5 comments about Travel Photography: A Guide to Taking Better Pictures (How to).

1. There seems to be a lot of good info in here but its not easy to get to. A lot of the book is still dedicated to 35mm film photography and it's format is not very easy to use. I would have preferred a book with ring binding or something and maybe heavier construction for field use.



2. In case you look for a very basic list of basic things related to photography, this book is probably useless for you. It has a lot of content related to non-digital cameras, which probably is irrelevant to most readers today. And it is very superficial. I only take away a few tips on low light photography, but that is not worth the price of the book.



3. This is a good book to have as reference. I bought Lonely Planets Travel Photography and they are almost the same. This book is thicker and cover other topic the other does not. Its nice to have though.



4. Richard I'Anson has been a professional travel photograph for two decades now and has become a familiar face in the Lonely Planet series through his collaborations with Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet: Chasing Rickshaws and Rice Trails: A Journey Through The Ricelands Of Asia & Australia (Lonely Planet Pictorials). His book LONELY PLANET TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY first appeared at the turn of the millennium, and this second edition followed in 2004.
   
   I'Anson's book covers all the basics of photography, such as choice of lenses and film, setting of such variables as shutter speed and aperature, and when to use a tripod and when not. The book's points are illustrated with dozens of I'Anson's own photographs, mainly from the Indian subcontinent, and the instruction is coloured by his own tastes, such as using natural light as often as possible and avoiding flash. The book succeeds as a general introduction to photography, and I think that my photos are at least slightly better now than before I purchased the book.
   
   However, I'Anson's advice is extremely simplistic, as other reviewers have pointed out. There's little here that's specifically about travel photography, and so any other introduction to photography would cover the same group, perhaps even more economically. In fact, on one of the last pages I'Anson gives a list of URLs to websites with publicly available guidance, which turn out to be even more in-depth than LONELY PLANET TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY.
   
   The book's production is also unideal. It's annoyingly typeset completely in sans serif. That makes it hard on the eyes, and only in a roundabout way did I discover that the author's surname is I'Anson (with i) instead of l'Anson as one might assume. The book is also printed entirely on plates, which is a necessary evil of a book aiming to display full-quality photographs, but which means that the book will add significant weight to your pack.
   
   Advance hype was that the second edition of the book would include the world of digital photography. Unfortunately, digital very much seems an afterthought here. The advice is meagre, simplistic ("make sure you insert your digital camera card properly"), and generally in those spheres of digital that would go out of date most quickly and did. The manual that came with your digital camera probably gives better advice on taking good photos that I'Anson does, especially when so much of the text is taken verbatim from camera manufacturers.
   
   All in all, I would recommend LONELY PLANET TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY only for those travelers who are going to spend a long time on the road and unconnected, who need all the info packed into one single volume. However, you're going to get through the material very quickly, and wonder why you got such a pricey and heavy book for so very little benefit.



5. The text of the book looks like it's printed in font size 7 or smaller, and some of the text is printed in a light shade of grey, which make reading doubly hard. What's particularly annoying is that some captions are printed at a 90 degree angle to the rest of the text, and printed in the margins of the book to boot. The text is also printed too near the book binding, so you have to really force open the book, and in the process, break its spine, in order to read the text on the inside. What, is the publisher trying to scrimp on paper?
   
   For a book on photography, the examples of photos shown in the book are nothing to shout about, and the pictures are also miserably small, which make it even harder to appreciate the already-mediocre pictures.
   
   While the techniques explained in the book are clear and easily understood, they only skims the surface of photography, and may be at a level suitable only for beginners. Those wishing to hone their skills beyond beginners' level may be better off getting Bryan Peterson's series of excellent photography books on exposure, protraiture and seeing creatively.
   
   For the type of information found in the book, it is not worth wading through the unreadable text and layout.

3 comments about The Book of Photography.

1. Stop!
   Are you looking for a book that can inprove your photos?
   This is THE book!
   I read more than 20 books and this is the best, for beginners and advanced photographers. It is a book for study over years! Or for a quick use!!!
   You can see some os my photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oscarburd/sets/1524858/ .
   Enjoy the book and the photos!



2. I've never had a John Hedgecoe book that I didn't love and the same holds true for the new edition of "The Book of Photography".
   
   John Hedgecoe has been writing books on photography for decades and doing a great job of it. He began with what I like to refer to as his mentorship books in 1976 with the now classic "The Book of Photography". This new edition of that classic is no exception -- it continues to serve as a guiding light for those who want to learn the art of photography.
   
   While "The Book of Photography" is not an encyclopedia of photography, it is an indispensable, superbly written, reference book for the beginner and more advanced amateur photographer - even professionals could learn a thing or two. The book is profusely and beautifully illustrated with color and black and white photographs, schematics, and advice that guide the would-be photographer through the fundamentals and more complex techniques used in photography.
   
   Apart from Hedgecoe's beautiful photographs, he covers the very basics of photography and photographic equipment, including the various types of cameras from film to digital cameras, film types, lenses and filters, optical principles, depth of field, camera formats, flash, indoor/outdoor lighting, and much more. Hedgecoe then follows this up with what I consider the most important aspect of photography -- developing the creative mind and eye. Hedgecoe helps the reader to understand and work with composition, color, lighting, and the subject - seeing a picture where others see nothing - this is the essence of creative photography. Then he goes on to various specialties in photography, such as, portraiture, still life, landscape, nature and so on. This edition also covers digital photography and the equipment needed to take advantage of and enjoy this relatively new form of photography; he also covers the differences between film and digital photography -- the pros and cons. Hedgecoe also writes about the use of special effects to enhance photos, effects using the camera, accessories, the darkroom, and the computer screen.
   
   What John Hedgecoe does in this book is to provide detailed explanations with examples that allow the shutterbug to take full advantage of his or her camera and equipment and to take the picture-taking experience to a whole new level while having fun. His writing is clear and practical; readers who follow his straightforward suggestions will have very little difficulty in creating eye-catching, stunning photographs.
   
   Readers will not go wrong buying "The Book of Photography". It will serve its owner well; it is an excellent choice for the beginner and makes a great refresher and reference book for the advanced photographer. If the format were smaller, it would be in my camera bag.



3. I decided I wanted to get more in depth with photography and sought after a good guide to help me get started. I did not want something too basic to begin as I knew I would just get bored. Also didn't want anything too advanced as to just confuse and frustrate me. This book is a perfect example of a photographers guide. He doesn't just talk about techniques and show examples. He actually has all the details involved. Studio setups are illustrated clearly and easily. He also has a photo of himself taking the pictures. He tells you the camera and lens used and you get a real sense of how he uses his camera.
   
   There is a section on different cameras including 35 mm, medium format and 4 x 5 large format. Brief descriptions but still helpful. Studio design is covered, darkroom, etc.
   
   Very valuable resource for an interested photographer. I am planning on purchasing his basic book next as this book has definetly convinced me to buy many more.

5 comments about Very California: Travels Through the Golden State.

1. This book is very cute and an inspiration to anyone who loves to sketch or watercolor. The artwork is well done and the accompanying notes that the author wrote are humorous. Hollingsworth Gessler's trip from north to south in California and her journaling of the trip made me want to go visit towns that I've never seen before. I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I decided to buy the other book by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler called "Very Charleston". Perhaps it is because I'm a Californian that I think this book is better than the "Very Charleston" version, the watercolors in this book seemed more appealing.



2. Being a native Californian, I was immediately attracted to this book. When I opened it, I fell in love with the wonderful little watercolor illustrations and personal journal format. I agree with a previous reviewer who made the comment that this is a nice little souvenir book. It's definitely a worthy addition to the bookshelf of any Californian or someone who just loves California.



3. I live in California and I am often asked how I can stand the crowds, traffic, smog, whatever? The fact is California is a very nice place to live and visit, and Ms Gessler catches the essence of this perfectly. You can easly read the book in about an hour, but will find yourself going back again and again to enjoy the little watercolors of plants and wildlife and special places that caught her fancy, it is a fun read.



4. A delightful read. Not a serious word in this little book of California - absolutely adorable. The illustrations are whimsical, the text is full of humor. I was right beside her experiencing everything and that which wasn't familiar I long to visit.



5. Diane Gessler has written (and painted) the perfect travelogue of her trip through California. It won't serve well as a guide book, even with the maps included, but her watercolors and anecdotes capture perfectly the mood and the spirit of the places she and her husband have visited. If you have been to California, this should make a much nicer souvenir than the standard-issue t-shirt with the cable car picture, and if you live here, it's the perfect reminder why one might be willing to endure the rolling black-outs or the excessive housing costs. Aside from that, the watercolor illustrations are very, very nice and made me think of taking out again my own watercolor set. Highly recommended!

5 comments about The Joy of Digital Photography (Lark Photography Book).

1. Of all the publications I've looked at for the newcomer
   endeavoring to get seriously acquainted with digital
   photography, this one book is by far the best!



2. This book was very helpful in learning the basics for me as a novice. I would suggest the following order for a novice:
   1. "The Joy of digital photography" by Jeff Wignall
   2. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson
   3. "The digital photography book" by Scott Kelby



3. This book is an enjoyable read for sure. Mr. Wignall's humor and lighthearted style of writing lightens up a subject that can get rather technical. While you don't want to get a book that is a dry as a text book, I suspect that you do want to actually learn something when buying books in this topic area.
   
   As far as what you will learn and how useful this book will be depends on what you want to gain in knowledge. I found this book to be a general overview of digital cameras; digital point and shoot as well as dSLRs, their functions, some basic photography concepts and photo editing.
   
   A multitude of topics are touched on in this book and the author tries to cover a little of everything. Too little on too many different subjects to be of much practical use.
   
   If you are using a P&S a lot of the book doesn't really apply to you and is therefore not very useful. Most of what is covered regarding digital P&S cameras is done for you automatically, or you can either figure out on your own after taking a few pictures or you can learn in the manual.
   
   If you are new to using an dSLR, there is not enough info to actually learn anything. The photos are beautiful but no info such as aperture or shutter speed is included. And as I stated before, there are many nice intros on many useful subjects but they are just that, intros.
   
   If you are just starting your journey into the world of photography with a dSLR I suggest starting with the following three books in addition to your camera manual:
   
   Understanding Exposure and Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson
   
   and the Magic Lantern book written for your particular camera.



4. This is the book I bought for a friend who is just getting serious about digital SLR photography. Wignall covers all the basics and some intermediate stuff with obvious enthusiasm, and he knows his stuff. Maybe he tries a little too hard to be funny here and there, but not teeth-gnashingly so. Pleasing design, good choice of sample pictures, high print quality, not too geeky.



5. Jeff Wignall writes about photography with a passion that's both entertaining and insightful. Everyone from novices and seasoned pros will enjoy his writing. Not only is this book perfect for anyone making the transition from film to digital photography, but Jeff explains things so clearly that it's also the essential reference for those picking up a camera for the very first time.

5 comments about Successful Self-Promotion for Photographers.

1. If you aspire to be a professional photographer you must read this book. Elyse Weissberg shows why she was so in demand and respected in the industry with this informative and honest book. Great insight on creating a good marketing plan to being critical of your portfolio. She pushes you to be critical of your work and work ethic. I couldn't recommend this book highly enough.



2. After reading this book, I have a solid marketing plan for my fledgeling photography business. I feel more confident and prepared to face the challenge of breaking into the market. The book helped me to define my career goals more effectively, and revealed a number of terrific resources I was previously unaware of.



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well laid out, thoughtfully written and had specific tips and techniques that could be applied immediately. In fact, I was going through the process of updating one of my portfolios and this book was a great help. I highly recommend it!



4. Very good book with alot of in-depth information. Well worth purchasing to expand your knowledge in this area.



5. I first looked at this book in the library and then later put it on hold for the next available copy and it's going to take months before I get to read it again since there is such a long waiting list for the book. I think it is the best book I've seen so far on Marketing and Promotion for Photographers. Elysee Wiesberg what a gem you are for passing on this invaluable information! Good practical information and advice for the business side of photography. Glossy issue with great photos. I think I'm going to buy it since it will make a great reference book.

5 comments about Dreads.

1. It was wonderful to meet each person photographed in this book through their stories. Whether they allowed their locks to tangle and grow for religious beliefs, rebellious causes, or simply as a fashion statement, each person shines through the beautiful photographs. I applaud the photographer and writer for presenting a remarkable array of individuals and telling their stories for the world.



2. My husband bought this book for me for Christmas due to my resolution to begin locs in January 2008. The stories are so beautiful and I love the commentary about people always wanting to touch your hair...it's so true. I just wish people could understand the true meaning and history of this lifestyle. Peace!



3. Inspiration, undestanding, honesty, beautiful, diversity, different, roots, culture...
   
   That and more is what this book can show you. Beautiful photographs, amazing information... U will never see people with dreadlocks in the same way...



4. I loved the beautiful pictures in this book.. a must-have for any lover of locks!



5. I always saw this book at the natural hair stylist that I visited. Now that I and my daughter are lock wearers i decided to purchase it. The photography is outstanding and book contains both cultivated and organic locks. Great to have in your home library and leave out as a conversation piece. Excellent.. Must buy it.
   I also recommend:
   Kinki Kreations: A Parent's Guide to Natural Black Hair Care for Kids

5 comments about Oceanic Wilderness.

1. Roger Steene's "Oceanic Wilderness" is a fantastic book because the photos are of such high quality. There are amazing photos of many kinds of shrimps, crabs, worms and other invertebrates. I liked it because is was NOT full of endles photos taken while the diver was lying on the bottom looking up at the surface and the passing schools of fish. There are a limited number of such photos that one can look at without becoming bored.
   If you've never bought a coral reef book for your library, then you must buy this one - forget the rest this is the best!



2. This is an outstanding collection of underwater images, mostly macro images from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The photographic quality of the images is excellent.
   
   It is a fascinating book. Many of the images record extremely rare animals and unusual events: all kinds of mating; anemones capturing and eating starfish; lionfish hunting in packs; fish with strange jaws gaping; nudibranchs hunting each other, etc.
   
   One of the really nice features of this book is the way it lays out 12 or 24 different variants of a theme juxtaposed together on a page: 24 different colour variations of the same nudibranch, or 12 variants of the beautiful patterns on the tails of mantis shrimp. These displays are beautiful and fascinating.
   
   This is a wonderful gift for a scuba diver or for anyone with an interest in the underwater world. The experience is a lot like chatting with an experienced marine biologist and photographer in the bar after a good day's diving. I've done almost a thousand dives, but while reading Steene's book I kept gasping "I didn't even know that fish did that!"



3. great book. as a scuba diver you see lots of different and strange fish and other creatures.you dont even touch on what all this book shows.its really interesting to know that you might see one of these if you know where to look.the book is put together well and the colors are great.its a good conversation book.great for the coffee table.



4. This iconic book features so many incredibly weird and beautiful creatures from Indonesia. Roger's ability to show incredible detail using 35mm film is truly astounding. Most of the marine animals included in this book will soon only exist on paper, sadly. Get out there and buy one!



5. This book is filled with the most beautiful and amazing photos of our underwater world. If you love the sea, get this book.

No comments about Magic Lantern Guides: Nikon D3 (Magic Lantern Guides).

4 comments about Trailer Travel.

1. This book brings together a wonderful collection of visual images of travel trailers from the late 1920s through the 1950s. The images come from vintage photographs, publicity brochures, and other publications. A majority of the materials come from the collections of the University of Southern California, the Auto Club of Southern California, and Vintage Vacations (a California travel trailer restoration company). The quality of the image reproduction is excellent making this book a genuine feast for the eyes.
   Although subtitled "A Visual History Of Mobile America," the majority of pictures are from California with the rest of the country only sketchily represented if at all. Florida is the only other state to have more than one or two pictures included.
   The book has eight chapters. Each begins with one page of text consisting of three paragraphs. The rest of the chapters are illustrations with captions and quotes. The first chapter "Motor Camping" has some of the earliest photos and portrays the beginnings of the travel trailer craze. The second chapter "Selling The dream" contains a collection of illustrations from brochures and advertisements. "Wish You Were Here," the third chapter, is a collection of postcards both humorous and illustrative. The fourth chapter "Trailer Shows" contains pictures from various California trailer shows. Pictures of the latest trailer designs are often enhanced by including attractive female models. "Take A Look Inside" is the next chapter which portrays the interior furnishings of travel trailers. Again attractive female models often enhance the photos. "I've Got This Idea" is a chapter that captures some of the more inventive and original travel trailer designs. A whole chapter is devoted to "Trailer Logos." It was in this chapter that I found the only reference to my 1948 trailer made in Alma, Michigan.
   The book ends with a chapter on "Teardrops," compact trailers with outdoor kitchens built into a back hatch. A one page bibliography provides both current and historic books and articles for further reading. A joyful coffee table book, light on text, but very rich on illustrations, that is eye candy for the trailer park crowd.



2. I am so happy that there is finally a book about this part of American pop culture that has been largely ignored! I had no idea that so many amazing pictures have survived all these years. The graphics are wonderful and I love all of the logos. Great book.



3. It really is a great little book. The endless pictures are the selling point as I could (and have) look at them again & again!

   If you like trailers, or 50's Americana Camp this is a great book.




4. Colorful, instructive and full of eye candy. It's about time someone published a book for those of us who love vintage travel trailers and just plain Americana. This book will live on the very top of my coffee table library.

5 comments about Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques.

1. Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques
   I loved this book, and although I am not a traditional or professional photographer, it gave me a ton of ideas of how to improve my photography skills as well as what to do with the photos as far as effects and printing methods.
   I would say that one thing to know about this book is that it is really geared toward serious photographers as far as equipment goes. The author talks about filters and lenses and if you are like me and have a cheap point and shoot digital camera, and don't plan on camera equipment upgrades, it is meaningless.
   Don't let that discourage you however, the images were inspiring, the printmaking techniques intriguing and the software manipulation ideas really fun! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Photo Art.



2. I have been a photographer for 50 years, and a Photoshop user for 15. I read several reviews before purchasing this book. I noted negative some opinion that claimed this book was inferior because it was not a great Photoshop book. I have to take exception to this. reading this book inspired me to push myself beyond the confines of "Photoshopping" images.
   There is so much more to photography as an artistic medium, than simply cleaning and perfecting an image, and then printing it on white paper.



3. This is a great book. I have used this book for a couple of years now and was surprised at a few of the comments of other reviewers.
   
   For the reviewer that said there was some Photoshop in it, but was disappointed that it wasn't an in-depth how-to Photoshop book: Yes, it is fine art oriented, not a Photoshop class. Some Photoshop techniques related to fine art are explained well and clearly so you can use them without difficulty. The book uses Photoshop tools well, but it isn't a Photoshop book.
   
   For the reviewer that said it was dated: In spite of it being published a few years ago, almost everything in the book is still up-to-date, with the exception of some references to Studio Artist. If you want completely up-to-date, get Airey's Beginner's Guide to Digital Photo Art. Don't be fooled if you are not a beginner -- this book is still for you. The techniques are clearly explained, so a beginner can follow it well -- but the techniques explained are wonderful things that an experienced fine art photographer will enjoy thoroughly. I believe it works well WITH this book, but if I had to get only one, it would be Beginner's Guide.



4. This is a fabulous, creative treasure chest!!!! She gives step by step instruction for each of her works. Each one turns out uniquely different from the original photos. They become one of a kind art pieces. She lists all of the products she uses, the vendors & what each product does in detail. Artwork by other digital artists are sprinkled through as well. It's a great resource that generates inspiration & creativity!



5. This form of book concept has a high potential for today's amateur artist. I'm glad I bought it because it does contain a lot of useful information. However, I will buy a few more books to complete my "schooling" in marrying digital to traditional art. I found this book offers only a small amount to that concept. Here's what I found.
   
   Cons...
   i. Too heavy in the use of 3rd party software (some only avail on the Mac). Most of the digital treatments in this book can just as easily be done in Photoshop.
   ii. The book lacks step by step details on how to do certain things. If you don't know how to do it, your left guessing or going on the internet to figure it out.
   iii. Way, way too much filler (repetition, photo fillers, white space etc...)
   iv. The author spends way too much time on things that really do not matter and are not helpful.
   v. The overall format of the book is good, but it does get disorganized here & there.
   vi. Not enough follow through on why facts are presented: you get a simple "data dump" in some cases.
   
   Pros...
   i. The author has an exceptional knowledge of paper variety. Before reading this book, I knew business grade white Xerox paper & bond...
   ii. The author does present some very good ideas of converging digital to traditional art.
   iii. The price for the book is cheap for the info you get from it. If it saves you an hour or teaches you a technique that you use, the book has more then paid for itself.
   iv. It is a high quality book (paperback, but nicely printed).