Books: History of Photography

Photography (9th Edition)

Description:

This best-selling introductory photography text teaches students how to use the medium confidently and effectively by emphasizing both technique and visual awareness. Comprehensive in scope, this book features superb instructional illustrations and examples in its clear presentation of both black and white and color photography. London offers extensive coverage of digital imaging and the latest technological developments, such as Web page design and formatting photos on CD-ROMs.

Customer Review:
This book is pretty comprehensive. I am using it for a basic photography class. It covers a lot of subjects, but none in great detail. The newer versions actually covers a bit of digital photography as well.

Customer Review:
This was a required text for my Photography 101 class and well worth the price ($20 less here than at the college book store). This book covers all the basics of photography tog et you started and the information is clearly illustrated by accompanying photos. This will be one I'll definitely be keeping as a reference.

Customer Review:
This is the book! If you are studying for the CPP test this is the one. It is comprehensive to a fault. The explanations of photo concepts are complete and easy to understand. The only problem is that the book is so big that it is falling apart. Wish me luck on the test!

Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography

Description:

This personal, wide-ranging, and contemplative volume--and the last book Barthes published--finds the author applying his influential perceptiveness and associative insight to the subject of photography. To this end, several black-and-white photos (by the likes of Avedon, Clifford, Hine, Mapplethorpe, Nadar, Van Der Zee, and so forth) are reprinted throughout the text.

Customer Review:
The only disparaging thing I can say about this book is that it caused me to purchase a better dictionary.

Customer Review:
I am somewhat stunned and dismayed by the negative reviews of this book. In fact, it has seem to elicit a sense of vitriol in some.

It is a brilliant book. How does one state simply such a complicated phenomenon. One doesn't. Those who rated this book so poorly biggest gripe was the complexity of the writing. Well - it is a complex topic. But, I think Barthes beautifully and deftly counters this complexity with his personal reflections. The book is both a critical assessment of photography and an emotional one as well, and this is what makes it so wonderful.

It is not wholly unexpected that most all the negative reviews of this book come late in the day - in the ever increasing time of sound-bites, instant pleasures and generally non-reflective immersion.

Customer Review:
Sorry to say, although Roland Barthes is an icon to some. This short book is self-indulgent, unintelligible, and therefore useless. The author is far more interested in himself than he is interested in the subject.

Seizing the Light: A History of Photography

Description:
"Its chief virtues are a succinct, mostly lucid style, a wide intellectual scope, a flood of ideas and insights at every turn, sensitivity to the technology and culture of photography, and a willingness to attend to images . . . In the end, perhaps the best measure of a text is whether or not one would choose it from among all the offerings to use in class. I have chosen to use this book." - Photo Review, Spring 2000

"An excellent introductory history book." - Afterimage: The Journal of Media Arts and Cultural Criticism

In this wonderful and entertaining book, Hirsch has produced the most useful, readable, and practical successor to Newhall. Seizing the Light is written in a friendly, accessible way -- dense with information, but more hip and lively than other offerings, especially those aimed at college students." - exposure: The research journal of the Society for Photographic Education. Vol. 32.2 (Fall, 1999)

Hirsch's prose is very digestible. He writes in a clear, lively style with a minimum of jargon." - Views: the newsletter of the Visual Material Section of the Society of American Archivists

Science, culture, and art come together in this comprehensive history of photography. With superlative production values, rare and unusual prints, and a fresh perspective, Robert Hirsch has written the ideal companion to the first 200 years of photography.

Customer Review:
Robert Hirsch's survey of the origins and evolution of photography, "Seizing the Light," is a welcome addition to the expanding study of the medium. In clear, insightful, and engaging prose, Hirsch unfolds photography's hit-or-miss birth which was rapidly followed by coherent technological developments almost at the speed of light. Hirsch makes us believe that photography was inevitable; the darling and necessary child of destiny wed to information theory. And Hirsch's treatment of early 20th century Modernist photography and the philosophy behind Pictorialism is excellent.

As a primer for the invention of photography and its chemical underpinnings, "Seizing the Light" is as good as it can be. It falls a little short, however, in its treatment of contemporary photography. The book would have been better served by including a few in-depth surveys of important contemporary photographic projects in order to emphasize the centrality of this discipline in contemporary art history and postmodern theory which is heavily dependent on the nature of images and processes of image-making.

Customer Review:
Overall a great book on the history of photography. VERY comprehensive overview of the evolution of photography. It ties movements in art and social events into photography trends and developments. It also provides insight into how photographers and artists used the medium to express themselves and how experimentation lead to improvements over the years. My only negative comment would be that some of the earlly forms of cameras were not pictured. There were diagrams of early cameras, but after the first hundred years, there is little to no documentation on how they evolved cosmetically/ functionally. It'd be nice to see an example of the various "groundbreaking" cameras as they were discussed. Otherwise, a great book.

Customer Review:
For everyone with an interest in photography, either as an artist of the medium, a beginner looking for direction, or a collector who wants informed background to enhance appreciation of fine photographs both from the past and from the present obsession, SEIZING THE LIGHT: A History of Photography is essential reading.

Robert Hirsch knows his subject and in one hefty book manages to share the beginnings of photography some 200 years ago with the evolution of the camera and the discipline of photographing. Well illustrated with both photographs and drawings, Hirsch chronicles the famous and not so famous practitioners of the art in succinct but richly colorful biographical abstracts to accompany examples of each artist. The phases through which this art form has passed makes for fascinating reading even beyond the scope of the title: the use of the camera in documenting the history of our globe at celebration, at war, at discovery, and at the side of the people of the day is a journey well lead by a writer well skilled.

Though this book is now six years old it remains one of the more important textbooks for the art school classroom. But more important it is so richly written that it remains a fascinating survey of life since the camera. From the beginnings of the pinhole box to the present day digital images on the cell phone etc, the invention of the camera has inextricably changed our perception of the world. Learn the how and why of it! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

100 Days in Photographs: Pivotal Events That Changed the World

Description:
Much more than a book of pictures, 100 Days in Photographs is a compelling visual journey through our age—an odyssey that's personal and universal, immediate and timeless. To create it, Getty Images and National Geographic identified 100 days that represent defining moments of the past 150 years... and crystallized them with photographs that leap from the page to evoke joy and anger, triumph and despair. Supporting the visuals are firsthand journal excerpts, photographers' on-site notes, and insightful text by photography historian Nick Yapp.

From the Getty Images archive, astonishing images depict major world events: revolution in 19th-century Europe, President Lincoln's assassination, the Eiffel Tower's construction from 1887 to 1889, Bleriot flies the English Channel in 1909, the Wall Street crash of 1929, Germany's Kristallnacht, the British quit India in 1947, and more. National Geographic's contributions illustrate scientific, cultural, and geographical topics—including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Jane Goodall's study of chimpanzees, Chernobyl's nuclear disaster, the cloning of sheep, the attacks of September 11, 2001, and today's global warming debate. Page after eye-catching page reveals the emotion of an entire event or age captured in a single image—whether of a peasant's tears, of world leaders sharing a secret, or the triumph of an Olympic champion. Politics, war, crime, technology, achievement, fads, and fashion all figure into the life and legacy of these 100 days.

Featuring scores of rare and unpublished photographs uncovered during its creation, this remarkable book provides new perspective on key events and personalities of the past 150 years.

Customer Review:
This is an amazing book and a great gift! Amazing photographs, high quality prints... One of the best book I bought this year!

Customer Review:
The photos are amazing but I was not expecting some of the graphic nature on a lot of these photos (dead bodies mainly). I was hoping for a coffee table book but because it is so graphic and I have young children, I am not going to be able to display.

World History of Photography

Description:
This sumptuously illustrated volume, hailed as an indispensable work on the fascinatingly expressive photographic medium, has been revised and expanded to cover images by contemporary photographers working in the twenty-first century.

Customer Review:
Well, I have to say that the author is an excellent researcher. Although she concentrates mainly on the creative and artistic sides of photography, the technical aspects are also presented, albeit briefly. I know this book is used as a textbook in several schools, and the problem I have is that it reads like one. While perusing this work, I couldn't help feeling that I was back in college, cramming for a final exam, rather than being taken on a journey through photographic history. In other words, the author's writing style is a tad dry. The facts are all there, and the pictures are wonderful, but she never seems to convey the emotion or feelings of the events. So, if you want something to study, this is it. If you want something to read and enjoy, I'd go elswhere.

Customer Review:
A lot of information concentrated in one book, just what I needed: A lot of facts with perfect examples of photos and other illustrations. Especially I liked that there are no author's opinions, or philosophical discussions in this book, just facts.

History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present

Customer Review:
This could have been dry subject matter, but it was both interesting and useful. As an avid designer that dabbles in photography, I found this to be a great book.

Customer Review:
The book is more than perfect, its content, the way its written. It was right on time with a big discount, but had a corner a little wrinkled.

Customer Review:
I can't remember the first time I read this book, decades ago. Although it's quite dated in light of the advancements in digital photography in recent years, this is still the first reference to check for information about the first 140 years of photography. Even with Wikipedia available, this is the book I check for information. I happened to live in Rochester near the end of his time as curator of George Eastman House, and got to see first hand his influence on the medium. Newhall's book will remain on my shelf for as long as I am interested in photography.

American Photobooth

Description:
A fascinating history of an American institution that includes an extraordinary collection of photobooth images.

"That a perceptive, dedicated, and sensitive artist like Näkki Goranin has rescued from oblivion so many amazing self-portraits created by amateurs confronting themselves in the fleeting privacy of humble photobooths is yet another miracle for which we can be grateful."—from the foreword by David Haberstich

Generally relegated to the realm of kitsch, the history and cultural importance of the photobooth has long been overlooked. Here, Näkki Goranin documents the invention, technological evolution, and commercial history of the photobooth with extensive illustrations culled from twenty-five years of collecting. Complementing this history is a powerful collection of heartbreaking, funny, and absolutely beautiful photobooth images. These often solitary figures—seeking freedom, confession, a thrill—are evocative of a lost time and place. Haberstich writes, "For anyone who assumes that photobooth pictures are perfunctory, utilitarian records at best, the range of emotions and moods portrayed by the subjects of [this] collection is a revelation." Over 200 color and black-and-white photographs.

Customer Review:


Aside from the nostalgia of this collection, American Photobooth is a fabulous coffee table book, a varied collection of black and white and color images from the photobooths that have contributed to this country's collective photographic history- literally the faces of friends, strangers, couples, service men and their girls soon off to World War II, a stunning compilation reproduced on high quality paper, the images prefaced with a detailed history of the photobooth.

It all began with the 1894 invention of a Parisian vending machine. Once the concept of the coin-operated vending machine was embraced by an evolving popular culture, these booths became a favorite pastime, "the ultimate pedestrian art". Over the years the concept developed, along with techniques to streamline the process, photo strips available to customers for twenty-five cents. A number of entrepreneurs contributed to this emerging art form that could be found in storefronts, department stores and virtually any place one of these booths would fit. The technology progressed with the times, from a "plumbless" machine that no longer required a water supply to various chemical paper treatments that allowed quick-drying, cost-efficient results.

Over the years, booths were refined redesigned and updated under a series of names: Photomaton, Phototeria, Mutoscope Photographics, Photo-Me USA, Tru-Photo and Photo-Dome, through a number of innovative family-owned enterprises appearing everywhere, including the Depression. By the 1970s color strips arrived; by the 80s chemical photobooths were nearly phased out. The first art promoter to use the photobooth, Andy Warhol made the images part of the American artistic lexicon. But for those of us who ever posed with a friend, inserted a quarter and received a strip of four pictures, this book is a reminder of simpler days. Although "this American tradition stands on the brink of extinction". Goranin's wonderful collection offers a trip to the past, from the early 20th century, page after page of smiling faces hoping to capture a moment in a fast-moving world. Luan Gaines/ 2008.


Customer Review:

The title of this book is perfect. What American hasn't had that moment in a photo booth waiting for the
flash of light, deciding second to second what pose to strike with or without accomplices? And then...
the wait for the magical strip of photos.

It's fascinating to find that this seemingly American invention was not invented by an American.
Even the history of the photobooth is filled with photos and ephemera about this "American" institution.
American Photobooth addresses this sociological phenomenon in a concise and fascinating way.
Who knew the depth of history to the everyday photobooth?

A great read and visual feast. A fabulous collection of photos, evoking the human spirit, its highs and lows.

Hollywood Portraits

Description:
This inspirational book of star photographs provides classic portrait styles and detailed directions on how to set up, light and shoot each photo. Step-by-step instructions reveal the techniques used by top Hollywood photographers for their glittering glamour portraits of the 1920s through the 1950s. Included are sections on equipment, processing, lighting and more.

Customer Review:
This is a great start for developing a foundation of this kind of lighting.The diagrams are easy to follow and it explains what are some of the pitfalls of certain kind of lightings.This is one of the reference book that I can say worth of what I paid for.

Customer Review:
This book is perhaps not the end-all/be-all of Hollywood portraiture, but it is a delight to look at and inspirational for photographers. The steps and insight on how these images were created is both interesting and fun to read. A great book for a great price.

Customer Review:
This book, by Roger Hicks, was good in its way. Having recently been required to try to reproduce the style of Hurrell/Bull, I did find it useful. The photographs were well reproduced and the descriptive material, particularly as regards history, was good. I did find it a bit confusing with "camera right" and "subject right" being thrown in willy-nilly. You would think that this would be self explanatory. However, combined with the illustrative drawings which looked at the set from different angles I would often get mixed up as to which light went where.

I am just a little thick, perhaps.

Criticizing Photographs

Description:
This brief text is designed to help both beginning and advanced students of photography better develop and articulate thoughtful criticism. Organized around the major activities of criticism (describing, interpreting, evaluating, and theorizing), Criticizing Photographs provides a clear framework and vocabulary for students' critical skill development. The fourth edition includes new black and white and color images, updated commentary, a completely revised chapter on theory that offers a broad discussion of digital images, and an expanded chapter eight on studio critiques and writing about photographs, plus examples of student writing and critique.

Customer Review:
This book was require for my college level digital photography course, but I felt that it did not do an adequate job of explaining the concepts it covers. The book is dull and merely lists other photographs as examples (they are not included in the text).

Customer Review:
this book is probably going to be one of the required books for photography in college but it's not a horrible book. not the most exciting, but definitely has enough to get one started with critical thinking about photography and such.

Customer Review:
I am sorry I bought this book. It was written by a college professor for students, readers that have no choice but to buy the book, and it reads that way. The author does not use his own vision and voice to criticize and to explain criticism but instead relies on a survey of methods used by critics. The writing was wooden, and the book had an overwhelming emphasis on staged, "arty" photographs. I could not bring myself to finish this book and have given it to my local library for their book sale.

Love

Description:
Universally desired and uniquely experienced, love finds expression in every land and culture. This enchanting new book celebrates the depth and diversity of love—at many moments in history, and at every human age—in an exquisite collection of photographs from National Geographic’s famous archives and beyond. Each picture tells a tantalizing story and captures an intimate, unforgettable glimpse of love’s many facets, from courtship to friendship to charity and more.

As life-affirming and surprising as its namesake, the book is a beautiful keepsake for lovers and a must-have for all who admire classic photography. Masters of the art, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, August Sander, Mary Ellen Mark, Eugene Richards, and William Allard, are among those who have traveled the globe to capture love’s nuances. Showcasing evocative black-and-white portraits and gorgeous color images, Love follows in the tradition of bestselling photography titles including Work, Through the Lens, In Focus, and Wide Angle.

More satisfying than candy and more affordable than a bouquet of flowers, Love is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays—and every occasion for gifts between those who love.

Books: Fashion Photography

Sports Illustrated: In the Paint

Customer Review:
Who would have believed that body-painting could so realistically depict actual swim-suits, etc. Outstanding!

Customer Review:
SI's annual swimsuit issue is a highly anticipated delight for many afficionados of the female form.

This collection of photos of some of the most beautiful women on the planet features the body painting genius of Joanne Gair. These bountiful babes sure look like they are wearing some nifty swimsuits. NOT!

They are all as naked as the day they were born. Wow! I wish I had this to read back when I was in my teen years! Still enjoyable, even now.

The perfect gift for that straight male you know, aged teen to octagenarian. He will appreciate your exquisite taste.

Customer Review:
A beautiful gift for any SI fan, photographer or artist... the book is well put together and done with class. It goes through each year SI has featured the "painted" models with additional, never seen before photos and model comments. Gorgeous color. Great holiday gift.

Tony Duquette

Description:
American artist and design legend Tony Duquette (1914–1999) was known for his over-the-top style in interiors, jewelry, costumes, and set design. His clients included Elizabeth Arden, the Duchess of Windsor, and Herb Albert.

The multi-talented Duquette designed sets for MGM musicals with Arthur Freed and Vincente Minnelli, and designed Tony Award–winning costumes for the original Broadway production of “Camelot.” Duquette was the first American to exhibit a one-man show at the Louvre in Paris.

Tony Duquette is a lavishly illustrated book with many lost and never-before published photographs from the Duquette archives, including portraits and pictures taken by Man Ray, John Engstead, Fredrich Dapriche, Andre Ostier, George Platt Lynnes, as well as original sketches, designs, and texts by Duquette himself. With commentary, interviews, stories, and contributions from Liza Minnelli, Arlene Dahl, Steven Meisel, Bruce Weber, and others.

Customer Review:
Tony DuquetteI am an interior designer of some 20 years and while I found this book interesting it had very little to do with interiors and more to do with a very specific, unique and strange lifestyle. I'm sure the man was brilliant just know this book is not about liveable interiors.

Customer Review:
Having lived in Los Angeles since 1981 and working as an art editor for a regional magazine, the name Tony Duquette came up time and again in my social circles. Without question, he was an amazing talent the likes of which we may never see again in our lifetime. His imagination and passion for his unworldly, surrealist visions are captured in this brilliantly orchestrated book. Bravo and brava to the authors! A must-have for everyone's art library!

Customer Review:
I met Tony and his wife in Ireland - we were staying at Heney McIlhennys castle - he was terrible charming - I did not know of his career and am so sorry I didn't question him til he was exhausted.

karen marcus

The Complete Pirelli Calendars: 1964-2007

Description:
The extraordinary history of the Pirelli calendars began in 1963 when the Pirelli tire company created a calendar featuring pin-up models as a promotional piece to send to its top customers as a gift for the closing year. Every year since, the company has called upon world-renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon, Mario Testino, Herb Ritts, Norman Parkinson, Bruce Weber, and Annie Leibovitz to photograph the world’s most beautiful women, including Iman, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Sophia Loren, Naomi Watts, and Penelope Cruz. It has continued to generate publicity for its exclusivity; a huge public clamors for the calendar, but it is only available to a very privileged list of corporate customers and VIPs.
A product of the cultural revolution of the 1960’s, the Pirelli calendar has shaken the world with the audacity, sensuality, and innovation of its content. The images stretch the parameters of sensual fantasy and fabulous photography, but their subtlety and quality also establish the calendar as a paradigm of its genre and a coveted collector’s item.
This book contains all the photographs of the calendars from 1964-2007, the never-published calendar of 1963, as well as intimate behind-the-scene photographs. The stunning imagery is accompanied by a comprehensive text, which traces not only the evolution of the calendar but also the history of photography in the past forty years.

Posing Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios

Description:

With detailed discussions and eye-catching, dynamic images, this guidebook shows professional photographers how to masterfully create beautiful images of a model to achieve any creative objective. Instructions illustrate basic poses as well as a host of subtle variations to provide photographers with an endless array of looks for editorial fashion shots, athletics, glamour or nude photography, and shots designed to show curves, reveal personality, or showcase the hands, hair, or legs. This comprehensive resource also provides expert advice on conducting a successful session, how to work with the model, how to work with a support staff of image stylists, and tips for designing a high-quality portfolio. Additional lessons provide a start-to-finish analysis of four different shooting sessions, each with a different model and a different objective.

Customer Review:
The entry-level is not beginners for this one. Can't be, to shoot a professional portfolio you must have a handsome bit of knowledge already. Having that, this books has still more to offer ! Billy Pegram leads you on the way to gradually improve you pictures. There is very much attention to details that are easily overlooked otherwise, like hands and feet positioning, or where to crop and why. It shows you the possibilities for shooting a portfolio that contains commercial, fashion, editorial etc. pictures, and what sets them apart. With a host of examples, Billy shows that apparently small changes can make quite a difference. It covers more than shooting for portfolio's, for this is info that you can use time and time again for all kinds of photographic activities that have to do with portraying people or making a statement using a model. Being a professional photographer I can only say: everyone can learn something here. Lots of images are a joy to see !

Customer Review:
Posing Techniques by Billy Pegram is a very useful book, particularly for someone starting in the field of model photography. It is well illustrated with large pictures showing how (and occasionally, how not) to pose the model. All of the sections provide good tips. I found the section on hand positioning particularly helpful. The book leans more toward fashion shots than glamour and has some useful words on how to produce a port that contains what the model needs (rather than what you like).
Recommended for study.
rps

Chanel: Collections and Creations

Description:
A lush visual selection from the Chanel archive—essential reading for fashionistas and design aficionados everywhere.

Chanel's combination of tradition, originality, and style has always made it the most seductive of fashion labels. Here the House of Chanel opens its private archives, revealing a galaxy of brilliant designs created by Coco Chanel from 1920 onwards. Dazzling clothes, intricate accessories, beautiful models, and timeless design leave no doubt as to the lasting fame of her name and embody everything that has come to symbolize the magic of Chanel.

The book explores five central themes—the suit, the camellia, jewelry, makeup and perfume, the little black dress—and follows the threads from past to present to show how these key items have been rediscovered and reinvented by new designers. It includes many previously unpublished archive photographs and original drawings by Karl Lagerfeld, as well as glorious images from some of the greatest names in fashion photography. 139 illustrations, 83 in color.

Customer Review:
I have all of the biographies, novels and museum exhibition books published about Chanel in the past twenty years. This new book is a treat for both Chanel lovers and fashionistas.

Author Daniele Bott takes five central themes - the suit, the camellia, jewelry, fragrances, make-up and the LBD (little black dress) and sends us on a journey from the first showing of each item through its many reincarnations. You see how many times designers and the Chanel House itself has re-imaged Chanel creations from over a century ago.

There are over 159 illustrations - 101 of them in color. Many of the photographs have never been seen before and were taken by the greatest names in fashion photography.

My favorite two page spread features a display of the different Chanel buttons used on suits over the years. Another features Chanel fitting Ingrid Bergman in her Chanel suit for a scene in Tea and Sympathy. There are pictures of her original make-up packaging (Chanel thought about travel sizes in make-up long before anyone else), and her push up lipstick created in 1926. Imagine a 2-page spread sea of red Chanel lipsticks or an exclusive, entirely hand crafted logo makeup brush with 16,000 silk strands and the double C logo in the middle.

Chanel was famous for mixing costume jewelry with the real thing and costume designers (most notably Joan Rivers) have made their fortunes with variations of her original Maltese cross and faux pearl designs.

Every single photo exudes the Chanel style of understated elegance and luxury. For over a century, CoCo Chanel and now Karl Lagerfeld have kept the look and its history alive. This book carries on that tradition.

I also highly recommend:

Jacques Helleu and Chanel by Jacques Helleu which features over four decades of Chanel print ads and commercials.

Customer Review:
Although I knew the book would not be an in depth study, I liked the chapter topic separations and the photography.

The Tokyo Look Book: Stylish To Spectacular, Goth To Gyaru, Sidewalk To Catwalk

Description:
Tokyo is home to the most creative and stylish fashion in the world. The Tokyo Look Book takes us on a dazzling journey through the streets, clubs, and boutiques of this trendsetting city to introduce us to the people who wear the latest fashions and the people who make them. Crammed with
cool, full-color photographs of Tokyo's trendy teens and twenty-somethings captured candidly as they work and play, this is a comprehensive look at the richly varied fashion scenes that thrive in Japan's capital city -- from the "gal" mecca of Shibuya, to the goths and cosplayers who hang out on
Jingubashi bridge on Sundays, through the cutting-edge kids on the Harajuku backstreets, to the stylish young professional men and women on Omotesando Boulevard.

Yuri Manabe's distinctive photographic portraits are complemented by insightful text from British anthropologist and fashion expert Philomena Keet, who offers witty and informative background information on each of the fashion scenes introduced, and a plethora of soundbites and quotes from the
featured fashionistas. In addition, there are interviews and spotlights on Tokyos hottest fashion designers, magazines and boutiques, including:
SHIBUYA 109: Shibuyas iconic shopping mall
GLAD NEWS: One of 109s leading boutiques
REIKO NAKANE: A former trendsetting charisma109 shop girl, now producer of her own fashion label
MANA: Japanese pop star and designer of Elegant Gothic Lolita brand, Moi-meme-Moite
H.NAOTO: Creator of the popular goth/punk brand
TAKUYA ANGEL: Creator of the cult cyber-kimono brand
TEAM MESSAGE: Designer of skate/streetwear brands
DOG: Owner of a cult street-fashion boutique
SHOICHI AOKI: Creator of the influential street-fashion magazine FRUiTS
GARCIA MARQUEZ GAUCHE: The husband-and-wife team behind this stylish brand for young women
5351 POUR LES HOMMES: A fashionable mens brand
TOKYO FASHION WEEK: A peek behind the scenes
MANNENYA: Purveyor of traditional Japanese workmens outfits

Customer Review:
My current ringtone on my celly is a short clip of "Harajuku Girls" by Gwen Stefani - it's been on phone for over a year now. As someone who has spent a formidable amount of my life in Japan, I covet and collect anything remotely "cute" from or even inspired by Japan, ringtones included. So it's no wonder that I love this book. Published by Japan-based Kodansha International, The Tokyo Look Book (2007) is a motley collection of photographs and interviews of Japanese fashionistas and fashion designers. "Motley" is probably a huge understatement, given what Philomena Keet (the author/editor) calls the "fashion spectrum" that exists in Tokyo. The photographs of Japanese guys and gals make me smile knowing that those pictured often follow their own drum beats. Even in the most outrageous and incongruous outfits, the Japanese youth wear their clothes with confidence or paint their faces with layers of make-up without second-guessing why they do it. If anyone has ever wondered who these "Harajuku Girls" are that Gwen Stefani sings about, pick up a copy of this book. They are fantastic!

Customer Review:
Since I'm an author, and my novels often feature both Asian Americans and Asians who have moved to the US from overseas, I was very interested in this book as a research tool. I was not disappointed.

This book is rich with pictures showing the different fashion styles prevalent in Tokyo. For someone who only visited Tokyo a couple times with family (and who didn't meet anyone my age), this was an eye-opener.

I like the fact that there are often several photos showing examples of each particular style, rather than just one photo to show each style. It helped me get a better feel for the trends of the "look" rather than just one person's ensemble.

The book shows the entire breadth of styles, from conservative to garish. I liked the hair and makeup showcased on the people photographed, as well.

The fact that the people were all from off the street gave the book an air of greater credibility, since they didn't arrange a photo shoot with models. I felt like I was getting a slice of Tokyo life and culture.

For me, this was an excellent research tool.

Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion

Description:
From the editors of Style.com, the hub of runway buzz, comes this savvy look at the individuals who propel the fashion world forward and declare what’s hot and what’s not. Called upon by designers, editors, photographers, and celebrities, stylists have a sixth sense for what is now and next in the fashion ether. Featuring sixteen of today’s top tastemakers, Stylist focuses on these fashion insiders whose precocious sense for the next big thing often results in trends of global proportions. Organized by stylist and featuring the photography of such luminaries as Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel, and Annie Leibovitz among others, this book documents the work and contributions of each stylist through photographs of their creative output and inspirations, and illustrates their distinctive taste, individual flair, and talent for igniting global fashion fervor. Selected for their originality and, in many cases, enduring fame, each stylist included in this volume has reached the pinnacle of success in their chosen métier. Author Sarah Mower’s interviews with the most influential stylists distill for us through conversation and example the fine art of the fashion pronouncement and what it means to be at the threshold of the cutting edge.

Customer Review:
As a fashion journalist, I served as a reference as a creative director very much.
Expect next edition.

Customer Review:
The book is good. It have very good pictures. But I expected that it have more text and explain you more about the stylist career.

In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine

Description:
In Vogue is a fascinating look at the history of the world's most influential magazine. The complete compendium is illustrated with hundreds of covers and archival interiors of past Vogue editions, featuring the work of some of the twentieth century's most respected artists, cover illustrators, and photographers—from Edward Steichen, Toni Frissell, and Erwin Blumenfeld to Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, David Bailey, Helmut Newton, Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, Steven Klein, Bruce Webber, and Herb Ritts. In 1909, an entrepreneurial New Yorker named Condé Nast took charge of a struggling society journal and transformed it into the most glamorous fashion magazine of the twentieth century. In Vogue traces the history, development and influence of this media colossus—from its beginning as a social gazette in the late nineteenth century, to the exploration of modern fashion photography and new visuals in the mid-twentieth century, to its status as the top style magazine today. The book explains the makings of the magazine—from runways, to editorial meetings, to the pages of Vogue.The thoroughly researched story incorporates first-person accounts, interviews with editors and photographers, and excerpts from stories written in the magazine by many world-renowned writers, including Truman Capote, Aldous Huxley, Richard Burton, Federico Fellini, and Marcello Mastroianni. Unparalleled in its scope and exceptionally illustrated, In Vogue is sure to be among the most important publications on the subjects of culture, art, fashion, photography, and media.

Customer Review:
I ORDERED IN VOGUE FOR MY DAUGHTER AND SHE JUST LOVES THIS BOOK IT IS A GREAT BOOK FOR WOMEN AND MEN INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF VOGUE AND FASHION. VERY ENJOYABLE SHE SAID.

Customer Review:
Thanks so much the book was perfect for my daughter's christmas present - just what she asked for and hoped it would be.

Customer Review:
What attracts you to Vogue? Chances are that element is represented someplace within the pages of In Vogue.

To me, the photographs are the main appeal of Vogue. Since its founding on December 17, 1892, Vogue has attempted to capture current and future fashion through its images. The magazine has been blessed by talented work done by most of the world's best fashion photographers since then who brought us the most interesting society women, celebrities, cultural icons, and, of course, fashion models. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book contained at least a few works by each of the greatest photographers to appear in Vogue. Most of the images were known to me, but a number were new. My main disappointment was that the photographers I like the most didn't have more photographs in the book. But the book is very bulky and heavy as it is.

To my interest in the photographs came many essays about why the photographers were selected and what the editors asked them to accomplish. The interaction of the art directors and the photographers was particularly noteworthy in regard to covers.

I have also spent many years as a management consultant in the magazine industry. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there's a pretty complete overview of the management thinking and decisions that led to Vogue becoming so successful.

But the most interesting surprise came in the extended views into the editorial philosophies and working styles of the magazine's editors. Creating a fashion magazine is very demanding, and Vogue has been fortunate in its editors both for their energy and their vision for the reader.

If neither business nor editing interest you, you'll still find lots of marvelous images to help you trace the development of fashion and style in the United States over the last 100 plus years.

Here are a few of my favorite photographs in the book:

Helen Lee Worthing by Baron Adolphe de Meyer, September 1, 1920 (p. 61)

White by Edward Steichen, January 1, 1936 (p. 67)

Mademoiselle Koopman by George Hoyningen-Huene, September 15, 1933 (p. 69)

Mary Taylor by Cecil Beaton, May 15, 1935 (p. 73)

Lisa Fonssagrives by Horst P. Horst, August 1, 1938 (p. 76)

Decor by Horst P. Horst, March 15, 1938 (p. 77)

Corset by Horst P. Horst, September 15, 1939 (p. 78)

Coco Chanel by Horst P. Horst, February 15, 1954 (p. 79)

Cover by Horst P. Horst, September 15, 1940 (p. 89)

Loretta Young by John Rawlings (p. 111)

Twelve Beauties by Irving Penn, 1947 (pp. 116-117)

Cover by Horst P. Horst, May 15, 1941 (p. 131)

Cafe Society by Cecil Beaton, 1948 (pp. 136-137)

Concentration Camp by Lee Miller, June 1945 (p. 143)

Jean Pachett by Irving Penn, February 15, 1949 (p. 144)

Atelier of Pablo Picasso, November 1, 1956 (pp. 156-157)

Twiggy by Richard Avedon, July 1967 cover (p. 172)

Marisa Berenson by Berry Berenson, 1969 (p. 179)

Marisa Berenson by Irving Penn, April 1970 (pp. 186-187)

Lauren Hutton by Richard Avedon, January 1, 1969 (pp. 198-199)

Celebrity covers, 1965-1971 (p. 202)

Cheryl Tiegs and Rene Russo by Helmut Newton, 1974 (p. 215)

Cybill Shepherd by Helmut Newton, 1973 cover, (p. 216)

Kim Basinger by Irving Penn, September 1978 (p. 217)

Beverly Johnson by Albert Watson, October 1977 (pp. 218-219)

Charlotte Rampling by Helmut Newton, 1974 (p. 221)

Eveningwear by Arthur Elgort, 1978 (p. 222-223)

Lisa Taylor by Arthur Elgort, October 1976 (pp. 228-229)

The Right Moment by Arthur Elgort (p. 230)

Lisa Taylor by Helmut Newton, May 1975 (p. 233)

Winnie by Helmut Newton, 1976 (p. 234)

Daryl Hannah by Helmut Newton, 1984 (p. 235)

Bathhouse by Deborah Turbeville, May 1975 (pp. 236-237)

Satin and Leather by Peter Lindbergh, September 1991 (pp. 252-253)

Color and Opulence by Peter Lindbergh, October 1997 (pp. 254-255)

Tribute by Annie Leibovitz, November 1999 Cover (pp. 272-273)

Linda Evangelista by Steven Meisel, September 2001 (p. 274)

Shape by Annie Leibovitz and Patrick Demarchelier, April 2002 (p. 278)

Lisa Cant by Irving Penn, September 2005 (p. 283)

Cindy Crawford by Helmut Newton, December 1991 (p. 287)

Haute Couture by Irving Penn, December 1995 (p. 292-293)

Epic Proportions by Irving Penn, April 2004 (p. 297)

Swimsuits by Mario Testino, May 2000 (pp. 298-299)

Portrait of a Lady by Steven Meisel, March 1995 (p. 307)

Mad About You by Steven Meisel, October 2003 (p. 313)

Naomi Campbell by Herb Ritts, May 1996 (pp. 314-315)

Barbarian Chic by Arthur Elgort (p. 325)

Near Bora Bora by Patrick Demarchelier, December 2004 (p. 330)

Golden Girl by Annie Leibovitz, April 2006 (pp. 345-346)

Condoleeza Rice by Annie Leibovitz, December 2001 (pp. 358-359)

Kate Moss by Irving Penn, September 1996 (pp. 368-369)

Hillary Clinton by Annie Leibovitz, December 1998 (p. 372)

Nicole Kidman by various photographers, September 2003 (pp. 378-379)

Models and Supermodels by Steven Meisel, September 2004 (pp. 380-381)

Ben Stiller and Stella Tennant by Annie Leibovitz, October 2001 (pp. 388-389)

Mario Testino, April 2006 (pp. 392-393)

Take a close look!

Henry Dunay: A Precious Life

Description:
Henry Dunay: A Precious Life is both a lavish album of Dunay’s finest designs and a biography that tells the amazing story of his rise from an immigrant family to the heights of the jewelry world. A contemporary American jeweler, Henry Dunay single-handedly built a business to fit the luxurious mold of the great jewelry houses of all time: Faberge, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

This is a world where superb craftsmen master arcane knowledge of precious and semi-precious stones; where jewelers compete for newly discovered gemstones; and where glamorous women vie to own one-of-a-kind pieces.

This book includes a biographical essay by Penny Proddow and Marion Fasel, an essay on Dunay’s use of colored stones by mineralogist George Harlow, and an essay on Dunay’s society and celebrity clientele by journalist Jeryl Brunner.

Customer Review:
Turning thick glossy page after page - this book is as opulent as the Jewelry produced by Dunay. His life story is well written and awe inspiring.

As a beginning jeweler this book provides a new muse for my imagination!

Professional Model Portfolios: A Step-by-Step Guide for Photographers

Description:
This photographer's guide to creating successful model portfolios encourages a dynamic, diversified artistic approach and shares essential knowledge about the modeling industry, portfolio basics, and agency requirements. Photographers learn how to work with models for the best possible results, create and refine a standout portfolio, and sell that product to agents in the United States, England, and Asia. Three actual portfolios are included to help photographers conceptualize, sculpt, and refine their own portfolios to maximize their client's reach in the industry. Photographers learn why particular images were chosen for opening and closing shots, how to arrange the interior images, and what constitutes an appealing design. Featuring information on working with women, men, and children, this book will help new and experienced models and photographers alike in getting the results they desire.

Customer Review:
Most of the things covered in this book are already known to photographers that have worked in the field, but for photographers starting in shooting models, this guide gives them a good start in the field.

Even though the book is titled 'A Step-by-Step Guide for Photographers', the information in here is even more valuable for models. Info on height classifications, measurements, posing, etc. I'd say all new models, and those that want to be models, this is a 'must have' book.

Customer Review:
This was a fantastic book. So much information. Every model and photographer should read this.

Customer Review:
This really helps with up and coming models who need a bit of direction.
I share this book with every new model I use.
Brings ideas to both of us.
It helps the models understand thier side of the business also.

Books: Photography Equipment

The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1

Description:
Scott Kelby, the man who changed the "digital darkroom" forever with his groundbreaking, #1 bestselling, award-winning book The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, now tackles the most important side of digital photography--how to take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use (and it's easier than you'd think).

This entire book is written with a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: "If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, 'Hey, how do I get this flower to be in focus, but I want the background out of focus?' I wouldn't stand there and give you a lecture about aperture, exposure, and depth of field. In real life, I'd just say, 'Get out your telephoto lens, set your f/stop to f/2.8, focus on the flower, and fire away.' You d say, 'OK,' and you'd get the shot. That's what this book is all about. A book of you and I shooting, and I answer the questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I've learned just like I would with a friend, without all the technical explanations and without all the techno-photo-speak."

This isn't a book of theory—it isn't full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts: this is a book of which button to push, which setting to use, when to use them, and nearly two hundred of the most closely guarded photographic "tricks of the trade" to get you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos with your digital camera every time you press the shutter button.

Here's another thing that makes this book different: each page covers just one trick, just one single concept that makes your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you'll learn another pro setting, another pro tool, another pro trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. There's never been a book like it, and if you're tired of taking shots that look "OK," and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, "Why don't my shots look like that?" then this is the book for you.

Customer Review:
this is the Best book for digital photo tips, very good info from an expert, written with great skill as not to be bland or boring
as Scott says he writes as if he was standing next to you giving you verbal advise.
i thoroughly reccommend this book to any one looking for simple straight forward uncomplicated info.

Customer Review:
The tips Scott provides in the first few chapters alone make this book worth it. I can't wait to read Volume 2.

The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters

Description:
THE FIRST BOOK WITH ONE FOOT ON THE COFFEE TABLE, AND ONE FOOT IN THE
CLASSROOM
Joe McNally, one of the world’s top pro digital photographers, whose celebrated work has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, Time, and National Geographic (to name a few), breaks new ground by doing something no photography book has ever done—blending the rich, stunning images and elegant layout of a coffee-table book with the invaluable training, no-nonsense insights, and photography secrets usually found only in those rare, best-of-breed educational books.

When Joe’s not on assignment for the biggest-name magazines and Fortune 500 clients, he’s in the classroom teaching location lighting, environmental portraiture, and how to “get the shot” at workshops around the world. These on-location workshops are usually reserved for a handful of photographers each year, but now you can learn the same techniques that Joe shares in his seminars and lectures in a book that brings Joe’s sessions to life.

What makes the book so unique is the “triangle of learning” where (1) Joe distills the concept down to one brief sentence. It usually starts with something like, “An editor at National Geographic once told me…” and then he shares one of those hard-earned tricks of the trade that you only get from spending a lifetime behind the lens. Then, (2) on the facing page is one of Joe’s brilliant images that perfectly illustrates the technique (you’ll recognize many of his photos from magazine covers). And (3) you get the inside story of how that shot was taken, including which equipment he used (lens, f/stop, lighting, accessories, etc.), along with the challenges that type of project brings, and how to set up a shot like that of your own.

This book also gives you something more. It inspires. It challenges. It informs. But perhaps most importantly, it will help you understand photography and the art of making great photos at a level you never thought possible. This book is packed with those “Ah ha!” moments—those clever insights that make it all come together for you. It brings you that wonderful moment when it suddenly all makes sense—that “moment it clicks.”


Customer Review:
It's a great book. The best on lighting I ever seen. Looks like we're talking to Macnally on a coffee table.

Customer Review:
Before ordering this book I had seen JoeMcNally give a foreword in a video; Didn't think much of him from that.

This book opened a whole new perspective to JoeMcNally and more importantly, photography. He really really knows his stuff. The book has nice photos and the whole book rides on a concept where he lets you have a piece of his mind, like kind of explaining what led to a shot.

It really doesn't go much into the stuff of what aperture or shutterspeed and whatnot.
What the book is really about, is about learning to think, and see perspective to things. And in that, it's absolutely wonderful! The book is full of insightful advice and know-how. Good stuff.

Customer Review:
If you ever gonna buy one book about how to take a picture, and how to get there - buy and read "The moment it click's" - seriously!
Best regards, Eilif Stene, Norway.

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)

Description:
For serious amateur photographers who already shoot perfectly focused, accurately exposed images but want to be more creative with a camera, here's the book to consult. More than seventy techniques, both popular and less-familiar approaches, are covered in detail, including advanced exposure, bounced flash and candlelight, infrared, multiple images, soft-focus effects, unusual vantage points, zooming, and other carefully chosen ways to enhance photographs. The A-Z format make sit easy for readers to find a specific technique, and each one is explained in jargon-free language. Top Tips for each technique help readers achieve superb results, even on the first attempt.

Customer Review:
I'm new to photography, trying to learn the basics in preparation for buying my first digital slr (I took a photography class 10 years ago, but had forgotten everything). This book is great, and I plan to read it many times. Even if you have little interest in actually using an advanced camera (like an slr), understanding the basics of photography is a good thing (and immensely interesting). As such, this book would be great for any person, even if he/she hasn't shown an interest in photography. This would be a great Christmas/birthday/etc gift for someone who is difficult to buy for.

Customer Review:
Even though this book is primarily written from a non-digital SLR camera perspective, the information and examples all work on your DSLR. After reading the first two chapters I was already snapping better pictures!!! I had a lot of questions and this book answered them! After reading this book I have a firm grasp on, ISO speeds, light readings and the ever important F/stop.

It is a must have!!


Customer Review:
I just bought a Nikon D300 DSLR Camera and thought I brush up my skills by buying a couple of books. Besides getting Understanding Exposure, I also bought The Digital Photography I and II. In comparison, Understanding Exposure is outdated and slightly over-rated.

1. Outdated. Some part of the books still refers film camera which I believe most readers, either wouldn't care or get confused. In today's digital world, why bother to have 8 pages (page 152 to 159) comparing digital and film (booked was first published in 2004 by someone who started shooting in the 1970s. no wonder). Wouldn't it be better to compare Digital Compact Camera vs DLSR instead?

2. Too basic for those have already have some shooting experience. Half the book talk about aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Big aperture helps blur the background, slow shutter speed gives a sense of motion and high ISO can be use in low lighting conditions. If you already knew this, then you might not learn so much from this book.

3. Compared to 'The Digital Photography Book', it doesn't give that many tips that will spur you into action immediately. Although after reading the book, you should know when to set aperture to f2.8 or f8 and shutter speed to 1/4 sec or 8 secs, it somewhat feels theoretical.

4. Does not talk about equipments and use of flash which I think are key in getting better pictures. But to be fair, this book is about understanding 'Exposure' not 'Photography'.

Having said the above, I did learn something from this book. My key takeaway are Back Lighting, Making Rain and fixing camera onto moving object like a bicycle. I recommend this book for those who are completely new to photography. But for those who already have some basic knowledge, Scott Kelby's The Digital Photogrpahy is more suitable.

Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second

Description:

The first book in the Understanding Photography series, Understanding Exposure, was a runaway best-seller, with more than 250,000 copies sold. Now author Bryan Peterson brings his signature style to another important photography topic: shutter speed. With clear, jargon-free explanations of terms and techniques, plus compelling "before-and-after" photos that pair a mediocre image (created using the wrong shutter speed) with a great image (created using the right shutter speed), this is the definitive practical guide to mastering an often-confusing subject. Topics include freezing and implying motion, panning, zooming, exposure, Bogen Super Clamps, and rendering motion effects with Photoshop, all with helpful guidance for both digital and film formats. Great for beginners and serious amateurs, Understanding Shutter Speed is the definitive handy guide to mastering shutter speed for superb results.

Nikon D40/D40x Digital Field Guide

Description:
This guide’s Quick Tour is the perfect way to get started with your new Nikon D40 or D40x digital SLR camera. Read on and learn to customize your camera’s settings; get perfect shots of sunsets, landscapes, people, or sporting events; identify and use all your camera’s controls and features; then learn to download your pictures, troubleshoot common camera problems, and tweak images right in the camera. This book fits in your camera bag to go wherever your Nikon goes.

Customer Review:
This book by David Busch gives a better insight into the use of the D40 and D40x cameras than does the guidebook that comes with the camera. The book contains many color photos to illustrate the discussion.
I was moderately familiar with the D40x camera using the Nikon guidebook before I looked at the Busch guidebook so I could skip a lot of the introductory material. I skimmed the chapters QT (Quick Tour of taking and saving the first pictures), Chapter 1 (gives detailed names and uses of the camera functions), and Chapter 2 (essentials of camera metering, adjusting exposures, adjusting ISO, noise reduction, and retouching photos). I looked more carefully at Chapter 3 (playback menu, shooting menu, custom settings, and setup menu) as there are a lot of detailed settings that are easy to forget. I did not look carefully at Chapter 4 (exposure settings)since I have done this with a number of cameras. First time users should find these chapters useful.
I looked more carefully at Chapter 5 (lenses) as it describes in detail the confusing lens-naming scheme of Nikon. Only certain lenses (AF-I or AF-S) with internal focusing motors will autofocus with the D40 and D40x since the camera has no focusing motor. I, for instance, use the kit 18mm to 55mm lens which will autofocus and also my old 70mm to 210mm lens with no autofocus motor for this camera. This is fine with me as I do not need autofocus with this latter lens. I often use the 70mm to 210mm lens with a Nikon close-up lens (5T, 6T) so I would much rather have manual focus. Nikon also has a decent, economical 55mm to 200mm vibration reduction lens with autofocus for these cameras that costs only about $250.
Chapter 6 is mostly concerned with continuous and flash lighting. The D40 and D40x has a small built in flash although I usually use the Nikon SB-600 external flash on autosettings for a brighter flash. The various flash settings such as front sync, rear sync, slow sync, red-eye reduction, and exposure compensation are often confusing so this discussion should be helpful to many.
Chapter 7 is a long chapter that suggests ways to approach taking photos under various conditions such as sunrise-sunset, infrared, action, black and white, flowers, and landscapes among many. One can pick sections they want to check. For example, the infrared section is the only place I have found some details on the use of these cameras for infrared (Nikon would not give me any information on the infrared sensitivity for these cameras but apparently they are sensitive to the near infrared). The cameras can be used with a Hoya R72 or Wratten 89b filter which will filter out the visible light and allow the infrared to pass. Also starting points to begin taking infrared photos are suggested (ISO 200, f/11, 8 seconds, use tripod etc) since exposure and focus have to be done by trial and error due to the different characteristics of infrared relative to visible light.
Chapter 8 describes downloading and editing images mostly using software from Nikon (Picture Project, Capture NX, and Control Pro). Nikon Picture Project comes with the camera and can be used to transfer images to your computer, do minor editing, and sharing your photos. Nikon Capture NX has to be purchased separately (about $150), and it can be used to modify images that in some operations make it easier to use than Photoshop Elements or Photoshop. For instance, similar colors can be changed over the entire image in one operation without changing other colors in the image. I often use Nikon NX for changing colors and then return to modifying the image in Photoshop.
Also there is an appendix and glossary. The appendix includes topics on updating the firmware of the camera (controls camera operations such as processing and links to external devices). Also the appendix suggests how battery life can be extended, fixing flash problems, reviving bad memory cards, and cleaning your sensor.
In short, this book should be a good book for the beginner to intermediate user who want to find out about the details of the camera so that the best pictures can be made under a variety of conditions. The beginner who wants to use the D40/D40x cameras more as a point and shoot camera can just set the camera in programmed exposure mode and still obtain a lot of good pictures without understanding all the functions of the camera. The advanced user who has used a number of Nikon digital cameras would not probably find much in the book of interest. Thus the star rating would vary a lot depending on your level of experience.

Customer Review:
This book is good. I reveals most, maybe all, of the many features of the Nikon D40X. Since I read the manual that came with the camera I was somewhat familiar with most of the camera's features, but having an organized way to go through them again with suggestions as to how to best use them was well worth the cost of the book. The color pictures are a welcome addition to the text.

Customer Review:
I bought this book as well as the Magic Lantern book. I preferred the Magic Lantern book because it dealt strictly with the D40X camera that I had just purchased. The Digital Field Guide is a good book, but has several chapters on basic photography. As such, it is a good reference.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide

Description:
This full-color book is designed to tap the exploding market in serious digital photography with over 250 pages of new and beautiful photos, essential photography how-to information and no-fail formulas for getting great digital pictures with the newly announced Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D. It goes above and beyond competitive digital SLR books with step-by-step techniques that cover exposure, composition, and professional shooting tips on perspective, impact, and more. Charlotte K. Lowrie, author of two previous Digital Field Guides (see below), is an acclaimed photographer who was managing editor of editorial content for MSN Photos and now writes online instructional content for Canon.

Charlotte K. Lowrie (Woodinville, WA) is a freelance editorial and stock photographer and an award-winning writer. Her work has appeared in Popular Photography & Imaging and PHOTOgraphic magazines, and she is the author of the bestselling Canon EOS Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide as well as Adobe Camera Raw Studio Skills, the Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide, and Teach Yourself Visually Digital Photography, Second Edition, all from Wiley. Charlotte also teaches photography classes through BetterPhoto.com.

Customer Review:
More lengthy discussion of the manual. Half of it is actually in the manual, but the other half makes it worth buying. I have a bit of trouble reading the small print in the original manual, so this larger book is nice.

Customer Review:
I first purchased the Canon EOS Digital rebel XTi 400D by David D Busch. I find Davids book much more compelling in understanding the workings of the REBEL XTi. His format I find was easier to follow and use from a technical format. Charlotte's book is more of a narrative.


Customer Review:
This book really helps you understand the use of the 400D, something missing from most camera manuals. Worth every penny!

Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

Description:
An amazing (and some would say magical) resource on photographic lighting that has been talked about in the community and recommended for years. This highly respected guide has been thoroughly updated and revised for content and design - it is now produced in full color! It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting so if you are starting out in photography you will learn how to predict results before setting up lights. This is not primarily a how-to book with only set examples for you to copy. Rather, Light: Science and Magic provides you with a comprehensive theory of the nature and principles of light to allow you to use lighting to express your own creativity.

Numerous photographs and illustrations provide clear examples of the theories, while sidebars highlight special lighting questions. Expanded chapters on available light in portraiture, as well as new information on digital equipment and terminology make this a must have update!

*New four color art package with contemporary lighting examples
*Based on the behaviour of light
*Theory book for serious photographers

Customer Review:
no serious amatuer or pro photographer should be without this book on light and how to use it properly for better pictures.....film or digital it makes no difference

Customer Review:
It would be hard to add much to what has already been said by so many. This is an excellent book on lighting for photography. I'd highlight again that this isn't a cookbook but instead focuses on the fundamentals. If you're looking for step by step instructions on how to reproduce the latest lighting gimmick you've seen in magazine ads then go elsewhere. If you're looking for a book on the fundamentals that will allow you to create your own lighting with ease and reverse engineer anyone else's lighting then this is the book you want. There are lots of books on photography and lighting out there and few that have much useful to say. This is probably one of the highest quality and most consistently useful books in the field of photography I've ever seen.

Customer Review:
Recently, I was asked to photograph clear, glass dishware. My search for resources led me to "Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting" by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, and Paul Fuqua. My questions about glass photography were answered, and the examples and hints given were extremely useful. This text will not answer all your questions, and other sources are needed for detailed operational instructions for flash lighting. Hunter, Biver, and Fuqua will give you an excellent overview of concepts and "how to" for key lighting problems including shiny metal, glass and protraits. An excellent use is as a text for continuing education photography students, and as an addition to the library of advanced, non-pro photographers.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers,The (Voices That Matter)

Description:
This book takes you beyond showing you which sliders do what to reveal the secrets of the new digital photography workflow using Adobe Lightroom, and he does it using three simple techniques that make this just a great learning tool: 1) Throughout the book Scott shares his own personal settings and studio tested techniques he s developed using Lightroom for his own photography workflow since well before Adobe released even the first Beta version. He knows what really works, what doesn t, and he tells you flat out which tools to use, which to avoid, and why. 2) The entire book is laid out in a real workflow order with everything step-by-step, so you can jump right in using Lightroom like a pro from the very start and sidestep a lot of productivity killing road blocks and time-wasting frustrations that might have tripped you up along the way. 3) In the last two bonus chapters Scott visually answers his No.1 most-asked Lightroom question, which is: Exactly what order am I supposed to do things in, and where does Photoshop fit in? Scott teaches this by showing every step of the entire process, from the initial shoot to the final prints. Both chapters start with an on-location photo shoot, including full details on the equipment, camera settings, and even the lighting techniques. You ll see it all as he takes the photos from each shoot all the way through the entire workflow process, to the final output of the 16x20 prints for the client.

Customer Review:
The book should be titled Lightroom for Dummies because this book lays out the ins and outs of Lightroom so that anyone can understand it. Each part of the work flow is broken down into it's own individual chapter. From there, whatever it is that needs to be done is further broken down into steps, rather than just a long chapter of reading and technical jargon.

I have used Lightroom on a few occasions, but never knew it's full capabilities until I read this book. I highly recommend it to anyone!!

Customer Review:
This book is so well written-Scott Kelby gives you it ALL every different way to click and his favorite ways. Why beat your head against the wall trying to figure it out. He has done it for you and then some. The time it takes to go thru the book will save you time and grief so many times over. He lives and breathes this stuff- this is how he makes his living and he is real good at it. If he was a surgeon, you would want to be under his knife. This is not a paid endorsement, just someone thankful for a tech writer who can make his topic accessable to all.

Dr Arthur Miller ( not the playwright- although I could write a View from the Bridge. What am I????? Scott also has a wonderful sense of humor.

Customer Review:
First I want to say that buying and shipping with Amazon.com across the ocean was a really pleasant experience. Good price (better than at home).
The book is a very good assistent when working with Lightroom. Easy to read, good examples and I discovered many features of Lightroom that I would not have discovered without this book.
I think that Scott Kelby is a funny man because of his way of writing. This could be disturbing, but to me it wasn't.
I really can recommend Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for Digital Photographers

Take Your Photography to the Next Level: From Inspiration to Image

Description:
This book is for the photographer who strives to achieve a higher level of results in their work. Take Your Photography to the Next Level is based on a series of essays originally featured on the popular Luminous Landscape website. Barr tackles some of the rarely discussed, yet essential aspects of successful photography. Here is where photographers will learn what is required in order to grow in their creativity and to gain a deeper understanding of their craft.

With a foreward by Michael Reichmann.

Topics include:

Creativity

Dealing with disappointment

Developing an "eye"

Making stronger images

What photographs well

Where to go looking for the best photographic subjects

How to approach subject material

A great image is just around the corner

Dealing with failure

Mind games

Becoming a self-aware photographer

Framing, cropping, & manipulating prints to create mood and transmit your message

Customer Review:
If you want to learn how to approach your photography in different light and work on composition b/c you have had enough practice with the technical stuff...I highly recommend you buy this book. Very well written, great humor and priceless information for the dedicated photographer.

Pam Vasquez

Customer Review:
This book has some great text. It is insightful and motivating. I could say it `put few things in its place' regarding some photography subjects in my mind. It is easy to read and makes things look simple, understandable, reachable, and very clear. Author is very talented teacher.
Unfortunately the images, that are everywhere and have a clear purpose to illustrate the subject being discussed, are disappointing and many of them should be replaced e.g. with the pictures of photographers that the author is often mentioning.
Images have a big impact and in this book a negative one unfortunately. Author should have tried harder with the pictures and looked elsewhere first, e.g. just look at the accompanying pictures in `The photographers eye' by Michael Freeman etc.
Yes, I think images are that bad.
E.g. picture of his underwear on some table - it is there to make a point, but he could have made the same point in 100 other more aesthetically pleasing ways, remember the book title?
All in all I really think this is a book about how to take your photography to the next level, but don't look at the pictures (seriously) just read this great text.


Customer Review:
I am always on the look out for ways to improve my skills as a photographer, and therefore I regularly read books that I think will give me new ideas and techniques. I regularly read the recipe and how to books, but more often than not I find that over half of those books tend to cover common topics that I already know. It is not bad that they have the topics, I just have read them time and again.

George Barr offers something unique in refreshing in a photography book with his focus on his theory and process of capturing amazing photos. As he introduces in the very outset of his introduction, the book is an expanded version of a series of posts he made online over time. He has taken the best topics and refined them into a well organized education in doing what his title indicates, taking your photography to a level higher than it is now.

What may be frustrating for those looking for the single "magic" answer should instead be motivating for most. Through the book you are given ideas and concepts to consider when approaching an opportunity to photograph rather than a recipe for success. Photography is an expression of onces on view and choices to interpret a scene; there is no one magic answer.

After reading through this title I am now reading it again, a chapter at a time. With each chapter I am putting the book down and attempting to apply the principles being taught. I plan to have this book be a part of my growth in photographic skills for a long time.

The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series)

Customer Review:
Like many other reviewers that have commented on this book ..... I also purchased Scott Kelby's book (vol.2). I think that this book wins hands down between the two excellent books.

I have been interested in photography for many years, but I just recently purchased a higher-end DSLR camera. Thus, I enjoyed the content of both books. I really enjoy the simplicity of this book. This book utilizes very effective teaching tools that result in the readers quickly learning new techniques and methods of achieving better results.

There really should be no debate.... Both books are excellent learning tools. Enjoy,

DPerez

Customer Review:
One of the very best books I have read regarding Digital Photography. Ben Long is an expert in his field and is a very good communicator of his acquired knowledge. I have learned many good points from reading his book.I am not a professional photographer but I like knowing how to take great photographs. I am taking a college course in photography and this book is an excellent companion to the concepts being taught.

Customer Review:
This book is like a photography 101 class, with a little bit of information on DSLR's , digital file formats, and digital enhancement. If you already understand aperture, ISO, shutter speeds, basic composition principles, depth of field, etc, you do not need this book. I would get this book for a novice photographer who wanted to generally improve their understanding of basic photography principles.

That being said, the book is easy to read with pretty good images to demonstrate the lessons, and it presents all concepts well. I do think it would be beneficial to someone who has n ever used a camera in manual mode. The "assignments" at the end of each lesson would be especially useful for getting more comfortable with the camera.

Just not what I needed; still a good book for the right level of user.

Books: Darkroom & Processing

The Creative Digital Darkroom

Description:
This tutorial takes photographers beyond the quick tips and gimmicky effects of many digital photography books. Author Katrin Eismann -- an internationally acclaimed artist, bestselling author, and gifted educator -- offers high-profile work, including her own, as examples for teaching photographers how to use the digital medium to create, edit, and output images that reflect their true vision.

Co-authored by photographer and teacher Sean Duggan, The Creative Digital Darkroom translates skills, concepts, and nomenclature of the traditional darkroom into digital solutions for photographers who sense that, despite the newness of the technologies at hand, there remains a timeless method for learning and practicing photography the right way. This is not a Photoshop book per se, but it does focus on the photographic aspects of Photoshop, something other books claim to do but rarely have the discipline to accomplish. The Creative Digital Darkroom includes:

• Four sections that cover the black & white darkroom, the color darkroom, creative techniques, and production essentials
• Chapters that begin with a thorough foundation followed by numerous tutorial examples that apply the theory to real-world examples
• Examples and a layout that enables readers to find, understand, and apply the featured techniques quickly and easily
• The authors are both renowned photographers and Photoshop experts

Clearly, The Creative Digital Darkroom is not your typical digital photography "how to" book. It's ideal for intermediate and advanced photographers, artists, and educators looking for clear, concise, insightful, and inspiring information and techniques on how to make their photographs shine. The language, and techniques will immediately appeal to serious students and professionals, and the original tutorial images and high-profile work will make the book an important visual resource for educators and art appreciators.


Customer Review:
Classic photo and darkroom concepts are important for using even modern digital cameras and tools - and thus a manual pairing tested photo techniques with Adobe Photoshop, which includes original photo examples with each lesson. From coverage of traditional darkroom skills and abilities and how these translate into Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom to the basics of producing initial high-quality images and understanding both black and white and color darkroom techniques, this packs in details and lessons for both artists and educators, making for an outstanding and colorful lesson plan.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Customer Review:
I love Katrin books on Photoshop and this last one is a must have, specially if you teach Photoshop, it will help you a lot to organize your classes. Beautifull edition with plenty of concise explanations. It may lack profound information on some aspects but it's still a must in your digital photography library

Customer Review:
This is an excellent resource, and one that I will use over and over. It may be sexist, but I find that women bring an invaluable dimension to photography. It is very difficult to describe, but, for me, quite real nonetheless.

Exposure Photo Workshop: Develop Your Digital Photography Talent (Photo Workshop)

Description:
A project-oriented workshop on exposure-in full color. Packed with 400 stunning full-color photographs of people, wildlife, and landscapes, this book offers photographers unique tips and tricks for getting just the right image quality and tone. Teaches you everything you need to know about shutter speed, aperture, white balance, lighting, flash photography and more to get your best images!

The Ansel Adams Guide: Basic Techniques of Photography - Book 1 (Ansel Adams's Guide to the Basic Techniques of Photography)

Description:
Arguably the best book yet written for those wishing to pursue photography seriously, Basic Techniques of Photography, Book 1 has been completely revised and updated in order to keep pace with fast-moving technological advances in the field.The revised edition includes more than fifty new illustrations, offering still greater clarity in presenting Ansel Adams legendary approach to photography.Since its publication in 1992, The Ansel Adams Guide: Basic Techniques of Photography, Book 1 has sold more than 100,000 copies and is used in many introductory photography courses.This revised edition offers new information on: -variable-contrast papers -digital cameras and view cameras -the Advance Photo SystemBook 1 is organized to present the principles of black-and-white and color photography to a broad range of photographersfrom the serious beginner to the advanced amateur.It draws extensively on the philosophy and techniques of Ansel Adams, the best-known writer/teacher of photography of all time, and is profusely illustrated with Adams own work as well as that of other photographers.Adams technical writings were famously difficult to understand.However, in Book 1, John Schaefer skillfully interprets Adams words, theories, and art as a foundation for a more clearly written, understandable, and actively up-to-date guide to creative photography.

Customer Review:
This book (and the second volume accompanying it) adequately covers and explains all aspects related to analogic photography, especially BW photography. Even if little attention is paid to color photography and even less to digital, everything you may learn from the book should be useful for any kind of photography.

Customer Review:
I found the Ansel Adams books on "The Print" and "The Negative" a bit on the heavy side, but John Schaefer's book is a superb addition to any aspiring photographer's library. It covers the photographic field very comprehensively and in easily understood English, and without the frills of technical jargon so loved by some authors.
Although the book deals with colour photography as well, I would thoroughly recommend this book to any aficionado of black and white photography-- it is, without doubt one of the best books on photography I have in my library!


Customer Review:
This book has everything, and then some. It will take you from not knowing anything to being a quasi-expert in a fairly short amount of time.

That said, it is pretty dry. Very textbookish in form, the book is difficult to read straight through. This is made more palatable by the extreme depth that the book goes into for each topic that it discusses.

Starting with the differences in photo gear, the author leads the reader through selecting a first camera to selecting a lens to selecting a film and finally the development of the negative and print. The book is exhausting in its depth and breadth.

Much time was spent on Adams' Zone system and its usefulness in taking beautiful photographs. This focus throughout the book really drove home the importance of exposure.

The pictures used in the book are fantastic and the personal accounts of some photos by Adams himself are very interesting.

The only thing that I felt was skimped on was the process of selecting a shot. Adams was a large-format photographer so he wasn't able to make the hundreds of shots of a scene that a 35mm photographer could make, so it was important for him to select his shots carefully. More text space devoted to Adams' method or instinct for finding shots would have been the final piece of information that would have made this a complete guide to photography.

It wasn't easy reading, but I learned a lot and was able to immediately use the information in the book to improve my own photography.

Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks

Description:
You asked for it and you got it! Memory Makers has outdone themselves with this sequel to their best-selling book, Creative Photo Cropping, including brand new techniques for turning photos into gorgeous works of art.

Learn innovative ideas for cropping photos into borders, quilt and stained glass designs, mosaics and collages. Discover fresh techniques for framing, slicing, weaving, cutting, punching, piercing, tearing photos and more. Plus tips on how to utilize more of your scrapbook tools to create uniquely cropped photos. Techniques run the gamut, from basic to advanced, with something new for everyone!

Customer Review:
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.

Customer Review:
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.

Customer Review:
What an awesome book for a remarkably awesome price

Into Your Darkroom Step by Step

Description:

A thoroughly illustrated guide for beginners, this book explains everything from setting up a darkroom to evaluating and improving final prints.

Customer Review:
Dennis Curtin's book is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures handbook for the beginner in B&W darkroom work. It covers setting up a darkroom, developing B&W film using standard Kodak chemistry, and making prints and enlargements. Easy to read, easy to go back to as a reference. It does not cover color work in any way.

Customer Review:
This book is like learning your ABC's. It's a step by step guide, easy to follow, easy to understand and doesn't get too technical for the beginner. I bought other books, and they're good, but get too detailed for a impatient new comer. I just wanted to dig in, and this book walked me through it! Put my darkroom together and developed my first roll of film in nothing flat - talk about instant gratification. My 11 year old daughter was able to take this and develop her own roll of film by herself. If you're new, want fast progress and interested in the basics - get this book!

Customer Review:
This is an excellent resource for beginners. THis book gives you information on how to set up a darkroom, develop film, make proof sheets, make prints, and also gives some basic troubleshooting techniques. The layout is very convenient. Every page had black and white photos to demonstrate the technique being presented, so there are no chances to make mistakes.

If you're a advanced photographer, you probably don't need the information in this book. If you're a beginner, this book is a necessity. As for me, I'm a casual photographer and I don't have my own darkroom. I rent a darkroom about 4 times a year. When I go to the darkroom, I always review this book the night before. That way I can refresh my memory on the darkroom process. If you are such a casual photographer, I can recommend this book for that purpose. Check it out.

Polaroid Transfers: A Complete Visual Guide to Creating Image and Emulsion Transfers (Practical Photography Books)

Description:
It is rare for such a perfect instructional book to come along. In this comprehensive guide, the author reveals how to create image and emulsion transfers by providing both detailed instructions and descriptive illustrations that will make you a master of this intriguing process in no time. From the basics to the most innovative techniques, everything is explained and showcased in dozens of full- color images created by the author and 20 internationally known transfer artists and photographers.

Customer Review:
This is a great book- full of artistic pieces and knowledge on how to recreate your own work! I wanted this book for a long time, found it on Amazon and paid a fraction of what I would have paid in the store!

Customer Review:
Though this book was published clear back in 1997, the information is timeless. I tend to shy away from older how-to books, but this is a great book to add to your art and craft library. I wish all how-to books were this thorough and informative. You get your money's worth here.

Customer Review:
I've been wanting both of her books for awhile now and I finally splurged and got both of them (the Polaroid Manipulations book that concentrates on the SX-70 manip process).

When I first flipped through this book I was blown away and amazed by the content. This book is the number one resource for helping you along with your Polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. It is HIGHLY informative. The author guides you step by step and even provides some background information on how the processed were discovered. She also offers a lot of inspirational material in an advanced techniques section of the book. At the end of the book there are artist galleries with drop-dead-gorgeous work!

I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to get into the alternative processes with the Polaroid medium. Don't hesitate... get a copy today!

Polaroid Manipulations: A Complete Visual Guide to Creating SX-70, Transfer, and Digital Prints (Photography for All Levels: Intermediate)

Description:
This comprehensive guide covers all experimental Polaroid techniques, including image and emulsion transfers, SX-70 manipulations and digital prints. Offers step-by-step instructions as well as an incredible gallery of 20 leading artists in this field. 192 pages 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 Softbound

Customer Review:
This book is awesome! I wanted to purchase it at a major chain and decided to look here instead. I got 4 books for the price of one! I highly reccomend this if you are interested in excelling at your transfer techniques.

Customer Review:
I've been wanting both of her books for awhile now and I finally splurged and got them both. When I first flipped through this book I was blown away and amazed by the content. This book is the number one resource for helping you along with your Polaroid SX-70 manipulations. She also provides some brief information on transfers and emulsion lifts (If you want to know more you should invest in a copy of her other book "Polaroid Transfers". It is HIGHLY informative. The author guides you step by step and even provides some background information on how the processes were discovered. She also offers a lot of inspirational material in an advanced techniques section of the book. At the end of the book there are artist galleries with drop-dead-gorgeous work!

I especially find the handcoloring section of this book to be very helpful. I wasn't really aware that I could add some color to my SX-70 manips. She goes in-depth about each medium that can be used to enhance the color (Prismacolor markers, watercolors, pastels, etc.) She also provides some useful information on how to enhance the Polaroids digitally in Photoshop.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to get into the alternative processes with the Polaroid medium. Don't hesitate... get a copy today!

Customer Review:
I have been doing SX-70 manipulations for about 4 years and to this point have been totally self taught. I have looked at some galleries online and had previously wondered how some people were able to achieve such vibrant colors with their work, had their lines squiggle to such a great extent, etc. I now have the answers to all my questions. I am so grateful to Kathleen for writing this book (thank you!).

There is so much valuable information in this book that I know I will be using it to expand my skills and experiment with new ideas for years to come. If you are a new or seasoned manipulator, this book is a MUST HAVE! 5 Stars!!!

-dave walker (tucson, az)

The Darkroom Cookbook, Second Edition

Description:
Written in easy-to-understand language, The Darkroom Cookbook is the one source every photographer needs for the recipes for both common and rare photographic formulas. This book shares tried-and-true techniques for the silver-based process and provides the keys to unlocking creativity through the mastery of the 'ingredients' of photography -- namely the chemicals used to develop, fix, stop and tone.
The Darkroom Cookbook, 2nd Edition offers 170 photographic formulas, 20 of which are new to this edition, that cover film developing, paper developing, toners, stop baths, fixers, negative reductions, print reductions, negative intensifiers, paper intensifiers, and more. New information has been added on pyro developer, amidol developer, monobaths, pushing film, and low contrast development. Sections on safety and darkroom planning, as well as a listing of chemical suppliers, complete this book. The comb binding allows for easy darkroom use.

*Recipes for 170 photographic formulas and their specific uses, including 20 new ones
*In-depth analysis of which formulas work best under what conditions, as well as specialized conditions, such as working in extremely cold or tropical climates
*Handy, easy-to-access information on safety, suppliers, darkroom planning, and conversion tables

Customer Review:
It's comprehensive, it's well written and it is easy to follow the chemical recipes.
It is exactly what it claims to be nothing more and nothing less.

Customer Review:
If you are a step by step learner don't buy this book also If you are not welling to spent hours daily to learn from it don't buy this book, its kind of book which requested by the teachers to there students.

Customer Review:
This book has been flipped through many times, it holds many wonderful ideas and continues to inspire me in this digital age we live in!

Memory Makers Creative Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks: Steps for Turning Your Photos into Works of Art (Memory Makers)

Customer Review:
I have been an avid scrapbooker for years and have yet to find a book that uses the pictures as the true page focal point instead of adding embellishments.... until I saw this book! There is page after page of unique ideas for cropping pictures that will guarantee that your pages will stand out from all the others.



Customer Review:
Ever hear of *SHEAR-CROPPERS* ? "Creative P.C. (Photo Cropping) for Scrapbooks" is a book crammed with examples of "creative cropping" - - including new twists & challenges. My favorites are weaving, vertical panoramas and kaleidoscope mats.

Patterns can be imitated or cleverly adapted for using your own treasured photographs. The fun is in trying out all of the different effects. Only in a "How-To" book would so many fill consecutive pages, but finished products can also be framed as gifts, &/or placed as decorative accents in homes.

The book is obviously not the work of one individual - - many have worked together to demonstrate ideas for cropping in distinctive ways that will liven the pages of scrapbooks. It is all part of a thriving industry whose many enthusiasts love to learn & share new techniques. Even in the very small (15,071) Indiana county where Reviewer mcHAIKU lives, there are two shops and one 'commercial' individual in the largest town (population: 826)!
This shows that you can get help anywhere to produce *BLUE RIBBON scrapbooks* - - and especially by using books such as "Creative Photo Cropping." (mcHaiku: 8.2.07)


Customer Review:
This book is well worth the price. It offers many unique ideas. It has the basics for your beginner scrapbookers, but is full of challenge ideas for apprentice or even seasoned scrapbookers!

Scrapbooking Digitally: The Ultimate Guide to Saving Your Memories Digitally

Description:
Forget about traditional scrapbooking! Throw out the scissors and glue and save your memories in a whole new way. Scrapbooking Digitally is a complete reference book for people of all ages. A step-by-step guide, Scrapbooking Digitally takes readers through every step of the scrapbooking process--from picking the right camera to working with software to learning creative tools, like altering images, typefaces, and backgrounds. It even offers inspirational sample pages and tips on how to go beyond paper to create one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, and home decorations. Complete with a CD of downloadable "paper" patterns and ornaments to help replicate what's on the page, this book is just what the savvy scrapbooker interested in going digital is looking for.