Reviews (6)

Simply a stunning book!!
I found Tom Mangelsen's gallery in Jackson a few months ago, and while I was there, I had a chance to see many of his just downright stunning images.

As an aspiring wildlife photographer, I truly appreciate the superb work of Tom Mangelsen. Also, while in his gallery, I had the chance to talk to as well as meet Mr. Mangelsen himself.

This book is just simply stunning. I cannot think of any other description. The many different images of the polar bear in its natural environment has to be seen to be appreciated.

What I like the most about this book over so many other "nature" books is that we get to see the many facets of the polar bears life, from the tender side with a mother and her babies, to the savage nature of these beautiful animals...not just some glossy expose that says nothing.

I would encourage anyone who loves nature photography, whether you are a "couch" photographer/explorer or are planning on a career in wildlife photography.

Heartily recommended!!!!

The best book of the best nature photographer
I discovered the work of Thomas Mangelson about ten years ago in Jackson, Wyoming, when I stumbled across a gallery devoted to his work. The most famous image there, the one of two grown polar bears "dancing," is on the cover of this book.

The book encapsulates all the artistry of this outstanding photographer. As difficult as it is to capture wildlife images, it's doubly so when you are photographing white animals against snow! Mangelson spends some four months a year in the Arctic, enlarging his huge repertoire of images. I can't begin to imagine the patience and meticulous attention to detail that is required to gather these pictures, but I'm glad Mangelson can!

I love the fact that this book shows the chronological sequence in the life of a bear family, and also that it doesn't have captions on each page. That allows you to follow the sequence of images undisturbed by human intrusion - you become a part of the life cycle, so to speak. Mangelson's work enables the viewer to see the bears as a complex family unit in addition to their usual portrayal as hardy predators. It cannot fail to move the viewer; this is a book to savor again and again.

I'm a huge fan of just about every image this photographer has ever published, and this book is, to me, the culmination of his work. I recommend it to everyone, bear fan or not!

Essential, wonderful personal story, captivating photos
This is an essential book for polar bear and nature photography lovers alike. There are over 250 photos of polar bears, and arctic wildlife captured in the beautiful frozen world they live in.

I found the photography truly captivating. The adorable bears are shown splashing in the water, dancing, taking afternoon naps & wandering through the snow. There is even one of the mother making friends with a sled dog.

I was deeply touched by the many images of the cubs snuggling close to their mother. I found the other wildlife photos featuring many foxes and birds equally impressive. The captions for all the images are in the back of the book.

Along with the pictures, there is a wonderful story of a year in the life of a mother polar bear & her 2 cubs. The author switches pleasingly between factual accounts of the arctic world, folklore, & the personal story of the bear family.

breathtaking, impressive photography of the arctic
Mangelsen has created an outstanding work of art that can be appreciated by polar bear lovers and nature lovers alike. The intentional ommission of captions until the end of the book allows the reader to view each photo as a work of art, absorbing the beauty and magic of each piece. It is an essential coffee table book for those intrigued and mystified by the polar bear, and strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys nature photography. A definite bargin in the world of nature photography books.

An absolutely stunning wildlife book
Polar Dance is in my opinion the most mind-blowing book on bears I have ever seen. I am an artist who works with faux fur, specializing in the creation of all species of bears. Polar Dance is the most treasured of all my wildlife books. The photographs of the ice bear taken so sensitively evokes my deepest emotions each time I turn the pages. I can almost feel the cold and snow out there on the Arctic. I reach for this book often for inspiration and even comfort. I never cease to be amazed at how beautifully Thomas Mangelsen has portrayed the "Tiger of the North". Certainly he has done justice to perhaps the most magnificent of God's creatures. Polar Dance is more than a book. It is a work of art. ... Read more

Book Description

What would cats say if they were of a mind to talk? Valerie Shaff and Roy Blount Jr. have a good idea ...

On the heels of their hugely successful I Am Puppy, Hear Me Yap and If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You, Shaff and Blount have paired again, this time for a witty and insightful look at America's other favorite pet -- the cat. Shaff captures the essence of the ever-elusive cat in her gorgeous photographs, and Roy Blount Jr., who the New York Times says is "in serious contention for the title of America's Most Cherished Humorist," provides accompanying verse that seems to speak a cat's thoughts. The combined result is a touching and often hilarious take on the minds and hearts of felines.

When I purr
Don't infer
It's because you pat.

No, you pat
Because I purr.

I am the cat,
Don't forget that.

Book Description

Draw into the lives of wolves through the experience of Jim and Jamie Dutcher and the wolf pack they lived with for six years. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

John Shaw's Landscape Photography is a Must Have
As many admirers of Shaw's work will attest, his books are not only a visual treat, but they are also packed with practical advice and are inspirational for us lesser mortals. Landscape Photography is another fine example of Shaw's approach to a photographic genre and of course, it contains a lot of great hands-on information. Too many landscape photo books focus purely on aesthetics, with little practical information for the amateur photographer. As always, Shaw delivers the how-to and the why in this book. Buy it!

A Conditional 5 Star Rating
This book gets a conditional five stars for reasons I will soon explain.

If you are a novice or intermediate photographer, you want to shoot landscapes, and you want to get only one book, this is the one.

Shaw starts out with the basics of exposure theory and then discusses equipment, film and lenses. The emphasis throughout the discussion here and later is strictly in terms of landscape photography. He moves on to the effects of light, composition and a pot pourri of special problems and solutions.

Shaw is clear, direct and succinct. There is no room for confusion about the points he is making, and he makes all the essential points. No writer gives better instruction. His photographs have been selected not so much to dazzle you with their brilliance as to support his teaching points, although his pictures are beautiful.

So what makes my recommendation conditional?

Well, this book was published in 1994 and there have been several technological changes in photography since then. However, most of what Shaw says here still holds true for landscape photography. What's changed even more is that in 2000 Shaw's book "Nature Photography Field Guide" was published. This later book goes over much of the same material as the landscape book, while taking into account the latest technology. It even uses some of the exact same anecdotes to illustrate points.

The difference between the two books is that one looks at just landscape photography while the other looks at the more encompassing class of nature photography. The Field Guide contains a long chapter on close up photography which may not interest the landscape photographer, while the landscape book aims each chapter exclusively at landscape with slightly more detail.

Most of us aren't exclusively committed to landscape so the Field Guide seems like a better choice if you insist on only one book. But if you're like me, you'll get both books. If you're serious about landscapes the slant of the earlier book might just give you that slight edge to make a better landscape photograph.

A good overview of landscape photography
There are a lot of other photography books out there with the same general content as this book -- an overview of photographic techniques, equipment and the creative process as they relate to landscape photography. Although it is not an outstanding book, it is better than average, primarily because of the clear, direct way in which John Shaw writes, and the practical advice which he provides.

Excellent text
THis book takes the mystery out of landscape photography. The techinal aspects are simply explained and illustrated in many cases which allows the artist at it were in you to be released. Very thoughtful and insightful a must for anyone interested in landscape and even travel photography.

John shaws Landscape Photography
This book give precise and thoughtfull insites on both the technical and creative methods used to produce superior landscapes. There are numerous excellent examples. He does not get bogged down with technical trivia. I would definitly buy this book, it is a bargain. Its only shortcoming is not having a section on digital cameras that are taking over much of the market. These cameras allows instant feedback on photo results including histograms that remove all the guesswork and waiting to get film developed. ... Read more

Book Description

What type of telescope is best for beginners? Can I use my camera to take photographs through a telescope? How good are the new computerized telescope mounts? What charts, books, software and other references do I need? These questions are asked time and again by enthusiastic new amateurs as they take up recreational astronomy.

But accurate, objective and up-to-date information can be hard to find. Throughout the 1990s, the first edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide established itself as the indispensable reference to the equipment and techniques used by the modern recreational stargazer. Now, authors Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer have produced an expanded and completely updated edition that again sets the standard for accessible and reliable information on one of the world's most popular hobbies.

Dickinson and Dyer -- both full-time astronomy writers -- bring decades of experience to their task. They explain why telescopes often perform much differently from what the novice expects. They recommend the accessories that will enhance the observing experience and advise what not to buy until you become more familiar with your equipment. They name brands and sources and compare value so that you can be armed with the latest practical information when deciding on your next purchase. Sections on astrophotography, daytime and twilight observing, binocular observing and planetary and deep-sky observing round out this comprehensive guide to personal exploration of the universe. Dickinson and Dyer's elegant yet straightforward approach to a complex subject makes this book an invaluable resource for astronomers throughout North America.

With more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is also one of the most beautiful -- and user-friendly -- astronomy books ever produced. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

The Backyard has gotten bigger and better
This classic introduction to amateur astronomy has gotten a much improved revised edition. Dickinson and Dyer have updated this indispensable resource for the 21st century. This book is divided into three main parts.

The first covers the hardware. The authors explain the workings of the different types of scopes and accessories and give suggestions based upon budget and the type of viewing to be pursued. They tell you what hardware is essential, what is nice to have, and what you can live without including new scopes and accessories that have come out since the previous edition. Also covered is how to set up the scopes properly, and what mistakes to avoid setting up a new scope for the first time.

The second part is a crash course on the sky, starting with what you can see with the naked eye, observing conditions based on your location, and then how to observe the various objects in the sky with the equipment from the first part.

The final part is an introduction to photographing the sky with a camera (film or digital) or a dedicated CCD imager. Coverage includes simple camera on a tripod or barndoor mount setups, piggybacking on a telescope, and thru the telescope photography. Enough to get one started.

The text is not the only part of this book to be updated. Hundreds of color photos have been sprinkled liberally throughout this guide. If you are just getting one book before plunging into amateur astronomy, make this the book. It is great for beginning and intermediate amateurs.

Maybe the best comprehensive astronomy volume available
I cannot heap sufficient praise on this gargantuan effort! Authors Dyer and Dickinson are to be highly commended for this gift to the amateur astronomic community...the sheer amount of practical information packed within this volume is enough to keep the budding ( as well as experienced ) enthusiast "woodshedding" through many a cloudy night! Telescopes of all brands and types are thoroughly examined, along with all the makes of eyepieces, digital equipment, etc...yet this isn't a mere technical treasure trove. These two guys clearly convey their passion for astronomy, along with frank, down-to-earth advice for everyone ranging from the novice to the serious amateur. If I have a single frustration, it's that this gem is far too practical a volume to be a somewhat unwieldy "coffee table" book...I want to order a second copy to chop up into manageable chapters bound individually (!) It's just that good! And did I say anything about the spectacular photographs?

AN AMAZING, EASY READING BOOK
At the beginning I was just a bit suspicious of buying "one more vulgar amateur book", but after reading it all, I can FULLY recommend to all of you this book.
Photos & edition are simply great, and reading it is a real delight. Easy language (for beginners and/or intermediate level aficionados), first hand advices, no brand-inclined suggestions or recommendations. If you know enough about astronomy (but not an expert, ok?), you can agree with them in almost all authors say. And you, southern hemisphere amateurs, are NOT out of this good reading (many books only cares for specific topics of nothern hemisphere); in fact authors point out very interesting things for us.
Please don't miss this one.

Amateur's Guide gets a celestial makeover
Terence Dickinson is perhaps the leading writer of English-language amateur astronomy books; his Nightwatch is rightly considered one of the best introductions to the night sky and how to observe it. It covers the broad range of amateur astronomy admirably, from science to equipment to observing tactics. One of the only glaring drawbacks to the book is that it is simply too short.

The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is an able sequel. Written with fellow Canadian amateur Alan Dyer, it goes further in depth than does Nightwatch. Because it also goes into specifics in recommending telescopes and accessories, however, it quickly grew out of date. A somewhat updated and revised edition came out in 1994, but more than eight years have passed since then, and most of the models described there have been discontinued, although a few workhorses have continued to the present day.

Now, at last, this book is available in a true second edition. The changes are at once obvious and subtle. Obvious, in that the production is stunning: the old photos, mostly black-and-white, have been replaced by beautiful full-color images of the night sky and detailed diagrams of equipment. Subtle, in that the table of contents reads almost the same; it's not so much the inherent content that has changed so much as how it's presented.

One chapter from the first edition that has disappeared is one entitled "Ten Myths About Telescopes and Observing." In the first edition, this chapter was praised by reviewers and readers alike (and excoriated by some other readers, too!); it undoubtedly surpassed Dickinson and Dyer's expectations in terms of the amount of discussion it engendered. Whether you agree with them or not, they have at least educated their readers about the dispute over these myths. It's hardly the case that anyone makes claims like "Images Appear Brighter in Fast Telescopes" (Myth #2 from the 1994 edition) without being challenged.

Perhaps because of that, and also because Dickinson and Dyer may have felt that it was more important to make sure that beginners (who might buy this book without buying Nightwatch first) were able to use their equipment effectively, the myths chapter has been replaced by an introduction to using telescopes. Like all the other chapters, this one is lavishly illustrated and finely detailed, enough so that one can follow along, step-by-step, in assembling and orienting a telescope and its mount. For example, nearly a full page is devoted to getting a telescope on a GEM, or German Equatorial Mount, to cross the meridian, a tough task for beginners to figure out on their own.

Also substantially changed in presentation is the chapter on finding your way around the night sky. The vagaries of navigation, the celestial sphere, and the nightly movements of the planets, are here illustrated by several pages of diagrams, printed from a number of different planetarium programs. This book has definitely felt the impact of computer visualization of the sky.

Elsewhere, the material has been updated more than changed. New equipment has replaced old equipment, and some of that old equipment now appears in a "classics" category--things to look for in the used telescopes bin. There is a new spin on the chapter on accessories: these have been divided into must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don't-haves. (Much to my surprise, the two-dollar eye patch that I find so handy to relieve strain on my right eye--I'm left-eyed--has been unceremoniously dumped in the don't-have category.)

Should you buy this book? If you don't have it yet, and you'd like a comprehensive, easy-to-understand reference, this is the one. There really is nothing else like it on the market today. If you have one of the older editions, the decision is harder. Certainly, there's enough overlap that you can probably find out newer information from various sources without spending the same amount of money. But it's hard to get it all in one place, and the new edition certainly is a visual treat.

The Backyard Astronomer's Guide
The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is an excellent book for both new and experienced amateur astronomers. The authors review equipment, visual observing techiques and both film and digital astrophotography. The book is beautifully illustrated and the explanations are very clear. Finally, the book is up to date with regard to equipment descriptions. Since the book covers such a wide range of topics, it is more introductory in nature and the amateur astronomer will still have to purchase specialty books (e.g., The New CCD Astronomy) to get the detailed information one needs for advanced topics. ... 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

Book Description

Award-winning nature photographer Jim Brandenburg gave himself a challenge: for ninety days between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice, he would take only one photograph each day.This exquisite book, now in softcover, is the result of that bold and immensely personal project.Through the accompanying essay, Brandenburg shares his innermost thoughts and passions as he witnesses the cycle of nature near his home in the northwoods of Minnesota.Brandenburg also contributes new photos and an Epilog that illustrates and discusses the devastating summer wind storm that wreaked havoc on the locations photographed for the original project. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

I normally hesitate to use this word, but...profound.
I'm a verbal type; I'd rather read a beautifully written description of a frozen lake than stare at a picture of it anytime. Even knowing that, my mother gave me this book several years ago, and I fell in love. I sat with it for hours, seeing, dreaming, and I still take it down often to do the same again. The photographer, Jim Brandenburg, set himself the challenge of taking only one photograph each day for three months, in the boreal forest where he makes his home. The result is a portrait of life as many of us can never experience it: not just "calendar shots," but pictures that show the cruelty of man, the certainty of death, the very simple beauty of a single bright leaf burning on the dark, still waters of an evening pond. Some photos are amazing in themselves and some seem ordinary in the extreme, but it is important to take them as a whole, and see what you learn from the journey.

Gorgeous and thought provoking
Jim Brandenburg has stepped beyond the comfortable environs of the successful photographer and created a true work of art. The premise is audacious... take only one photograph per day for ninety consecutive days and set them in order to illustrate the minimalist way of thinking so often absent in photo assignments. With typical photo-journalism assignments for publications such as National Geographic resulting in up to tens of thousands of photos, the presentation of ninety varied and spontaneous images exposed Brandenburg to the very real possibility that the result might be unwieldy and chaotic. The genius in this book is the way the images, supported by a gentle and well written narrative, weave a seamless tapestry of a three month journey. Lest one think this book is simply pretty pictures, look at the photograph of a poacher's kill... haunting, visceral and yet not gratuitously graphic. Images such as this give this book an edge that is gripping and very meaningful. Brandenburg is a "wolf person" extroardinaire... but here he expands his subject matter while paradoxically stripping his assignment down to the very barest of essentials. He presents some of the most flatly beautiful images I have ever seen in print. Lake Superior is not only a national treasure, it is Hiawatha's water... haunting, ethereal, powerful and fundamental. Brandenburg shows us several of the great lake's moods. The Boundary Waters area is a primordial wilderness still relatively unmolested. Brandenburg brings the delicate tracery of these waters and the winter's embrace alive. The Aurora Borealis is vivid, the midnight sun is brooding and the frozen waterfall speaks of latent, pent-up power awaiting spring's release. This book almost talks. Impressive, beautiful, moving and pretty amazing.

Challenge Achieved with Grace
I gave this book to my parents several years ago and still leaf slowly through its pages whenever visiting their home in northern Minnesota. For amateurs and professionals alike, his is a fascinating photographic concept: your own property? a favorite park? your family? or pet? a holiday?

Old fashioned and wonderful
It's so more agreable to have this engagement calendar on your desk than a modern and dull looking electronic device. Use an old fountain pen to take your notes, and wait till the ink is dry before turning the page! Wonderful pictures under your eyes every day of the year! You can escape and image yourself so far from the busy and noisy modern world. I'm waiting for the 2003 edition.

Simply amazing, on many levels
Jim Brandenburg has been among my favorite photographers for years, and I've always been overwhelmed by his ability to capture a moment in time so perfectly. _Chased by the Light_ definitely didn't disappoint me at all; in fact, it gave me an entirely new respect and admiration for this amazing man.

Most folks know that published photographers often shoot dozens or hundreds of rolls of film for every shot that is published, and Jim is no exception to the rule. What he's done with this self-assignment, only one frame per day for 90 days, shows his courage as well as his commitment to his art. I can't imagine the number of beautiful scenes he must have passed up, perhaps in anguish, knowing he could capture it, if only he broke his own rule "just this once." But, he pressed on, searching for His Perfect Moment of the Day. Truly remarkable.

Some of the photos presented in this book are less than perfect; Jim's willingness to publish them as is (apart from a bit of cropping, tone and color correction, he says) demonstrates his love of photography, his humbleness, and his human-ness. Most of the shots are better than many of us could take on our best days, with a full roll - that he is able to take only one picture, and come up with something like his 'Maple leaf in pond" piece is beyond amazing.

His narrative is really what makes the book, though; read any of his books, and you'll find yourself drawn onward by his voice as well as his photos, because he gives you a peek of what goes on behind the lens, who the person is who takes the pictures, and why a particular shot appealed to him (or how he stumbled upon it completely by chance.) Jim's photos makes it look easy, but his words let us know his struggles as well as his passion for his subjects.

It takes remarkable skills to find the wildlife shots he has - his abilities as a tracker must be absolutely incredible. Most of us will never see the animals shown here in their natural, undisturbed settings. Fortunately for us, Jim brings back some of his experiences by which we may experience a vicarious thrill.

I have only a few people in this world whom I call "role models," but Jim Brandenburg is among them. Thanks to this book, I now have even more reason to love this man, his devotion to nature, and his photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

Following in the paw prints of 101 Salivations, Rachael Hales 101 CATACLYSMS is a charming and playful tribute to the worlds most popular pet.

Celebrated animal portraitist Rachael Hale brings us the next installment in her adorable pet book repertoire with 101 CATACLYSMS: FOR THE LOVE OF CATS. This collection features 101 images of magnificent felines. Hales special rapport with animals has allowed her to capture the essence of her subjects. You will see it in the bald-faced cheekiness of Hilander, the sphynx; in the sassiness of Puffy, the Persian ball of fluff; and in the playfulness of Yabba Dabba Doo, the British shorthair. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Beautiful pictures.....
Simply elegant and inspiring pictures are captured within the pages of this book.The fan of simple, straightforward, bonsai designs that reflect nature, will be quite happy with the selected works of art.Also, the admirer of the more complex and fantastic manipulations of the trees will be pleased.

The writing throughout the book, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired if one is interested in learning any how-to tips.I was able to look through and read sections of this book before I bought it, and was aware that there was little information or substance to it.I purchased it for its pictures, nothing else.If you want to know how to grow bonsai, buy another book.If you want inspiration and pretty pictures, this book will fulfill your needs.

The Art of the Bonsai
First of all, this book is beautiful:from the trees in it (a truly amazing array, photographed simply to highlight the beauty of the bonsai) right down to the paper it's printed on, the book itself is a work of art.Wonderful design, good captions, and good color, too.An homage to the art of bonsai, and indeed a bonsai-lover's must-have for its beauty alone.

Second of all, I actually liked the text.It's not a basic how-to or a boring dense history- it focuses instead on the philosophy and, again, the art of bonsai.Just reading the book is calming. ... 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

Reviews (16)

Great stuff
After reading previous reviews, I was a little chagrined when my book arrived and it was so thin, but after reading it, my reservations were gone. Of course,the photography was stunning; In addition to being an excellent technical manual, the book would be great as a "coffee table" book. The information was well presented and thorough. On the issue of "bias" toward Canon equipment, Morris is up front regarding his Canon contract, but does not hesitate to point out some features that other makers make available, but Canon lacks. My only resevation with book is a dearth of information on filters; Other than that, this book is an *excellent* primer on bird (and nature, in general,) photography. Well worth the money; I'm sure I will refer to this book many times in the future.

The Cream of the Crop
I own every bird photgraphy book that Amazon lists and this is by far the most useful - and I say that even though I am a Nikon photographer. Beyond the basics, Morris emphasizes exposure, sharpness, composition. He is a good teacher. Moreover, he walks the talk. If you put all the bird photography books on a table and just looked at the pictures, Morris's photos would stand out from the rest in every respect: sharpness, "snap", color balance, compostion, and the sense that they were captured at the critical moment.

A warning to all you digital photographers! Morris shoots film. When you see what he achieves with it, you will be tempted to take your old film body out of the closet and phone New York for a rush order of 20 cartridges of Fuji Velvia.

A Classic !
If you only ever read one book about bird photography, then let it be this one.

I have many wildlife photography books in my library, but this is the one that I refer to time and time again.

Arthur Morris covers everything from equipment, lighting and composition to exposure.

Highly recommended. Please visit his website at [URL] for a wealth of information. Arthur Morris also now provides a 'pocket guide to exposure', details of which are on the website. It is a real gem.

Excellent, but with strong brand bias
What the other reviewers have said is true. This is an outstanding book on bird photography. It also contains outstanding photos. The closest thing to a weakness with the book is the strong association and support Morris has with Canon products. I'm a Canon person myself, but I sometimes wonder about equipment advice Morris gives in his book or his fine website at birdsasart, because of his contract connection with Canon.
Despite my whining on this subject, the book is excellent if you want to learn about photographing birds. It includes a review of the basic principles of any type of photography, then goes on to give very detailed information on techniques of photographing birds. In addition to camera use, there is good information on tripods, stalking techniques, and some bird photography hotspots around US and Canada.
An excellent book, even for non-Canon shooters! I gather that it is being released in a paperback edition now, which will be a better value.

Really Good Stuff
Starting out into the world of photographing birds? This is a book that will really help you. I have read it a number of times cover to cover. And even while it is bulky, I have taken it on trips to read the night before I went out. Lots of tips and well written. ... Read more

Book Description

The images of early west photographer William Henry Jackson capture a Colorado landscape both pristine and already dramatically affected by the onslaught on western civilization. Standing exactly where Jackson stood, and pointing his own camera in precisely the same direction, John Fielder has rephotographed Jackson's Colorado images to capture the often startling change that has occurred over the last century. The result is both breathtaking and stark, hopeful and disquieting. Jackson's and Fielder's photography is accompanied by thoughtful and provocative essays by respected experts in the environmental field: Roderick Nash, America's foremost wilderness historian and author of Wilderness and the American Mind; Ed Marston, journalist and publisher of High Country News; and Eric Paddock, Curator of Photography at the Colorado Historical Society. John Fielder describes the profound experience of traveling the state and seeing the landscape from Jackson's perspective, and reflects upon changes of the last 130 years.

The contrast between Jackson's and Fielder's photographs not only illuminates Colorado's past but will help us determine the course of land management as we move into the next century. Accompanied by an educational program that includes lectures, a traveling exhibit, newspaper serialization, and television series, this book is aimed at encouraging people to appreciate and reflect on nature, history, and photography as we move into the next century. Colorado: 1870-2000 stands not only as an important document of westward exploration, expansion, and urbanization, but helps define our past and future environmental values. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A Tale of Two Books
John Fielder is one of America's greatest living photographers, and he brings his love of the Colorado wilderness to this book. His re-shoots of Jacksons 19th century photographs are both beautiful and thought-provoking.... the photographs make it worthwhile.

On the other hand, the text is a different story. Reading a text-only version of this book, one might conclude that the title is a misprint, and that the book should really be called "Colorado 1970 - 2000." Fielder roamed across Colorado capturing the changes in places like Kremmling, Denver, and Ouray, but the text never tells us anything about these places, or why they changed, or why we should care. Instead we get chapters about oil shale and the Forest Service.

Ahem. If I wanted to read about the relationship between Forest Service bureaucrats and small Western towns, I would have bought a book called "The Relationship Between the Forest Service and Small Western Towns." My book is called "Colorado 1870 - 2000." That is what I want to read about.

It's true that oil shale schemes, government agencies, and others have played a role in shaping Colorado in the past 30 years. But before that there were events like the Silver Crash of 1893, the City Beautiful movement, the Depression, World War II, and Urban Renewal. You won't read about those in this book.

The pictures are beautiful, and the text is well-written (if misplaced and unwanted). Just don't expect to learn much about the places you are looking at- except that they are very pretty.

This is a wonderful book
John Fielder has recreated photographs of Colorado that were taken 100 years ago by William Henry Jackson. It's fun to see the changes that have taken place over time. Some change is good, some bad. Fielder even went to the trouble of making sure that the same or similar items, such as trains, automobiles, even people, were in the images that he captured. It's an expensive book, but it's worth the money in my opinion.

Binding Fell Apart
I noticed the review that said this book was worthy of "permanent display on your coffee table." Well, I don't think that will be possible with my book, as the binding fell apart after 6 months. The book has gotten a fair amount of use, but nothing out of the ordinary. I've since seen a similar problem with a couple of the display copies at bookstores (which is why they've been demoted to display copies). So I don't think this is an isolated problem. It seems like the book is so big that they didn't make a strong enough binding for it. So just a warning for this thinking of buying this book. The good news is that, on the advice of one of the reviews, I bought Colorado: Yesterday & Today to replace my copy of Colorado: 1870-2000. I agree that it is the better book and now it will be on permanent display on my coffe-table.

Worthy of permanent display on a coffee table
This book is excellent in look, feel, and quality. It is intriguing to see how much landscape has changed in 130 years. Many times for the better and many times for the worse. In every case it is very interesting to see two pictures side by side and compare 1870 with 2000. The photographer was very meticulous to capture every shot as closely as possible to the original perspective and frame, which really enhances the "then and now" feel of the book.

Clearing Up the Confusion and Getting the Photo Details
There appears to be some confusion as all of the reviews of the original "Colorado 1870-2000" big book are credited to this, the paperback "Colorado 1870-2000 Revisited: The History Behind the Images". This book is a companion book to the original. It takes each photo set from the big book and goes into detail about the location, changes, and how Fielder acquired each photo. These are the things that, being left out of the original, made several people give the big book negative reviews. While it would have been nice (and certainly less expensive) to have everything in one volume, we now have the information for which those disappointed with the big book were looking. While the big book is a piece of coffee table art, the Revisited book fits neatly on your bookshelf, ready to be taken down to answer those questions posed by your friends perusing the big book. I take a bit of offense at having to have paid for two different books, but they belong together and I feel were money well spent; the big book for the beautiful photos and the revisited book for its entertaining and educational material. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Nice Reproductions
Ansel Adams: Classic Images

This book provides high quality representations of Ansel Adams' photography in examples of 75 of his best images. The text, written by James Alinder along with a preface by John Szarkowski, portrays the story of Adams' life and his philosophy regarding art and existence. The text starts the reader off at his birth and takes you through Adams' childhood and the decisions he makes as he searches for an outlet for his creativity and a strong career path. Having also been a professional pianist, Adams' later discovers his passion for photography and nature, and spends the rest of his life a successful artist and activist.
This book takes you through major events in his life and references prints in the book to give visual examples of his ever-evolving photographic style. I would definitely recommend this book, if not as a successful biography, but as a stage for some beautiful, high quality reproductions of Adams' work.

A fantastic Collection
This collection can be seen at the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona, through July 7, 2002. This book is the catalogue of the exibition! If you like the book you should see the originals! They will blow you away.

An exquisite collection!
This is a wonderful book filled with breathtaking photographs taken by the late and well-respected Ansel Adams. Each of the photographs contained is a unique masterpiece with a life of its own. Looking at these splendid photographs, one feels drawn right in to the specific location and year. Some of my favorites include, "The Golden Gate Before the Bridge" (1932), "Barn, Cape Cod, Massachusetts" (ca. 1937), "Clearing Storm, Sonoma County Hills, California" (1951) and "Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona" (1942). This book will definitely hold your attention and keep you captivated if not mesmerized. With so many minute and beautiful details in these photographs, it's easy to see why Ansel Adams was one of the most respected and popular photographers of our time. He didn't just take a picture; he ceased moments in time and captured the beauty of the subjects being photographed. This is an excellent book that will make a fine addition to any library. This book would make a great gift for photographers and art connoisseurs alike!

Great Images Reproduced in Tiny Sizes Spoil The Effects
Ansel Adams was very concerned that his work always be reproduced in a high quality way. I fear that he gave too much attention to fidelity of reproduction, and not enough to size of image in the reproduction. This otherwise valuable book is seriously marred by the designer having chosen page and print sizes much too small for Adams' work. I suggest you avoid this book.

I would like to compliment James Alinder on an outstanding biographical essay concerning Adams' life and photographic techniques. This essay will add useful knowledge to anyone who wants to better understand Adams' work and life, and their effects on us all. I would also like to compliment the selection of the images. These are clearly among Adams' best work.

Adams' technique used the very stark light of dawn and dusk to create vivid detail that echoed across the image from figure to figure. The result was to help the eye capture the connectedness of nature, the oneness of creation. So when the details become too small, it is like rubbing out whole chapters in a book. I was very disappointed in the publishing decision for this book's page size. In fact, only one of my favorite images still held most of its power for me in these large postcard sizes, Moon with Half Dome, Yosemite, 1960.

Without Mr. Alinder's essay, I would have graded this book as a two star effort.

Some of the lesser works which have less fine detail still show well. Here were my favorites of this small-sized collection:

Self-Portrait, Monument Valley, Utah, 1958

Monlith, The Face of Half Dome, Yosemite, 1927

Winnowing Grain, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, 1928

Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, 1982

Georgia O'Keefe and Orville Cox, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, 1937

Mormon Temple, Manti, Utah, 1948

Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico 1941

White House Ruin, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, 1942

Monument Valley, 1958

Cypress and Fog, Pebble Beach, California, 1967

Sand Dunes, Oceano, California, 1950

If you are like me and love Ansel Adams' work, I suggest you look into Ansel Adams, The American Wilderness, which does feature large enough reproductions.

Sometimes we learn more from mistakes than from successes. Where are your efforts being undertaken on too small a scale to be fully effective? What can you do to change that?

Enjoy the beauty of nature in its full scale brilliance (outdoors and in larger-sized photographic books)!

Ansel Adams: Classic Images
You could not ask for more. His most wonderful collection. A must see for any Ansel Adams fan. You will wish for all to hang in your own home. Only you can share with all your friends and family too. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Sane advice from a successful pro
Shaw gives realistic advice on the difficult work needed to make a living as a nature photographer. He conveys a sense of what magazine editors and other buyers of nature photography want in terms of quality, composition and subject through both his writing and many photographs. Practical advice on the more mundane aspects of running a photography business and the submission process is given in a clear and concise manner. Of note is his advice to start out by learning to write well so that you can submit full articles with photographs that are more likely to get published than stand-alone photos.

This book is well recommended for people interested in making some money off their hobby, serious about making nature photography their career, or just curious as to how nature photographers earn a living. The only drawback to the book is that it is a few years old and some of the material, particularly on digital photography and manipulation, is a bit dated.

Whole Truth from a Pro for Aspiring Pros
Ah, the glamorous and exotic life of a professional nature photographer. Wouldn't it be great to give up the daily grind and explore wild places while on assignment for a big magazine? That's the first myth of the business John Shaw dispells in this no-secrets-hidden book.

Chapter by chapter, he reveals what has worked for him in his 25 years as a full-time nature photographer. No preaching, no cheerleading -- just the straight scoop on what works and what doesn't from one of the most-recognized how-to authors on the subject.

This volume departs from Shaw's photo field techniques advice of earlier titles and dives head-first into the business end of nature photography. It's full of sound advice for beginner or pro. And the information is written in John's clear, concise, clean style. It sounds cliche, but this book must be read by anyone thinking about this business -- preferably before you give up your day job.

And if going pro isn't what you really want to! do, then learn nature photography techniques from this expert teacher in his four previous books.

Know what you are buying
BEFORE YOU BUY THIS BOOK. Understand that this book is nearly 10 years old and focuses on a business model that is near extinct.

When this book was first printed in 1996 it would have been considered a basic "seminar in a book" about selling and establishing income from nature photography. While the book does have some timeless information on common sense, it for the most part is archaic in content.

There are many fans of John Shaw out there but when it comes to buying a book and expecting content that I can use, my own expectations are to get the product as advertised.

If you want a John Shaw book on nature photography, stick to his other publications. This one belongs next to DOS 4 and my Windows 3.1 manuals.

An Oldie but Goodie
This book was a top-notch guide in its time that has unfortunately been overtaken by events.

Shaw tells you just about everything that one needed to know to become a successful nature photographer a decade ago, based upon his own experience. There is nothing in this book about photography techniques (although Shaw has written plenty of excellent books that do just that.) This book is crammed with practical business advice, from broad guidance like what subjects to shot for the most sales, to nitty-gritty advice like how to package your photos for mailing. He answers questions that other photography marketing books don?t begin to address: why is nature photography different from other commercial photography (nature sales are mostly from an existing stock of shots); what is the minimum-sized library needed to go into the business (at least 1000 first-class bread and butter photos of a variety of subjects); and similar questions.

Shaw's writing is direct and simple. Some of what he says I certainly know to be true from my own very brief experience in a commercial photography market and other things he says, of which I have no experience, have the true ring of advice of which I would never have thought on my own.

Shaw includes many of his own beautiful nature photographs in the book. And he at least makes some attempt to tie the pictures to what he is talking about. I?m not too concerned that the connections are sometimes tenuous. After all, how do you illustrate the advice to consider having your contract with a stock agency include the obligation to provide you with tearsheets?

So what's wrong with this book? Well, it's eight years too late. This book was published in 1996. Since that time the development of electronics has changed the photography field. Shaw's description of filing systems was written before some of today?s excellent computer-based storage and tracking systems were available. Most importantly, digital imaging was just a blip on the radar that only merited mention in a three-page appendix. When published, editors would only consider color slides for use. Today, more and more of the people who buy (or really, lease, as Shaw makes clear) photography are willing to consider digital images. And I suspect that the presentation of those images to prospective purchasers and the preparation of those images by the photographer for use have greatly changed the procedures suggested by Shaw.

It is a shame because this book is so clearly and usefully written. No other book on the business of nature photography has been so helpful in the past. Even more of a shame is that I have heard Shaw say he has no present plans to update this book.

So, if you are a nature photographer who wants to learn how to go into business, get this book. But buy yourself of subscription to the magazine Digital Photo Pro. And stay tuned for further updates.

Great read
This book is full of info. Great for someone just starting out. Well written! I usually struggle through books, but could not put this one down. ... Read more

Book Description

The tropical forest of Panama's Barro Colorado Island is a luxuriant community of plants and animals, pulsating with life and offering an astonishing view of nature's myriad processes. What does the forest look like? How do the activities of this forest's plants and animals create a community? Now, in A Magic Web, photographer Christian Ziegler and ecologist Egbert Leigh invite readers to enter the marvelous world of Barro Colorado Island. This book provides a unique combination of the spectacular photography of a picture-book and clear, authoritative text written by an active scientist who has spent half a lifetime trying to understand tropical forests. The photographs provide views of the forest and its spectacular diversity of inhabitants, and show many of the activities that give the forest its character and lend structure to its community. Drawing on decades of work on Barro Colorado Island, Egbert Leigh explains how the forest works. The photographs and text reveal the many ways its plants and animals compete with but also depend on each other: the contrasts between solitary cats and intricately organized armies of ants; the different ways plants struggle for a place in the sun, and the ways these plants attract, or domesticate, animals to pollinate their flowers. Finally, the authors show why this, and by implication all other, tropical forests matter to the people who live near them and to the world at large, what we can learn from these forests, and how they differ from temperate-zone forests.Full of gorgeous full-color photographs accompanied by clear and accessible text, A Magic Web is a must for anyone planning to visit a tropical forest, and for all those who only wish they could. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Six Stars would be Better
The pictures are really extrodinary and the text is very readable and understandable. I don't tire of looking at the photos over and over. ... Read more

Book Description

Breathe deeply before opening this book and prepare to be overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of the photographs within. Written and photographed by an internationally acclaimed authority, this book is a must-have for your home library.

The text describes the essence of the breed while superb photographs capture the beauty of the Bernese Mountain Dog in glorious images, many of which were taken in authentic Swiss settings. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

So much more than just a simple coffeetable book
The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog Of Destiny by Bernd Guenter (a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the World Dog Press Association) is so much more than just a simple coffeetable book of wonderful photographs showcasing a specialized canine breed. The superbly presented and "user friendly" text commences with an introduction and history of the breed, then addresses the "Bernese Mountain Dog Standard". Then their are entire chapters devoted to puppyhood, the adolescent Berner, the adult Berner, showing the Berne (European Style), breeding the Berner, and health issues (including veterinarian selection, vaccinations, deworming, experternal parasites, and specific health problems affecting the breed). Enhanced with appendices for Breed Standards; Useful Addresses; Bibliography; and List of Abbreviations, The Bernese Mountain Dog is comprehensive, exceptionally well written, superbly illustrated throughout, and a "must" addition for the reading list and reference shelf for anyone who's canine companion is the Bernese mountain dog.

A MUST book for Bernese Mountain Dog Lovers
Every photograph in Bernd's book is literally a work of art. The detail in the photographs and the background scenery just takes your breath away. I especially love the photographs in "The Berner Circle of Life" on pages 134 through 141. Bernd chronicles the life of a newborn berner through his senior years. He has posed the Berner in the same stance from ages 5 weeks through 9 years. It is fascinating to see the progression from a young puppy, to a gangly teenager, to a full grown adult male who is absolutely gorgeous!!

It is not just the photographs that make this book a "must have" for every Berner person and for those who are seeking information about Berners; the text is also excellent. Bernd Guenter is from Germany and his command of the English language is absolutely amazing!! This fantastic book is full of great
information about the breed - you can tell that Bernd has lived with Berners and has been around Berners and their people for many years and from many countries. He is able to take his knowledge of Berners and turn it into a most informative and delightful book that is easy to read.

You will find yourself shaking your head in agreement, laughing at the antics of the Berners, gaining a lot of knowledge about Berners and staying up late at night to finish just one more chapter. It a book that you will treasure forever.

THANK YOU, BERND, for writing and photographing such a lovely coffee table book about our Berners!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

The fabulously feisty and photogenic basset hound known as Maggie went from having one fan"owner/photographer Bill Stanton"to thousands after the publication of their first book, Maggie"s Way: Observations from Below Your Knees.Maggie returns with more dog"s-eye-view wit and wisdom in The Tao of Maggie: The Sound of One Hound Barking. This keepsake book is filled with delightful color and black-and-white photographs capturing Maggie in action. Each photo is accompanied by sage wisdom from ancient philosophers, accomplished writers, and, of course, Maggie herself who handily dispenses Eastern-influenced advice. Who says basset hounds can"t be zen masters'The photos within reveal the many sides of Maggie, from the inspiring"snatching dog biscuits in mid-air"to the slightly less-than-inspiring"captured on film with her head in the toilet. With its creative blend of humor, meditative contemplation, and stunning photography, The Tao of Maggie makes a great gift and is sure to keep lovers of all dogs smiling.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Each page is a poster worth a thousand words and tears
I lost my "Maggie" this year. I was so sad but Bill Stanton captures the essence of this wonderful species and let me grieve and laugh at the same time. What a wonderful book. You don't have to love Bassett Hounds to read this. But if you lose your Bassett be sure to get this book. Bill Stanton needs to get posters on the market for us. Each photo is a gem.

This is a Gem
I'm a 30-year Basset lover and this book is one of the best. It's charming, funny and so very, very true. Bill Stanton is a master of getting just the right words to describe his hilarious (and superb) photos of Maggie, his now-11-year old Basset (check out the bagel pic and the one about "patience".). ALL Basset lovers should own this book (and his first one, "Maggie's Way"). I've given many as gifts and they are always a hit (also they're reasonably priced).

Wonderfully Funny
I would recommend this to book to any dog lover. I picked up this book on the way out of the store, and couldn't put it down. I had to go back and buy it. This is a a gem of a book, and I'm sure you'll treasure the sage wisdom of this floppy eared philosopher. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Afterlife of Flowers
Good reference material and some philosophy about nature. Beautiful photographs show what some commonly found flowers look like when pressed. This book is includes enlarged photos, comments, and a chart with smaller photos showing each flower's common name, width and it's location in the book. 96 pages, hardcover.

Simply Superb!
This isn't a how-to book, but the gorgeous photos do serve as a valuable guide to what some commonly found flowers will look like when pressed. The book is comprised of enlarged photos and comments, ending with an id chart of smaller photos along with each flower's common name, actual width, and the page it was featured on.

If you like the look of pressed flowers, you might want to check out Laura Martin's Art and Craft of Pounding Flowers. Pounding an object's pigment onto fabric and paper creates beautiful and uniquely pressed flower like images. Very nice.

Flower Nirvana
Janie Feldman Gross takes the art of flower pressing to new dimensions. Each specimen is a work of art unto itself - the colors, textures, delicately graceful lines - coupled with Janie's poetic observations, all add up to a book that is both breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring.

Revealing Hidden Beauty in Flowers
For most, the term "pressed flowers