5 comments about Photocraft: Cool Things to Do with the Pictures You Love.

1. Great inspirational book. I have been taking pictures since I bought it. Haven't tried any of the projects in the book, but have came up with my own and now know so much more about things like photo paper, adhesives, etc. I do plan to try a project soon!



2. Many of the projects are pretty advanced, but there are some great ideas, and I always appreciate craft books that have sections on materials and step-by step instructions.



3. This book has some GREAT ideas for using those stored photographs! We've already gone through several boxes and made a really cool lampshade; a collage; and jewelry! The book has creative gift ideas, which will be cherished by the recipient. Fun projects for the whole family!



4. Photocraft features fresh, inventive ways to display your photographs. I was inundated with photo storage boxes and was seeking a creative way to display cherished images when a friend gave me this book. Most of the projects are relatively simple and are accompanied with easy to follow instructions. I needed a quick fix wall treatment in my entranceway and borrowed an idea from page 100: using old CD cases, I created my own rotating photo gallery (FYI: I found that poster tabs keep the light weight plastic in place).
   
   I've found this book to be an invaluable resource for both displaying photos and making personalized gifts.



5. What a wonderful addition to my burgeoning craft-book library! This book is visually engaging and can serve as a creative inspiration to novice crafters and seasoned ones alike. 'Photocraft' engages the imagination while providing practical instruction as to how to manipulate all types of images artisically. A great find!

2 comments about World Press Photo 2008 (World Press Photo).

1. Nice service from amazon. Although I didn't receive my first copy they sent another one.



2. The World Press Photo competition is an annual event, drawing entries from the world's leading photojournalists. And it's FREE to enter!! The judges have tens of thousands of images to choose from and the process for doing so has been refined and improved over the years. The result is an annual publication that features much of the top photojournalism content from the previous year. This is an essential purchase for anyone with a serious interest in world affairs, journalism, and/or photojournalism.

5 comments about Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks.

1. I didn't think that Memory Makers would be able to top the original book, "Memory Makers Creative Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks", but they did with this book! Instead of presenting the first book with some slight modifications, Memory Makers generated all new cropping ideas and examples. Both of these books will be of value to anyone who scrapbooks. I guarantee that this is not the same old scrapbook publication.



2. So many wonderful and useful cropping ideas. I've tried them and my scrapbook pages are too good to be true. These unusual crops truly made my pages a work of art.



3. What an awesome book for a remarkably awesome price



4. This is a book provides new ideas for cropping to enhance your scrapbooks. The page descriptions are clear and easy to understand. This is a good book for the intermediate scrapbooker.



5. As always with these kinds of books - another great read and guide for scrapbookers!

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

1. I agree that this book is getting long in the tooth. Its completely film based and frankly its not that informative. You've got a lot of nice, if dated, pictures and a few cute comments next to each picture. Comments such as, "Don't worry about how much film you're using. You're goal is to capture the excitement, sensitivity, and passion of the ceremony"(p56). That's about as good as it gets unless your looking for some info on the film types that she likes; or you want to hear for the twentieth time how much she likes her Hasselblad fisheye. I also own wedding books by Bell and Johnson which I feel are much better whether you're a novice or have some experience.



2. 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!



3. 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



4. 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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5. 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.

No comments about Better Available Light Digital Photography, Second Edition: How to Make the Most of Your Night and Low-Light Shots.

No comments about Digital Desire.

5 comments about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Script Series).

1. "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!/Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd... Desires compos'd, affections ever ev'n,/Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to Heav'n." The original Alexander Pope poem suits the movie whose title it inspired, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," a unique, surreal film about memories, love and sorrow.
   
   "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" deals with timid, conservative Joel, who bumps into ex-girlfriend Clementine at a store -- and finds she doesn't remember him. He finds a notice in his mail that she has had him erased from her memories, and angrily decides to have the same done. But during the procedure, Joel revisits the good times they had together, and finds that he doesn't want to lose his memories with Clementine.
   
   This movie, by Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman, was one of the best of 2004, and one that isn't quickly forgotten. The screenplay is an excellent accompaniment; if there is a line or an image that didn't seem to make sense, it might make more sense here. "Eternal Sunshine" fans will also like the scenes that never made it to the final cut, and one scene got shuffled around.
   
   Additionally, there is an interview at the end with Kaufman. In it, he describes his writing background, his collaborations with Gondry, clashes with Ben Affleck's horrific "Paycheck," memory, and that wonderful "Velveteen Rabbit" scene. Although, it could have used more of Kaufman's thoughts on the final product and the actors.
   
   The stumbling blocks? Don't try reading the screenplay BEFORE seeing the movie, or you will be hopelessly lost. The script cuts wildly from the past, the present, inside and outside the characters' heads. It works wonderfully on the screen, but on paper it's hard to visualize just by the words alone. That, and this richly visual film is only represented by some murky black-and-white photos.
   
   "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is a wonderful script, which spawned a wonderful film. And for fans of that film, this is an excellent accompaniment and resource.



2. This is a truly beautiful movie. I seriously think it is one of Jim Carey's best films. The cinematography is provocative and intelligent. The acting is flawless. And the plot is a well devised mesh of fantastical conception and blatant realism mixed with subtle humor. It should have one an award. It was certaintly better than Million Dollar Baby.



3. This was a movie I didn't expect to like. I hadn't heard that much about it and wasn't all that enthusiastic about seeing another Jim Carey movie. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised.
   
   First of all, this movie is truly original. That's rare these days. It revolves around the premise that you can erase someone from your memories. In this case, the "someone" to be erased is Kate Winslet's character of Clementine. She is wacky and artsy, and plays against Carey's straightlaced character Joel perfectly. I had just seen an interview with Winslet before this movie and was amazed at her accurate American accent. Very well done.
   
   And Carey is brilliant. His toned down, not over the top portrayal of Joel was delightful and wonderful. This is the first time I actually thought of Carey as a very good actor. Both Carey and Winslet deserve an Oscar for this film.
   
   In addition, the film is beautifully shot as well. This could have been a very goofy movie, with a premise that was hard to actually get into and believe, but this film worked perfectly on all accounts: writing, cinematography, acting. I would recommend this film to anyone that wants to see a thoroughly enjoyable, funny, sweet, interesting, wonderful film that is unlike any you've seen before.
   
   From the author of The Difference Now, A New Dish, and At the Coffee Shop. (www.thedifferencenow.com).



4. this is a brilliant affecting screenplay..like much of kaufman's work it combines inventivness and originality with the creation of well drawn poignant complex characters trying to make sense of and live as best they can in this world we live in. amidst all the craziness and surreal aspects of his work there's a real humanism that shines through...i once read in an interview charlie did that he consider's himself primarily a book person not a film person..i loved that...the world needs more screenwriters who look at themselves as primarily book people particularly when they can team up with such visual artists as michel gondry or spike jonz..no wonder these collaboratons produce such great films..these artists perfectley complement each other..nonetheless this screenplay stands on it's own as a work of art..



5. A Hollywood film script book from Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (whose previous credits include "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation"), for the very highly acclaimed film "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind", this provides the reader with a 165-page shooting script in book form and will prove to be a welcome addition to the growing library of Hollywood film scripts and "must" reading for aspiring film students. Enhanced with a Q&A with Kaufman, black/white movie stills with commentary, and complete cast and crew credits, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind will also prove of great interest to the legions of Jim Carrey fans who enjoyed his performance as Joel, a young man who wants to have the painful memories of his girlfriend Clementine (played by Kate Winslet) erased from his mind.

5 comments about Ghostly Ruins: America's Forgotten Architecture.

1. Beautiful, haunting black and white photographs, I just love this book, I could not put it down. A book you will look at and read over and over again. Imagine my surprise to see the West Baden Springs Hotel listed! It is 2 miles from my home. Mr. Skrdla, you should see it now!! It is amazing!



2. Who could not fall for the enthusiasm of Mr. Skrdla? He expertly details the rise and fall of these remarkable ruins, from design to construction to abandonment. He casts a wry eye on how greed often contribute to these ruins' demise. The photographs are very good, particularly when he pairs before-and-after views. Highly recommended for any student of architectural photography, urban affairs, wealth, and just about anything American.
   
   Mr. Skrdla, we need a sequel!



3. This book is full of interesting places which we all wish we could visit. The photograhy in this book is classic black and white. With the perfect amount of information not to make it boring. I love this book.



4. Author Skrdla presents his unique vision of the world of abandoned buildings across the USA. Lavishly illustrated in compelling black and white images, the book opens your eyes to the beauty and sadness of the deserted cast-offs of our "throw-away" age.
   
   The book is organized in a series of types of building, from residential to industrial. Skrdla has an ironic and tight writing style which clearly expresses his love for these often dramatic examples of man's ego and confidence. He also makes the reader take stock of the increasingly homogenized, sterile, and industrially functional buildings our society is willing to accept. He makes the stong point that we are losing the pride in civic architecture which is the foundation of lasting meaning and beauty.



5. A very impressive photo documentary of buildings and places that have been left to uncertainty, the elements, or destroyed. The brief histories given for each place makes for some interesting reading. The photographs are magnificent, I wish I could step into them and see all the photographer saw at the time the places were photographed. It is sad to think some of these places will be left alone to fall apart or destroyed. This book really brings to mind how precious and unique these places are.

5 comments about Successful Glamour Photography.

1. I have purchased many exellent photo books through Amazon.
   
   But this book is purely trash. The pictures are the kind you will find in german/english
   page 3 newspapers.
   
   Alle the pics are early 80's (book first published 1988), and this is clearly a poor
   reprint, without much added in 2005.
   
   If you like page 3 girls, ok. But if you are serious about glamour photography, stay away.



2. Great information but at the price of some really bad images really keep this book from being a definitive source.



3. This book would have been a nice try about 25 years ago. Now it is outdated and oldfashioned. The genre has developed rapidly, and the 'glamour' of the 80's is not so glamorous any more. The pictures look aged, and, then, we have the digital world nowadays - just an information for the writer ;)



4. First, the look inside on this website is not what is in this book,
   but of another edition. The photos are so simplistic and boring.
   .........................................................
   ..... Glamour?.. Def. of Glamour: An air of compelling charm, romance, and excitement, especially when delusively alluring. ........ This book has 95% nude women, many with their legs spread open, or breasts and crotch as the focul point. Photos a
   15 year old boy would take and like or for men who see only this aspect of women.
   
   The photos are of poor quality--primarily nude women done like simple snapshots of your wife with an adequate camera. If the women were clothed you would not think much of these photos. Not artistic or glamourous at all. The technical information is weak. A bunch of photos of breasts, butts and open crotch shots.



5. My main fascination with photography recently has been lighting, so before reading this book I decided to read "Lighting for Glamour Photography". I almost wish I had read this one first since it covers glamour lighting in great detail, plus a whole lot of other stuff.

   I just finished reading it today, so it's still sinking in, but if you plan on taking beautiful pictures of women and taking it seriously, you pretty much have to read this book. It's a career's worth of experience in an easy to read book.

   I've got to say though that some of the 80's style pictures are pretty laughable, especially the 80's sunglasses! Ironically, the author mentions how ludicrous things like sunglasses look when they go out of style!

4 comments about The Most Beautiful Villages of New England (Most Beautiful Villages).

1. I took this coffee-table photo book out of the library once I realized that one of the featured "most beautiful villages" in New England was Stonington, Maine -- where I lived for nearly seven years. I wanted to see what they chose to show about the Deer Isle area because hey, *I* knew what made the area so gorgeous. If they could capture Stonington, perhaps they could also bring to life the beauty of the other villages covered -- from Essex, CT to Grafton, VT to Nantucket, MA.
   
   To my disappointment, though, the photographers chose rather humdrum locations to highlight. Nothing here is _bad_, mind you. The photos are perfectly nice. There's plenty of predictable photos of clapboard buildings and small town churches and autumn leaves. But it's the predictability that makes this worth flipping through once... and only once. It's as though you had purchased large-format postcards from the ordinary gift shoppe -- not captured something unique and beautiful.
   
   I'm a little astonished that this book has so many pictures of the (admittedly beautiful) autumn leaves in New England (that is, they're beautiful if they don't make you think "Oh geez we'd better top off the heating oil"). But not a single picture of the mountain lupine blooming in the spring that, in my opinion, is far prettier. You'll see several inoffensive photos of boats tied up at the dock at sunset... but almost nothing that reflects the sense of community that can make small-town living so precious.
   
   I'd hoped that this book would bring back a tiny bit of my years on Deer Isle. Alas... I'll have to dig out my own photos for that.



2. I love books that have high quality photography, this is a magnificent book on new england towns.



3. I'm a big fan of quality photography. This is a great book with terrific pictures of new england, and all the good reasons to move here.



4. Wonderful photagraphs and great images of beautiful New England! Reminiscent of my childhood, and old fashioned villages of yesterday. A must for the coffee table!