
   (BTW, great work in the photos; sounds like a good guy)



5. I am a semi-pro photographer and found this book to be very helpful in my growing career. I shoot tennis, soccer, and football primarily, as well as some alternative indoor sports like martial arts, and the techniques presented significantly improved the results of my images.
   
   I especially liked how the author used multiple pro sports photographers -- each specialized in the different sports -- to share their techniques and approaches, yet he maintained a consistent discussion and methodology throughout the book. It really helped that there was so much pro talent talking about how they shoot each sport -- all the other sports books I have seen have been one photographer writing about how to shoot every sport. This book was way more honest and realistic.
   
   Great book!

5 comments about Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills.

1. 
   Cindy Sherman has been called the most important female photographer of the 20th century. You'd never know it if you should happen to run into her on her bicycle in New York. If you've seen her recently, you might have found her riding around with an avid bicyclist and gray haired fellow who used to be in a band....can't remember "the name of this band".
   
   Both Sherman and her beau, David something or another, have been at the forefront of the post or modern avant garde movement. What's striking about Sherman aside from the fact she looks at least a decade younger than she is, is how she blends in, and looks much like a "regular" handsome thirty or forty something (as opposed to my, at least, definition of a "performance artist").
   
   The series of photos in this book are from her early days. In them, I guees she's portraying all the different characters who live in her mind. The range of personas she embodies is bewildering. If you didn't know it was her, you'd think they were photos of a series of different women, and if you didn't know they were staged, or that she's an artist, you'd think they were actresses from a bunch of different 60s movies. The photos are alternately mysterious, profoundly strange and beautiful, always emotionless, and at times hints at hidden eroticism.
   
   She's been riding bikes and opening a more complete retrospective of her work in Europe this spring and early summer, a 300+ page book of which was published in March.
   
   This book is a great introduction to Cindy Sherman. If you like it, go see her show, and buy the new book.



2. At first glance, you might see ordinary, banal photos that resemble out takes from studio stills. Look deeper and you will see works of genius that expose a new way of seeing and exploring the inner self that have been highly influential in the art world. This book has the images that started it all for Cindy Sherman and for that reason, you should start with this book if you want to learn about this artist.
   
   Who will like this book? I think just about anyone with an interest in art or photography would consider this a "must have" book for their personal library. Nothing in this book would embarrass you if you gave it as a gift; it is edgy, but not to the point of weirdness. I just gave a copy to my 10-year-old daughter for inspiration and she really enjoyed it (though probably not at the level of an adult). If you are willing to look, this book will reward you.
   
   Like any great artist, she makes it look easy. Her singular vision is apparent in the location selection, "set" design, makeup and costuming. If you have ever tried to do this yourself, you will respect what she has accomplished. The end result is that Ms. Sherman reveals what she wants us to believe are her innermost thoughts and emotions. Like great cinema, these photos achieve true suspension of disbelief and challenge the viewer's own framework of emotional identity. In the end, we believe.
   
   Arguably, these are the best work ever done by Ms. Sherman. One complaint about her newer work is that it seems to continue to retread the same themes and variations. Sure, her newest works are bigger and colorful in keeping with the latest trends in photography -- personally, my favorites are the images in this book. There is a freshness I don't find in her later work. But this human story, like her imagery, will always continue to be explored by artists as long as there are humans to explore.



3. This book along with the "Centerfolds" hardcover exhibition book provide the essential Cindy Sherman images. The film stills presented here are all in black and white, and her next project "Centerfolds" were all in color. Taken together you get the complete picture on Cindy Sherman.



4. This is a GREAT book. The pages are large and sturdy and show off her artwork well. A huge plus is the introduction written by Sherman...it gives you an inside look at some of the stories behind and the inspirations to some of the photographs. The book features a variety of her work through time. It is arranged very well.



5. great book and great artist. not sure what the person who wrote negative review was comparing it to, but she/he is a freak show who has way too much time on her/his hands. obviously bitter about something...possibly crazy?

3 comments about Hamptons Havens: The Best of Hamptons Cottages and Gardens (Hamptons Cottages & Gardens).

1. A lovely book with interesting stories but I was after beach gardens and there are very few. The title is misleading as it is from the magazine by this name.



2. This is a beautiful book which is as entertaining to read as it is to gaze at the pictures! I would have appreciated it more had all the houses featured been in a similar style to the one on the cover. There is quite a large spectrum of different designs. I wished they had presented more photographs of each individual home, but overall there is plenty to feast your eyes on.



3. The book was purchased for an anniversary gift for my daughter who resides on one of the Hamptons. She liked the book and even was familiar with the owner of the garden on the cover.

5 comments about China.

1. A beautiful book disfigured by Amazon's packaging. The tight plastic shrink-wrap bent the corners of the book, greatly reducing its value as a part of my collection. This isn't the first time that a photo-book from Amazon has arrived already marred. It's a shame.



2. As a record of this time in the world's history ... the dismantling of local industry around the world in tacit acquiescence of China's future dominance ... I can't think of a more significant body of work in the medium. The images herein are truly breathtaking for their scale. Burtynsky has a privileged view and uses crisp large-format photography to lend authority to his vision. The monumental is not without a humanizing touch as can be seen best in his beautiful ship-building images. This is a wonderful book with images that one can marvel at for their execution whilst viewing with trepidation for their portent. The printing and presentation complements the images.



3. Large format, interesting photographs of China. I was worried his work might not translate in a book, but if you like his work, not to worry about that.



4. I realy like Edward Burtysky as a photographer and this book shows sokme really nice photo's. But for some reason some of his photo's took me by surprise as I saw them in a completely different lightfrom other photos of which he took. it's a bit hard to explain but it almost seems like two different photographers were sharing this wonderful, 147 pages, Hardcover book.



5. Nice and wonderful.
   If you like large format details
   this is to see
   
   BUT I'm very angry because the package by amazon wasn't efficently prepared to the reality of post office.

4 comments about Yesterday: The Beatles Once Upon a Time.

1. If you are a Beatles keenie and would enjoy seeing previously unpublished photos of the boys, this book is for you. It's a unique, bittersweet collection showing the joy and innocence which characterized the group's very early days together. A wonderful bonus is Astrid's introduction which provides information about these early days that was news even to this life-long Beatles fanatic!



2. My wife loved it and it made an a great addition to her Beatles collection.



3. To correct the previous review it should be noted that Astrid Kirchherr did NOT take the photograph which appears on the cover of Meet The Beatles. The photograph, which also appears as the cover of the band's second British release "With The Beatles" was taken by Robert Freeman. Astrid did however take some of the classic photos of the band as young, leather clad rockers in Hamburg. Those photos are not only classically artistic in their own right they are often considered to be the basic blueprint for much future rock and roll photography. Ultimately, Astrid Kirchherr did play a significant part in the early evolution of the Beatles. Like the previous reviewer I have not yet read the book so I do not feel qualified to rate it any higher than average at this time. However, as an avid Beatles fan I feel confident that any first hand account of their early days related by someone so close to the group during that early formative period should be interesting and informative reading.



4. have not read book but Astrid was their female babe friend in Hamburg. She was dating Klause Voorman, Artist on "Revolver" and Manfred Mann Bass player. Astrid and Stu Sutcliffe were in love with each other. Stu was the real 5th Beatle, friend of John and incompetent bass player for the Beatles before he died. Astrid took several famous pictures of the Beatles in Germany. She created A. the Beatles Haircut and B. the stylistic photo of the Beatles in half light and half dark as used on Meet the Beatles album cover and the British "With the Beatles" album cover. I will buy the book and read her perspective since she has a strong and unique postion in the early Beatles legacy.
   
   Kevin Johnson
   Houston, Texas

5 comments about Jonas Bendiksen: Satellites.

1. I bought satellites on a whim, as I had seen some of Jonas Bendiksen's work and been impressed. After viewing this book time and time again, he is now one of my favourite photographers. The use of colour and the interesting compositions are awesome. Very highly recommended.



2. As the title for this review states, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The quality of photography is outstanding and the black border presentation is quite effective. I also found the commentary illuminating, albeit a bit on the short side. But I must say that the subject matter is just fascinating. I have always been fascinated by the USSR/former USSR and Bendiksen's photographs do an outstanding job of conveying the quality of life that exists in those countries. That region has undergone some huge and traumatic changes in a very short period of time and this book captures the raw essence of those changes.



3. This book gives a very illustrated insight into the fringe of the former USSR. Extremely interesting to read and the photographs are amazing, very atmospheric.
   The images of the crash zone for the Russian space program are my favorite, they're like weird movie-sets.
   
   Michiel



4. I've never written an Amazon review, but after finding this book, I want to say how much I loved it! Jonas Bendiksen takes a remarkable concept: the former Soviet Republics as "orbiting satellites held together by the gravity of Moscow" and through his photographs exposes the complexities of obscure regions in which he spent years traveling. It is beautifully documented with a lyrical eye. It is also a book that deserves many visits because the images evoke layers of emotions. The photographer is obviously passionate about revealing a collective truth that lies among the ruins of the former Soviet Union.



5. Everithing makes you think you'll find a lot of photographs of satellites inside this book: the title, the cover and the description... but there are only 3 nice photos at all.

No comments about Hot Rod Pin-Ups II: Gearhead Girls and Dragstrip Dolls.