Book Description

Teaching beginner photographers how to create good, flattering light, this book discusses topics such as proper equipment, developing an eye for form, and positioning equipment to maximize the appeal of a subject. As studio photographers face a host of lighting challenges not often encountered outdoors-from lighting reflective objects to photographing food-this guide provides unexpected tips and surprising solutions for adding a jolt of creativity to images. Step-by-step guidance on using the ordinary to create the extraordinary is provided. With its dual focus on creating lighting styles that are both technically correct and creative, this book shows photographers how to effectively light everything from portraits to product shots with confidence. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The only book on lighting you will ever need!!
I buy a lot of books on photoshop and photographyand this is one book you have to have. Concepts are explained well and bakced up with helpful diagrams. I have been looking for a book the last three year's on Lighting that I could understand and this did.
It even discussses special lighting effects used in high quality studio shots. Having this book will let you cross over from amateur to professional.
Thanks Mr. Marr for a great tome! ... Read more

Book Description

Nick Kelsh's winning formula for creating the consistently top-ranking titles in his category? Simply put, Kelsh can teach anyone--with any kind of camera--to take great pictures, by showing how he takes his own great pictures.

Kelsh presents more than 40 new picture-taking scenarios--the types that fill everyone's photo albums. Whether capturing milestones such as graduations or weddings, or the unexpected occurrence, such as a beautiful sunset or a pet in a funny pose, Kelsh's readers will learn to make images they can be proud of.

Each spread addresses one photo idea, with simple techniques and tips explained using a "predictable amateur photo" compared to the same image improved by professional wisdom. A special 8-page gatefold demonstrates "how to photograph a vacation." These are the photo-ops of our daily lives and, mundane or special, they represent what everyone really wants to know: how to take a picture of a group of friends, how to photograph a private moment, and even how to take a good picture of something you want to sell on eBay.

Special attention is paid to the growing number of people working with point-and-shoot digital cameras. Kelsh has photographed the entire book with one and he includes advice on how to use it as well as image storage for the digital family album.

You've photographed Baby and Family. It's time for the rest of your life in How to Photograph Your Life. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I fell in love with this book
I enjoyed each moment reading this book. I plan to re-read it multiple times in future years. What makes this book really stand out is that it presents examples of what not to do (pictures that look "common") side-by-side with better ideas, presented using simple and touching text. The design and pictures make this a work of art. It is not about my camera; it is about me. I have been taking photos of my family over 30 years, and this book encouraged me. I want to get out and experiment even more.

Simple tips, practical advice - for the amateur photographer
This is the most practical book on photography I have read. And I have read many, many books over the years.

I would get lost in f/stops and shutter-speeds and light-meters and fiddle endlessly with my SLR camera. I bought this book after I had just sold my SLR and got my first digital camera, a Canon S50. My eyesight is not so good anymore and I wanted an easy to use point and shoot with some manual features.

After reading this book, I have been getting some pretty amazing pictures with my new digital camera. I shoot many, many pictures and come up close to the subject and a lot of the time, just turn off the flash. And the pictures that have resulted are the best I have ever taken (I love taking people-pictures).

Some 30 pictures I took recently of a little girl in a matter of about 45 minutes came out so good, her dad couldnt stop thanking me for the great pictures. To me only two of them were outstanding. Is this my new skill, am I now a terrific photographer? Pshaw ! I simply followed Nick Kelsh's advice and just came in close and shot many pictures. And some of them came out just great. Really !

I now have this book plus Kelsh's "Family" and "Baby" books. Enjoyed reading them and re-inforcing the advice so it becomes second-nature when I am using my camera. By the way, if you like shooting portraits, using window-light is absolutely the best way to go.

Buy this book
As an above amature photographer, I initally found this book to tell me everything I already knew.....Except, this book not only told me why but showed me results in taking photographs the bad way and then the good way. I am on my way to ordering Nick's two other books as soon as I finish this....Thanx Nick

Fun, creative, encouraging!
The focus of this book is creativity in photography for people who haven't done a lot of picture-taking. In addition to showcasing some simple concepts, this book gives creative ideas and suggestions for all kinds of challenging photography situations (birthday parties, family meetings, the list goes on). Kelsh's emphasis is on simplicity and ingenuity, and is guaranteed to transform your ho-hum snapshots into enlargement-worthy favorites.

This book has a few simple concepts that will revolutionize the way you take pictures (as well as the way you look at people). What could be simpler than the tips found in this book? We can all get closer, turn off the flash, take a lot of pictures (a few rolls at a time), and look at situations from unexpected perspectives. And yet, with just these basic tips, Nick Kelsh assures us that we will begin to take photos that will be treasured as instant classics.

Kelsh's tone is encouraging, conversational, and assuring. He is part-professional, part-everyphotographer. He is equally comfortable with portrait photography and snapshots. He avoids technical jargon and sticks with phrases we all like to imagine in connection with our own photos: "the envy of all your friends," "compliments on your photos," "people will ask you to photograph their children," and so on.

You'll love your first reading of it, and I bet it will become a favorite over time. I'm tempted to buy several copies to give to friends. So don't wait -- get it, read it, and start taking pictures of your loved ones! And check out ALL of Nick Kelsh's titles!

Terrific guide for EVERY amateur photographer!!
I picked this book up when I was considering teaching an amateur photography class at an outdoor retreat thinking I might get a few tips and some sample photos to show the class. What a surprise when I realized that this was the perfect, concise, easy-to-understand guide to taking great photographs with a basic, point-and-shoot digital camera! Kelsh is funny, easy to relate to, easy to understand, and obviously very good at what he does. I've since bought all of his books and have given copies of this one to my friends and family. If you like to take pictures, BUY THIS BOOK!! ... Read more

Book Description

This revised edition includes all the new Nikon camera lenses and its many accessories, making this edition the most complete Nikon reference book to date. Revised chapters will cover digital cameras and their accessories--this is an area that has become more important since the first edition.

This revised edition is written by Simon Stafford, the technical editor to the Nikon Owners' Club International and the club magazine Nikon Owner. ... Read more

Book Description

There’s no more comprehensive and invaluable guide to the use and control of color in digital photography, and print, Web, and multimedia design. This volume brings a fresh perspective
to common color problems, explaining exactly how we see color, what the differences are between human and camera perception, and how to work with a color wheel.There’s a full discussion of display issues, including monitor calibration and resolution, color palettes, and consistency across varying platforms, operating systems, and software.A skills “toolkit” provides a detailed look at both computer hardware and image-editing software, and a hands-on workshop provides lessons in adjusting skin tones, retouching and restoring archived photos, and dealing with landscapes, fashion, still lifes, and more.
... Read more

Book Description

From skyscrapers to parking structures, from the Stock Exchange to the historic townhouses of Harlem, the buildings of New York are as diverse as its culture. The City estimates that there are 90,000 buildings within the five boroughs, ranging from single-story warehouses to mighty skyscrapers. Now, for the first time, 1,000 of these buildings, widely varied in style-from landmarks to architectural oddities to humble utilitarian structures-are artfully photographed and beautifully celebrated. Photographer Jorg Brockmann has captured the power and personal essence of each building, providing a fresh, close-up view of New York unlike any other.

Essential information about each building, along with neighborhood maps and useful sidebars, make this the last word on New York structures large and small. It's a feast for lovers of architecture and of great photography, as well as devotees of the most vibrant and resilient city in the world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Terrific Look At The Wonder Of NYC Buildings & Architecture!
A great value, and amazing overview of 1,000 buildings from the world's leading architectural center! Including the greatest (Empire State, Chrysler, Woolworth...) to hundreds of smaller gems all over the five boroughs like St Nicholas Cathedral, the Hong Kong Bank Building, Trinity Church, 2 White Street, on and on...Yes, the destroyed World Trade Center is also included.And Some nice commentary.A can't miss book! My only (very minor) criticisms are (1) All the photos are black and white (color would probably too costly), and (2) some structures are only shown by a facade or small ornament...In any event, a real treasure!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Zone System Rethought
I used this book years ago to set up my Zone System procedures, and it worked great. It's for those photographers a bit overwhelmed by "Beyond the Zone System", but still want authentic Zone System results. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

In this second edition of best-selling Travel Photography internationally renowned travel photographer Richard I'Anson will help you capture the pictures you've always wanted.

New features:
• New comprehensive section on digital photography
• Updated, user-friendly design
• More pages and more pictures
• New images with extended captions
• Updated foreword by Tony Wheeler

Updated Information:
• Techniques to help you make the most of your skills
• Advice on avoiding common photographic mistakes, plus a guide to photo etiquette
• A guide to buying photographic equipment
• Tips on protecting and caring for your camera gear while on the road
• The low-down on assessing, displaying and earning extra money with your photographs
• Now includes advice on digital photography throughout ... Read more

Book Description

The most arresting photographic images in our history-all the way up to the World Trade Center tragedy and the 2002 war in Afghanistan-come to life in this complete compilation of Pulitzer Prize-winning news and feature photos, along with the stories behind them.

More than 235 prize-winning photographs offer a year-by-year, dramatically visual chronicle of our times. Each beautifully reproduced image is accompanied by key information on how the shot was taken and the stunning story behind it, as told to author Hal Buell by the photographers. An accompanying timeline, placing each photo in its historical context, features yet another 265 photographs.

This unique and moving volume is completely up to date, including the 2000-2001 winners.Recent photos include images of students fleeing Columbine High School and the striking shot of federal agents taking Elian Gonzales from the arms of his relatives at gunpoint. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Heart-rendering depictions by devoted photojournalists
This book contains the best Pulitzer awarded pictures from its inception since 1942. Most of the photos are in B&W and you begin to realise how much more powerful and appropriate it is to be shot in this medium, as it strips away the epidermi of the scene and reveals the emotional flesh of the moment. Every photo is accompanied with a commentary about how it was made and the situation that exposed the determination, patience and grit of the photographer. And for each year that is chronicled, four thumbnail pics of other events in that year is depicted, to give a sense of the timeline of the situation.

This book makes you want to be a photojournalist. ... Read more

Book Description

Every film or video shoot calls for at least two camera assistants. Camera assistants (or first and second ACs, as they're known) have the important job of maintaining the camera, readying it for use, troubleshooting (such as knowing what to do when a camera drops into the ocean), and preparing it for transport. The Camera Assistant's Manual teaches the complete workflow in easy-to-understand terms and does not assume prior knowledge. It is a must-have on the set for camera assistants and is loaded with reference material such as camera illustrations, forms, charts, checklists, and equations. Invaluable career advice rounds out the book.

·New companion website with extensive forms, charts, and illustrations to print out and use
·Completely updated with information on digital video and high definition cameras that are changing the camera assistant's job
·Career tips and complete job descriptions help camera assistants get and succeed at jobs
·Companion website: www.cameraassistantmanual.com
·Author's site: www.davidelkins.com ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Camera Assistant's Manual is a great tool to have.
The Camera Assistant's Manual, 4th edition is packed with a wealth of valuable tips, tricks, explanations, illustrations, and suggestions for the modern-day camera assistant.This is a good book to have, an excellent reference for a working professional camera assistant and a great teaching tool for film students and people new to the camera department.The companion website offers acollection of links and forms, a superb resource that is always accessible.

THE Textbook for Assistant Camera
Having been trained by David Elkins from the original manuscript of this book, I was eager to read the second addition.

This book is the perfect primer for the beginning Assistant Cameraperson.The details of the cameradepartment, each department broken down into chapters, gives not only anoverview, but a detailed step by step description of the tasks and dutiesof an Assistant Camera.

This has been an invaluable text book for mybeginning Film Students. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

PLEASE!!!!!
Please don't go to Yosemite without this book!!!!!
It tells you everything you need to know. With or without a camera,this one you must have.

Excellent help for photographers
I love this book!! Thank-you to Michael Frye for taking on this project. I hope he goes to other national parks and writes more books. Michael not only shows photos and tells where to get them, he goes into great detail about what time of day, type of film, use of filters, depth of field, exposure... everything a "professional photographer-in-the-making" can use.

good compact book with great illistrations
...It has illustrations for all kinds of photographic techniques including advice on seasons, film, lenses needed, important time of days etc. Definitely worth buying it. You can finish reading this book in couple of hours in car while somebody else is driving. i did the same. In my opinion it would really help if the authur included some kind of readmap you can follow so that u can be at right places at right time. (although considering the vastness of yosemite, i am sure it will be a difficult job) All in all great little book. i would recommend to buy it in advance...to take full advantage of authur's suggessions.

focus, click. print
Michael Frye has done a wonderful job guiding the photographer be they a novis or pro through most of Yoesmities jewels. His experience and wisdom of the art of photography are real treasures that make this book a "must" for anyone traveling to the area. Yosemites beauity and tips to capture it in pictures are explained in simple yet profound detail. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pssst, wanna make a weird photograph? How about a moody blue cyanotype or a Kallitype? Or maybe a ziatype, anthotype, or Ambrotype? Or perhaps you'd just like to know more about image transfer processes or how to make a pinhole camera. Imagine knowing a really cool guy who casually tells you lots of valuable stuff about the history and science of photography while you're working in his experimental darkroom, and you've got the essence of the unusual and delightful Book of Alternative Photographic Processes. Christopher James, a photographer and former Harvard University professor, leads you carefully through the chemistry and use of materials for each process. He offers numerous ways to make negatives and prepare the printing paper, and he coaches you in understanding and accepting the enormously variable effects of each method. Seven useful appendices deal with such topics as safety considerations and resources on the Web. Unlike the narrowly task-oriented approach of average how-to guide, this one points you to a much bigger world. Even the illustrations include a generous assortment of contemporary prints--among them James's own inventive images--as well as work by 19th- and early-20th-century photographers. They were the ones who pioneered most of the techniques that are now considered "alternative."

The fun of this book--even for someone unlikely ever to set foot in a darkroom--lies in the author's fascinating excursions into the wide world of knowledge, from the workings of 3-D to Charles Babbage's steam-driven punch-card systems. Equally compelling are the author's sense of humor and his utter lack of dogmatism. "In gum printing," he writes, "there are very few absolutely correct ways to do anything." --Cathy Curtis ... Read more

Reviews (13)

THE Book
Christopher James has written the most reader friendly, technically demystifying, and visually rich books that I have seen in a very long time. The "Little History" sections that begin nearly every chapter are fun to read and full of the connections, anecdotes, and colorful characters, that has made the photographic arts so compelling to historians and artists.

Technically, the book is clear and informative (winner of the Golden Light Technical Book of the Year in 2001) and goes to great lengths to be sure the reader will have little difficulty comprehending and working with the myriad processes covered.

Besides James's very accessible writing style, which reads like conversation between friends, the collection of illustrated work is truly outstanding. It is significant that of the over 300 illustrations, a good percentage were made by James's students and those of other artists, and teachers, represented in the book. It is important to note that the production values in this full color book are outstanding.

James has collected a rich contemporary survey of alternative process work, likely the most comprehensive in print, and this alone makes his book a terrific resource for students of any age. For teachers, it clearly "sets-the-bar" with a buffet of visual possibilities. I viewed an exhibition of the work in the book last fall, at The Art Institute of Boston, and can assure you that the quality of reproduction is first rate.

All in all, this is a wonderful book to read, work with in the studio, and to enjoy purely for the images. If you've ever had an interest in alternative process photography, this is The Book to have.

The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes
Christopher James has written the most reader friendly, technically demystifying, and visually rich books that I have seen in a very long time. The "Little History" sections that begin nearly every chapter are fun to read and full of the connections, and colorful characters, that have made the photographic arts so compelling to historians.

Technically, the book is clear and informative (winner of the Golden Light Technical Book of the Year in 2001) and goes the distance making sure that the reader will have little difficulty comprehending and working with the myriad processes covered.

Besides James's very accessible writing style, which reads like conversation between good friends, the collection of illustrated work is truly outstanding. It is significant that of the 300 odd illustrations, a good percentage were made by James's students and those of other artists, and teachers, represented in the book.

The book is a contemporary survey, really the most comprehensive in print, and makes it a terrific resource for students of any age. For teachers, it "sets-the-bar" with a buffet of visual possibilities. I viewed an exhibition of the work in the book last fall, at The Art Institute of Boston, and can assure you that the quality of reproduction is first rate.

All in all, this is a wonderful book to read and to look at? even if you never attempt the creation of an image using the recipes and techniques within.

even if you have a slight interest..
As far as I am concerned, this is THE BOOK.
It is so incredibly useful and I've learned so much from reading it. It's very well written, easy to follow, tons of references. Wow. I recommend this book to anyone interested in alternative process photography. Anyone interested in photography even. It is wonderful.
Basically, in photography, Silver is used a lot in the photographic papers. Alternative processing uses anything BUT silver. Platnium/palladium, gold, Iron.. even berries and various plants. This book gives a wonderful over-view of it all and tells you how to do it. There is even a bit of history about the different processes complete with wonderful pictures. I love this book.

outstanding
this book is the most thorough alternative photographic process book on the market today.
the images from james, his students and other well-known photographers make it an
inspirational smorgasboard (sp?)......the writing is fun, funny and easily understood.....
highly recommended

do not buy this book. It is not good
This guy has some processes which do not work. He skims over some important details in other chapters. There are some nice images in here, but the Coming into Focus is better.

So, buy another book. ... Read more

Book Description

For aspiring photographers ready to transform their work from average to expert, here is the "bible" to lighting any subject and space effectively.In specific but nontechnical terms, Photographic Lighting Simplified explains how to take light sources–from outdoor bright sunlight to indoor household lighting–and recreate their effects in the studio.A series of enjoyable, hands-on assignments show readers tips for selecting the right camera format, film, and lenses; the basics of metering and testing; overviews of essential equipment for studio lighting; and much more.Plus, dozens of step-by-step illustrations demonstrate an array of techniques for lighting reflective metal and glass objects; lighting different face types and groups; and special lighting considerations for digital cameras.For anyone who is serious about taking better photographs, this is the ultimate success guide. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This Does Make it Simple!
I fell in love with Susan McCartney's photography books when I Mastering the Basics of Photography. This book is just as good at breaking down the elements of light into language and steps even a novice (like me) can understand. I was always frustrated trying to photograph shiny surfaces and trying to capture dramatic shadows. This book has such great tips for dealing with these situations that I actually look for challenging shots now, just to show off what I have learned about lighting.

Introductory Overview Only
I regret to have found this book very disappointing. Susan McCartney's book on travel photography, Travel Photography: A Complete Guide to How to Shoot and Sell, is the very best book on the subject. I've read it twice, some sections even more than twice. I purchased Photographic Lighting Simplified with the same level of quality content in mind. Unfortunately, the book is more "simplified" than what I had hoped for.

The book is very fast and easy to read, but the content is useful only to those with no experience whatsoever in photographic lighting. Susan McCartney has broad experience in lighting, and I was disappointed to find the depth of that experience is not presented in this book. For example, she talks more about traveling with strobes and using flashes for on-location travel photography shoots in her travel photography book than in this one. I would like to have seen more of that experience and knowledge related here.

A book on photographic lighting really needs to be in color with stunningly inspirational photographs. Many of the black and white pictures in this book are really dismal and even technically flawed in some cases. Ms. McCartney is a first-rate photographer and I'm sure the originals are perfect, but the black and white reproductions in this book fall short.

However, those critiques aside, if you have not studied lighting before then this book will provide a good overview for you and introduce you to some new techniques. Those with travel photography in mind should check out Susan McCartney's other book mentioned above. For some really creative lighting techniques try Gary Gladstone's book Corporate & Location Photography.

Basic principals about lishting
Photographic Lighting Simplified is a great book for the beginner like myself. It explains in novice language the details concerning all aspects of photographic lighting. When to use and not to use various lights depending on the situation. The book covers hotlights, flash, strobe lights and accessories. Also covered are exposer-reflective meters to manually set your camera and correct use of the Kodak gray scale for proper exposer. I read the entire 163 pages in about 3 days. The book also has 9 self-assignment for you to try out on you own. All pictures in the book include camera settings and shot detail that make it easy for you to reproduce a similar shot. All photos are in black & white except for the cover page. At first I found this distracting but then realized that black & white photos show the best contrast and light on the subjects in the photographs. I bought the book to improve my knowledge and skills to do lighting for desktop studio photos for Ebay.

Another book that I have heard about but haven't been able to track down yet is Digital Desktop Studio Photography by Rick Ashley & Dennis Curtin. Amazon does not carry this book yet.

Great book if you need to start yourself in lighting
Gives you an overall learning experience from very basic lights and up to the newest technologies, including digital photo, with multiple lights.
In addition it provides some personal assigments so that you can practice what you read.
It is a good investment ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Full of instructive images and insightful hints, this book is indispensable for photographers who want to boost their wedding-album business. Showcased are the album styles of 15 top wedding photographers, with insight provided into each artist's creative process, client service skills, and album design. Examples include Michael Ayers's one-of-a-kind pop-up albums; photojournalism trendsetter Andy Marcus's magical designs; and Gigi Clark's unique presentation in an archival box. Savvy photographers will learn how to turn an album purchase into a multiple-album sale, how to add on à la carte images, and how to make networking and referrals generate business so they can concentrate on photography. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Amazing
Bob Coates has an eye for professionalism and elegance. His work is amazing, I've seen it first hand and will recommend him to everyone who asks. You can learn a lot from this book whether you are a wedding professional or your having a wedding of your own.

Excellent book on the subject
When I first turned the pages, the creative elegance in the photos and album designs grabbed me. Initially, I went through the whole book just gazing at all the amazing work from these top photographers. It's very inspiring. On the second pass, I studied the invaluable business tips they shared with Bob who tells us all about it in a very easy-to-read flow.

What it boils down to is, if you're a wedding photographer who wants to get ahead in your career, this is one of those must-have reference books.

Very informative book!
Well written book! Very informative and inspiring. It's fun to see how other top professionals are putting there albums together. Especially from other countries. It keeps you on the cutting edge! This book has inspired me to want to put together new and creative albums and up my sales! Bob is very informative and eagar to teach and help others. Well done!

WOW - extremely well written and very helpful! Bravo!!
WOW!! This book is full of GREAT information. I just got it yesterday and have read it from cover to cover. It is amazing the ideas for wedding albums that are in there - things sure have changed since I got married. My little white book of 4 x 6 photos just doesn't cut it anymore. After reading Bob's book and shooting my first wedding, I am going to use the book to be more creative at making a wedding album for my clients. I know they will love them!!

Growing my business
With 15 of the industries top wedding photographers giving tips and advice, this book has been a big help. This book is perfect for any wedding photographer that wants to improve thier sales. I've used many of the ideas in my own business and continue to grow both artisticly and financialy. I refer to it often. The best 25 bucks I've spent on a book in a long time! ... Read more

Book Description

Light is the key to quality glamour photography, and Lighting for Glamour Photography is for any photographer looking to take his or her glamour photography to the next level. Photographers learn how to analyze light; how to make it work for them; and ultimately, how to take better, high-quality glamour photographs. With clear and easy-to-understand diagrams next to each photo explaining how the shot was set up-the position of the lights, the filters, film, camera, and lens used-photographers will feel ready to choose the right equipment, set up their own shots, and get solid results from the beginning. This new edition has been completely updated to include information on digital photography, as well as to reflect current styles in glamour photography. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A mix of old and new
I had been on the waiting list for this new book for several months and finally it arrived today. The key here is that it is the "revised" edition of the one printed in 1994, with about half of the images and text coming from the original book (I have them here opened side-by-side for comparison). I was disappointed in how the publisher simply scanned the old pages of photos and reprinted them with much less quality than the original printing. So going through the book, though the pictures are quite professional and the models are gorgeous, the obvious lack of print quality (quite poor actually) for half of the book is a big detractant for the viewer. The remaining new material is printed well with some stunning examples of glamour photography at its best. David and Duncan - why did you allow Amphoto to ruin your excellent past work with such sloppy printing??!! If one can get past that (and it's difficult), the context of the book is top notch with great advise and new sections on shooting digital. I had to give this book only three stars since the photographic reproduction of the original book's photos were so poor. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Nice Work
The title is a bit grandiose; Advanced Techniques might lead you to expect an encyclopedic coverage of a wide variety of techniques, which you will not find. The Fine Art moniker might suggest large format photography; you won't find that, either. What you will find is a compact presentation of some nice images with technical details and a bit of a storyline for each.

The format is 35mm with film capture. The body used and, more importantly, film type are not identified, however. Looks like Velvia to me, mostly. There are some strong illustrations of the use of filtration and multiple exposure.

If the price were as grandiose as the title I'd balk. But for the price it would make a nice addition to your bookshelf -- there is some nice work here.

Nice Photos, Short on Instruction
Sweet's book is basically a portfolio of about 50 images, with camera, lens, filter, and exposure information.

The photos are great, but the explanations that go with them are fairly terse and could provide more instruction.

empty spaces
The book contains cute photos, but not enough, the author's site is much better.

Fine Art from a Camera
This book is magic. Tony shows great composition skills, and includes tremendous color in his photographs. Tony has a gift found in few great photographers. He can put into words his thought process as to how he got the composition, and then he teaches the reader how to do it. I tried a few and obtained (for me) excellent results. I highly recommend this book for any serious amateur or professional photographer, or for anyone who simply enjoys the beauty of nature.

Form, Form, Form!
One way to analyze any piece of art is from the point of view of form and content. Photography usually seems more concerned with content. Music, on the other hand, having fewer formal counterparts in the real world, seems to place greater emphasis on form. Thus, it came as no surprise to me that the work of Tony Sweet should be a lot more about form than other photographs, because Sweet is a former musician.

Sweet's pictures are wonderful. They are rich in color arranged in ways that you rarely encounter in photography. He loves to play with early-morning and late-day light, and mist seems to call him to his camera. His subject is outdoor photography but that just seems to be a carrier for color. Occasionally you will have to look at a picture for a while before you distinguish the content, but while you are looking you will probably be absorbed by the intense tones. You may even look at a picture and say "I never realized the world looked like that!"

Each picture is accompanied by a little blurb that tells you what Sweet was trying to capture and the tools that he used to accomplish it. Not all of these tools worked for me. I didn't particularly like the photographs made by making multiple exposures on a single frame and moving the camera slightly between each exposure. On the other hand the greens and blues reflected from a long exposure of falling water made me realize that I ought to be concentrating more on the color in the world around me.

If you buy this book hoping it will make you a more creative photographer, then a lot of work will be required. This book notes what the photographer was looking for in his pictures but does not tell you how he got there. You will have to examine the pictures and extract the principles on your own. If you want to develop your creative instincts you will probably be happier with something like Freeman Patterson's "Photography and the Art of Seeing"

In today's world there is a tremendous amount of argument about the manipulation of photographs in computer programs. Well, these photographs have been manipulated just as much, but in the camera, through the use of long exposures, light-enhancing filters, and selective focus. If you disapprove of such manipulation, then you may not be interested in these pictures. If on the other hand, you believe with Picasso that "Art is lies that tell us the truth", then you will enjoy this unusual exploration of the visual world. ... Read more

Book Description

Selected by the American Library Association's 'Choice' magazine as "best technical book", the first edition of this book soon established itself as the standard reference work on all aspects of photographic lenses and associated optical systems. This is unsurprising, as Sidney Ray provides a complete, comprehensive reference source for anyone wanting information on photographic lenses, from the student to the practitioner or specialist working with visual and digital media worldwide.

This third edition has been fully revised and expanded to include the rapid progress in the last decade in optical technology and advances in relevant electronic and digital forms of imaging. Every chapter has been revised and expanded using new figures and photographs as appropriate, as well as extended bibliographies. New chapters include details of filters, measurements from images and the optical systems of digital cameras. Details of electronic and digital imaging have been integrated throughout. More information is given on topics such as aspherics, diffractive optics, ED glasses, image stabilization, optical technology, video projection and new types of lenses.

A selection of the contents includes chapters on: optical theory, aberrations, auto focus, lens testing, depth of field, development of photographic lenses, general properties of lenses, wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, video lenses, viewfinder systems, camera movements, projection systems and 3-D systems.

Everything you need to know about still and moving image lenses in one handy volume
Be completely up-to-date with vital new information on optics for digital imagingBenefit from the expertise of this award-winning technical author ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

awesome book
I have been printing and toning for quite a few years but have been surprised at what a lot this book still had to teach me!

All other books on this subject that I have read have been sadly short on vital details. This book is a superb exception to this common fault. The information is a model of clarity and easy to understand both for beginners and seasoned printers like me. The images are a great bonus too as they not only instruct but inspire. I am so grateful to this author for this lovely book and the great amount of work that obviously went into it, and for sharing this information in such an unselfish way. An awesome book - thank you.
H.K.

The best yet
The best Rudman book yet and by far the best available on Toning. At last a toning book that takes me both wide and deep, with beautiful pictures into the bargain.

I agree with the photoeye review - this is definately one of the best technical photo books I have seen. It is easy to read and yet tells all (unlike so many!!)

I love the way it teaches at different levels from novice to expert - why can't all teaching books be like this?

A great book ... Read more