Book Description

Focusing on black and white photos, this book looks at both the camera and techniques needed to capture good images, as well as the digital processing that can be applied. Black and white is the first area aspirant photographers express an interest in. Spanning the topic from capturing photos through to the latest information on digital printing and DVD burning, this book provides amateurs with a solid foundation. The digital focus of this book is comprehensive, including both recreation of traditional effects and all-new digital techniques. It approaches black and white photography from a practical, tutorial view, not just an artistic view, so that readers benefit from an understanding of all perspectivesan important factor in the competitive arena of digital photography. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Why is this book a combination of old books?
This book is a combination of old books with old ideas. The description should say that all the publishers have done is combine old work! What a dissapointment.

A Must Have for Beginners
If you want to see how different lighting arrangements can effect a picture then this book should be part of your phtotgraphy library. I just wish there were(approximate) distance measurements given between the subject ,background and lights.

Outstanding! My favorite portrait & fashion lighting book
I love this book! I am a self taught photographer with over 20 years of experience. Almost everything I know about photography has come from reading books or trial and error. Most of the books I have read stated that they contained "everything I needed to know" or they were "packed with information" etc. etc. blah, blah, blah! Usually thay were OK for beginners containing only basic information and lacked real substance. Well this book is the real deal! Great photography and loads of lighting techniques from very simple to complex. Most of the photographs occupy a page all by themselves with little or no distracting text. An explaination of the complete lighting set up with a detailed diagram is on the adjoining page. The quality of the printing is great, allowing you to reap the full benefits of what a book on photography should be. This book is a wealth of information for photographers who want to take their lighting skills to a higher level.

Excellent Book, BUT...
As the latest from the Rotovision series, this IS an excellent book, BUT it is a compliation from the very popular Pro-Lighting series (which I already own). If you haven't purchased any of the books in this series, I would not hesitate to get this one! If you already have Portraits, Fashion, Glamour or New Glamour, you already have what this is made up of.

Very instructional
This book is like a catalog of photos; real high quality fashion/glamour/style photos with illustrations of how they were made. There are not a lot of text there. Maybe you still need another book that deals with technique, basic and advanced. It will be great in conjuntion with this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

If you're a photographer trying to earn a living from your work, The Photographer's Guide to Marketing and Self-Promotion may be the best investment you make. Maria Piscopo has been a photographer's representative for more than two decades, and she has honed her message at innumerable industry conferences and workshops. In brief but information-packed chapters, Piscopo explains how to define the type of work you do, research different categories of clients, and persuade them to hire you. She deals with the nitty-gritty of portfolio presentation (how much do you show?), writing the selling "script" (what do you say and how do you tailor it to your audience?), and negotiating costs. Other chapters discuss how to work with a rep and a marketing coordinator. Throughout the book, first-person accounts by successful photographers add welcome practical details. While the level of detail on most topics is unusually thorough (where else are you likely to read about how to leave a voice mail message for a potential client?), a few areas could profitably be expanded or tweaked. There is a lot more to be said about styles and pitfalls of Web marketing, and the chapter on press releases could use the cautionary advice of someone on the other side (a newspaper or magazine editor). And maybe the next edition could lose all those distracting exclamation marks. Piscopo's cheerful, down-to-earth style is plenty persuasive without them. --Cathy Curtis ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A business tool for the professional photographer
If you are new in the photography business or you are looking to overhaul your marketing strategies, Maria Piscope book "the guide to marketing and self promotion" will help. In todays rapid change of the photography business good self promotion is the key. Maria Piscope leads your from the basic to the more advanced marketing strategies of the industry. A must read for the beginner as well as the established photographer. The modern artist has to be a good business person this book will be a good start. ... Read more

Book Description

This easy-to-use, inexpensive book introduces readers to the fundamentals of photography and suggests ways in which they might create photographs that have meaning.Oriented toward traditional black and white photography, thebook also explores digital techniques and web photography resources, equipment, cameras and camera accessories, the exposure and development of film, and the making and finishing of prints. All aspects of the process are explained and illustrated clearly in two-page spreads, each of which addresses a self-contained topic.For those who don't know anything about photography—but want to learn, and anyone who wants to take better pictures than they do now. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Complete tripe.
If you are talking a College level course that utilises this book as the main text, I truly pity you. You will learn more by simple self research via the internet and using your camera over the duration of the course than this book could ever teach you. By the final chapter you are left banging your head into your desk wondering why anyone would ever choose this offal as a required textbook. Don't believe me? Read Chapter 9 and notice that the vast majority of the text is simple poetic musings followed by references back to previous chapters, as the authors were too bloody lazy to expand upon their meager ideas. Pathetic. ... Read more

Book Description

Over 1,000 images teach shooting and Photoshop techniques in easy lessons for anyone wanting expert advice on digital photography.

In 2003, digital camera sales will explode following a 35 percent increase in 2002. Rick Sammon, one of North America's most widely read photocolumnists, covers all the steps in the digital photographic process.

Sammon begins with basic advice for those new to photography. Experienced film shooters will enjoy Sammon's ample coverage of Photoshop and digital image techniques. And in a bonus section, Sammon offers advanced tips such as taking glamour shots, producing e-books, and setting up a home studio.

Sammon answers questions such as "How do I select a digital camera? How do I store my images? What are the first things I should do when using Photoshop?"

Sammon's approach of "learning to see and seeing to learn" uses pairs of images, software screen shots, and the best photographs from his own vast library. The 107 lessons take the reader through each topic in friendly, concise steps. Includes a CD-ROM with "The Camera Looks Both Ways," a mini-course in photography. 1008 color illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A great pick for those who prefer the practical approach
I am (or after reading this book should I say "was") a novice to photography and the digital darkroom. This book is a great starter and covers ever major aspect that comes with digital photography deeply and comprehensively.
Generally this book has two part: How to make/take a picture (yes, Rick also teaches you how to "make" a picture) and how to work it. It is obvious that Rick is a great pro Photograhper and he shares all his awesome photographic techniques with you. Still, his writing style is easy and even understandabel for the beginner. After reading this book your pictures will improve whether you are a beginner or advanced -Guaranteed!!!
His digital darkroom techniques require some basic knowledge about Photoshop. This is no tutorial how to use the different options and tools of photoshop. But a great book teaching you how to use them effectively. His approach is totally outcome oriented - the production of digitally enhanced pictures. Coherently he covers standard situations how to improve a picture and being creative, like redeye, overexposure, black and white, color management, creating more impact on the picture, preparing for print, etc. His procedures are easy to understand yet overwhelmingly efficient. The great illustrations let you retrace what has happened and how the effect will look like.
To get to that basic knowledge about Photoshop you either have to struggle through the borring help programm of the software itself. Or you get yourself a separate book. Another very convienent, yet more spendy way to probe the potential of Photoshop, is partially included on the CD which comes with this book - a virtual software tutorial. The one on the CD is great but is only on small section out of the whole tutorial, which you can buy seperatly. The whole series from Julieanne Kost runs about 200 $ but there a also cheaper tutorials out there for slightly over 20 - check with ebay. These are not so good in sound and maybe not as nicely stuctured but still a very convenient alternative to a book.
Finally, the printing quality, the binding and the illustrations reflect the thoroughness and love for the detail with wich this book was writen.
This book you will find fun to work and read through.

A must have if you are getting into digital photography.
If you are interested in digital photography, this is the best book available out there for this price, Period! I have read several books about digital photography and this books has it all. It is not so basic, yet it is not so advanced that you wouldn't understand what the write is saying. I was very impressed by Mr. Sammon's way of illustrating his points with sample pictures he has personally taken over the years. If you are an absolute beginner (if you have never used a 35mm SLR or a digital camera and a photo editing software before) I do not recommend this book for you. This book appeals to anyone who has a basic understand of digital photography and are interested in learning more about photo shooting techniques and digital darkroom (editing) software. Let me tell you-- you will not be disappointed by this book.

pretty pedestirian stuff
I am a photographer of ten years, and I was looking for a good liasion to the digital format from film. This book tries too hard to be everything to all levels, and it ends up getting in its own way most of the times. What pretends to be a good overview for beginners and pros, stadles the two and inevitably caters to the lowest common denominator.
If you have any photography experience, understand how to expose a negative, etc. avoid this book. The pictures he uses are not that good or just plain cheesy. It makes me wonder how he got to this point.

Enjoyable to read, inspiring with excellent examples
I have just made the switch from film to digital and I found this book very helpful in propelling me along the way. I have bought 3 books and this is the one I keep coming back to. It is written in a friendly, conversational style and the pictures are excellent. The short lessons help me to put the book down and try things or to think about what has been said. Sammon's commentary is helpful without being overbearing. ("I like this alternative. What do you think?") The heavy paper does justice to the photos and the spine has not broken yet!

While I give the book highest marks for "presentation", I think there might be improvement in the organization. The content choice appears arbitrary. Nonetheless, it is fun to read. I love looking at the examples. For this middling amateur, the "lessons" have been interesting, inspiring and informative. This is the book I will take with me this summer. I highly recommend it to others who, like me, are responding to the new challenges and possibilities presented by the digital age in photography.

OK BUT THERE ARE BETTER CHOICES
This book is well written full of interesting facts and nice pictures. It is geared toward the Apple Computer user and Photoshop photoediting. If those are your system give this book a fourth star. But there are better choices for less money if you are using a PC for editing and any photo-editing software including Photoshop, MS Digital Photo, Camedia etc etc.

My personal favorite is K.I.S.S. Guide to Digital Photography which is ten bucks cheaper, better written, more informative for the beginner and all around better instruction for the beginner to digital photography. ... Read more

Book Description

Photography is a revolutionary art medium that has changed the way in which the world is presented. It has become an indispensable mode of communication and a vital means of revealing and explaining the world. This comprehensive encyclopedia traces the amazing journey of photography, from the invention of the daguerreotype in 1829 to the digital photograph of today.

In outlining nearly two centuries of this innovative art form, the book touches on some of the medium's key themes, from portraits, nudes, and still lifes, to sports and fashion photography, photojournalism, news coverage, and NASA images. A team of specialists in the field explain photographic techniques and examine the various approaches to photography around the world. Using pictures that have changed our way of looking at the world, such as Eadweard Muybridge's Galloping Horse, and featuring biographies of 200 of the greatest photographers of all time-from Mathew Brady to Cindy Sherman-the encyclopedia delivers the complex history of photography in a format that will appeal to any reader. AUTHOR BIO: Christian Caujolle created the photo agency l'Agence VU in 1986. He has curated numerous international exhibitions and published monographs on a wide range of photographers. Quentin Bajac was curator of the Musée d'Orsay from 1995 to 2003. Today he is photography curator at the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou. Brigitte Govignon is an art historian and creator of the "Small Encyclopedia" series, of which this book is the fifth title. She also works for the French publisher Gallimard on its Folio collection. ... Read more

Book Description

This complete and easy-to-follow introduction to Adobe Photoshop Elements has been updated throughout to show all the new features of version 3.0 including Photo Browser, Quick Fix Editor, Photo Creations Projects, the integrated RAW file editor and 16 bit editing support.

Philip Andrews in his clear, no-nonsense style sets the package in the broader context of digital imaging. Far more than just an introduction to the software package, 'Adobe Photoshop Elements' gives you all you need to know to achieve professional looking results. Fine tune your skills with the associated website: www.guide2elements which includes many images featured in the book for download; printable lesson plans for teachers as well as useful links and updates.

* Save valuable time with this successful, jargon-free introduction to digital imaging
* Put technique into practice using real life examples, all fully updated to cover the new Elements 3.0 features
* Full color, inspirational illustrations show what can be achieved ... Read more

Book Description

If you want to do more with images from digital sources, then Photoshop Elements 3 One-on-One is for you. This collection, the third in a series by Photoshop expert Deke McClelland, is a complete training system on how to use Adobe® Photoshop Elements software to create great images. The book contains 12 step-by-step lessons on real-world tasks along with two hours of video tutorials on CD. You can read about a particular technique in the book and then see how it's done first hand in the video.Deke's conversational style and full-color photographs make learning both fun and easy. Both image-editing novices and those already familiar with using Photoshop Elements will find valuable tips on how to create high-quality images for print, e-mail, and the Web. If you want to make your images the best they can be, then Photoshop Elements 3 One-on-One is for you. ... Read more

Book Description

Covering the rights photographers need to understand to prevent losing an image or incurring liability, this book details the legal aspects of publishing photographs, public vs. private property, model releases, copyrighted material, pornography, and intrusion of privacy. Also discussed are what to do when film or equipment is seized and handling confrontations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A useful and entertaining legal handbook? Here it is.
This is a terrific handbook, full of useful information presented concisely and with considerable wit. Is this guy really a lawyer? The photos illustrating the author's points, and the accompanying comments, alone make the book worth buying (for example, a "legitimate expectation of privacy" is humorously and aptly demonstrated by the image on p. 39.) A bonus is the good, common sense advice it contains to help the photographer stay out of trouble, and to allay concerns that otherwise might unnecessarily cause the photographer to pass up good shots. A very good addition to any photographer's library.

Great reference tool!
Great book to have on hand to take notes from and to reference when needed.

It touches on all topics re: liability and includes a great resource section.

A Practical Guide to Dealing With The Public
Everyone who takes photos in public places should have a copy of this book. Krages points out that laws restricting the publication of photographs are different from laws about making those photographs in the first place, and many misconceptions are the result of confusing the two. He also has some good suggestions for staying out of trouble, how to deal with confrontations if they occur, and when to call a lawyer. He writes: "Confidence in knowing one's rights is important when photographing action on the streets but knowing how to avoid upsetting people can be more important." He says that most lawsuits are the result of emotional issues rather than a desire to collect money.

If you want an extended discussion of copyright law, look elsewhere-- this book is about *taking* photographs, not publishing them. Good information and advice on every page.

An Important Book for Photographers
Photography is getting down right confusing as far as legal issues are concerned and not knowing what is legally correct and what isn't can make or break your business. So how do you remedy this? You can hire a lawyer, take a chance and hope what you are doing is legal, or you can read "Legal Handbook for Photographers." The author, Bert P. Rages, Esq., is a practicing attorney, stock photographer and writer so he knows the issues fellow photographers must wrestle within the world of photography. Subjects covered in the 123 page book include how local, state and national laws are made, the enforcement of laws, photographing in public and private places and privacy issues. Understanding copyrighted materials and restrictions on subject matter is covered as is lawful and unlawful seizures of your film and equipment. Chapter seven discusses establishing your personal ethics. This one volume could save you much heartache and money. It is certainly worth the price... ... Read more

Book Description

This easy-to-use, inexpensive book introduces beginning picture takers and makers to the fundamentals of photography and suggests ways in which they might create photographs that have meaning. Oriented toward traditional black and white photography, the book also explores digital techniques and web photography resources, equipment, cameras and camera accessories, the exposure and development of film, and the making and finishing of prints. All aspects of the process are explained and illustrated clearly in two-page spreads, each of which addresses a self-contained topic. For people who don't know anything about photography and would like to learn, and for those who want to make better pictures than they already do.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

The search for Photographic Exposure Holy Grail of Midtone!
Zuckerman, a master photographer, takes an unassuming, non-technical case-study approach to show readers how to achieve the perfect photographic exposure. The brilliant and superb colour photographs used as illustration or case study are captured with his favorite medium-format SLR camera, a Mamiya RZ 67-II (you can check this out in his interview at http://www.mamiya.com/assets/zuckerman/RZ67).

Having explained how and when a built-in TTL (through-the-Lens) reflected light meter (by definition) in an SLR camera may fail, Zuckerman jumps straight to the important concept of a "middle tone" (mid-tone or medium gray or 18% gray) upon which such TTL light meters, and for that matter, all light meters, is based in obtaining a "normal" exposure, as opposed to a "correct" or "perfect" exposure. This is immediately followed by a judicious survey of the classic situations in which one finds difficulty in obtaining a correct exposure. If at all, there is a single rule-of-thumb, Zuckerman makes it clear that if you choose to meter exposure based on a "mid-tone" of a colour, everything else will fall into place. That is the Holy Grail one should seek as far as exposure is concerned! Getting to this even when there is little or no mid-tone is the topic of chapter 3.

In a nutshell, when you get an exposure reading from your camera's built-in light meter, often, depending on the lighting situation, you are only getting a "normal" exposure (based on the idea that the camera is exposing your subject at this middle-gray) instead of getting a correct exposure, which is what you want as a photographer!. Hence, when you try to obtain an automatic exposure for tricky situations like black subject on a dark background (examples are a plenty in Zuckerman's book), the built-in exposure meter will fail as it tries to interpret a normal exposure of this by assuming a middle-gray. Consequently, you get an over-exposure in such situation and get a gray instead of black subject. Those situations that present metering problem are covered as individual topics in their respective chapters in this book (high contrast, backlight, indoor architecture, low light of extreme situations when correct exposure is more an art than a science etc).

While it is intuitive to illustrate the concept of "middle gray" as being a series of gray ranging from black to white, doing this within the context of colour photography presents even a challenge to the author. The author did, however, made a good attempt by illustrating the location of a "mid-tone colour" in many of his colour illustrations (in chapter 3 and others). One is still left with the question of what exactly constitute a mid-tone of a series of colour of a photographic subject. It would have been great if only Zuckerman could show his chosen "mid-tone colour" for each and everyone of his great colour photographs in this book!
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As a Pro, the author relies heavily on off-camera light meters (notably the Sekonic L-508) that incorporate both an incident as well as a reflected light meter (presumably, no TTL-meter is built into the Mamiya RZ67 II) in capturing almost all of the photos used in the book. Beside stating the importance and the use of incident light meter and a high-end reflected light meter (one-degree spot reading), Zuckerman does provide way in which one can perform the same precision light reading using a standard 35mm SLR on a spot-reading mode. As the spot reading angle is a function of the focal length of the lens being used, Zuckerman shows that with a telephoto lens focused on a chosen mid-tone of a subject, one can achieve the reading that rivals a precision reflected meter!

The author does not advocate the practice of bracketing an exposure or over- or under-exposure by a stop or two! Hence, there is no discussion of "zone system" exposure in this book. Interested readers are well advised to check out other titles on this topic, including Les Meehan's "Creative Exposure Control" (Collin and Brown, 2001) and Bahman Farzad's "The Confused Photographer's Guide to Correct Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System" (3rd edition, 2001)

While correct or perfect exposure is important, photographic composition is an equally important skill to acquire on your path to great photography. Readers are advised to check out titles on this topic, one of which, "Photos with IMPACT" (David & Charles, 2003) by Tom Mavik is well worth your effort!

Overall, this book is both informative and accessible to photographers in general and novice in particular. It is filled with pages and pages of the author's enthusiasm for his subject of nature photography. This simple approach of recognize a photo-exposure situation and search for its mid-tone may not be shared by all photography enthusiasts. But the bottom line is: If you can capture great photos with such an approach, why not? You can always learn the technical details of this later!

Simply Perfect
I am still finding out some new stuff there when reading it now even I have read it from cover to cover for a couple of times. The chapter about finding a middle tune area and the appendix about sun f/16 rules( well, I bet you know it very well, but the author does have his own words) are very helpful.

THE BEST -- THE SIMPILEST-PERFECT
People, if you have any doubts about exposure with your camera, please read this book. I always had doubts, have read other books that are excellent for exposure, but you know what this is the FINEST book I have read that really does tell you how to find exposure on those difficult exposure. It is so easy to read and you grasp Zuckerman's teaching so fast. WOW
I use to have doubts on my exposure in photography, I bought the book, have read it 3 times in one week, now it is a reference book to check if required. To date have not checked. It is not a big book, but crammed with what YOU need to get perfect exposures. Good Luck, you will land up with a smile on your face

More Inspirational than Instructive
This is an interesting book with some of the most beautiful photography imaginable. Zuckerman is clearly a master photographer and the books meets its goal of teaching photographers how to achieve "perfect exposure."

For each chapter, there is an introductory text that is brief and concise and most of the teaching is actually done through the caption text of numerous gorgeous photographs. Zuckerman guides one through the obligatory discourse on the weaknesses of automatic metering and then into various situations that a photographer may find him or herself.

Throughout the book, Zuckerman discusses his approach to obtaining exposure. And, there in lies the major weakness of the book - the approach is his. Although and very sound and effective approach, Zuckerman's "secret" is the reliance of a handheld meter. In the end, the book can become little more than a repetition of the idea that if you use a handheld meter, you can obtain good exposure.

This is in sharp contrast to Bryan Peterson's "Understand Exposure" which actually teaches the reader the principles of exposure and how to use those principles to obtain good exposure REGARDLESS of the equipment being used.

This book, however, has two saving graces: 1) the photography is amazing and does give great examples on how to deal with various exposure situations, and 2) the chapter on finding medium grey in various situations. The first provides the inspiration and the second provides information that is rare to find in books on exposure.

Overall a decent book that one would not regret purchasing; however, I would recommend purchasing it along with Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" rather than as a stand alone text on exposure.

best, most simple explanation of the exposure for a beginner
This book, in my opinion, is the fastest and the most simple introduction into understanding of the exposure. Very clearly explained and pictures with author's comments just help so much to understand the author's way of working with exposure. I went to a book store to check highly recommended book of Bryan Peterson "Understanding Exposure". After reading several chapters I understood that the book is good but not as good as a lot of people wer saying. The main drawback of that book is inability to express the basic rules of exposure estimation clearly. That leaves a photographer-beginner with a vague feeling - like - ok, I read it, but what should be my first steps? I am not an experienced photographer and according to Bryan's book there are too many situations and the author leaves too many open doors for a beginner like me (that' good for more advanced amateur photographer, but too confusing for a person like me, who is just starting photography). Opposite - Jim explains it so clearly, giving just a few simple rules, allowing to go and start shooting using those rules and getting results which were not possible before reading the book. Also, I don't agree with one of the reviewers who was complaining about Jim's usage of incident metering. First, Jim almost always explains both situations - metering with the hand meter and metering with camera's meter. Second - it's always a probability that you can buy a hand meter. Having a hand meter will allow you to get much more precise exposure readings. Anyway, great book, I am glad I found it.

I read a lot of good reviews about ... Read more

Book Description

The only comprehensive, how-to guideto antique and contemporary photo processes, from daguerreotype to digital, Coming Into Focus is the essential reference for the amateur and professional photographer. The mysterious and beautiful processes used by historic and modern art photographers-many of which don't require a formal darkroom-are revealed here in simple, step-by-step instructions and photographic illustrations by internationally recognized experts, with each method carefully reviewed for safety and ease of use.The many "non-traditional" processes detailed here offer photographersexciting alternatives to standard methods-opening up whole new worlds of creative expression. With practical, lay-flat binding, all-inclusive materials lists, a resource guide, and in-depth chapters on chemicals, paper, and equipment, Coming Into Focus is an indispensable, handbook for any photographer in search of answers and inspiration. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An Excellent, Well Written Book
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. I also have "The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes" by Christopher James, another good book, but I always go back to "Coming into Focus". This book is laid out in a very accessible manner, each section is written clearly and concisely, and the processes are described so that you understand and can start experimenting almost immediately (once you acquire the necessary materials for the relevant process). Again, this book is a very useful one, and a handy reference to have around.

A nice addition to any alt-photo library
A compelling blend of traditional processes takes on new life with new, improved chemical formats and digital techniques. Any artist working in alternative processes arrives, sooner or later, at their own individual methods and unique combinations of techniques. This book provides many examples of working formulas that build upon and further develope the traditional standard favorites. The "recipes" are clearly detailed in an easy-to-follow textbook format, with such new processes as the Fredrick Temperaprint (a tricolor system based on gum dichromate) and the Argyrotype (an iron-silver process similar to Van Dyke). It also seamlessly incorporates the digital technology we rely on more and more.

It's given me a wealth of new ideas and projects to try out, and is sure to become an invaluable resource in my own darkroom. ... Read more

Book Description

Displaying the same wit and charm that made her Creative Techniques for Photographing Children a commercial success, Vik Orenstein shoots straight with photographers on what it takes to build a successful photo business. She combines big-picture thinking with a soft touch to deliver sound, practical advice on such core topics as developing a marketing plan, building a clientele, networking and maintaining creative fulfillment.

The guide is a major asset for:- Amateurs seeking a friendly overview of the business - Established photographers delving into a new niche - Freelancers interested in selling stock - Photographers starting their own studio

At 320 pages, the book's simultaneous deep and broad treatment makes it an excellent companion to the business-focused introduction found in Photographer's Market. Vik also covers such important specialties as wedding, commercial and nature photography in individual chapters and frequently complements her own advice with that of industry experts. ... Read more

Book Description

In the years following World War II, images of comradeship, particularly of men being physically close, largely disappeared from the public record. But, as these stunning photographs attest, ordinary American men in the extraordinary circumstances of World War II were affectionate, winsome, and playful-disarmingly innocent in a time of cataclysmic peril.

Led by photography giant Captain Edward J. Steichen, the U.S. Naval Aviation Photographic Unit was organized during the war to record the daily experiences of Navy men all over the world and provide newspapers and magazines with images to promote the American cause. The unit's photographers, which included Wayne Miller, Horace Bristol, Victor Jorgensen, and Barrett Gallagher, took thousands of pictures of soldiers as they relaxed, trained, prepared for the next battle, and waited.

This book brings together more than 150 of those photographs, culled from the National Archives, including many that have never before been published. Whereas World War II imagery tends to be dominated by combat photography and monumental depictions of weaponry, these photographs offer a rare, intimate look at the Navy men themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Coming Together, Navy Men
I absolutely "loved" this book from the first moment I picked it up and opened its first page. The photographs captivate a time when men could show affection without the worry of not being masculine enough. Thank you Evan Bachner for sharing your vision and putting together these marvellous photographs of this celebrated time in History. My dad was in the Navy during World War II and lived on a destroyer, and he has just recently started telling me some of "his" stories of being out at sea, sometimes for months at a time. I came across photographs years ago when I was just a young man of my dad and his ship-mates, and his photographs could easily been a part of this beautiful collection that Evan Bachner has displayed in "At Ease". I look forward to "At Ease,part Two."

At Ease is Easy on the eye
It's great to see so many men lying around, playing together, touching each other without guilt, and in general being best friends. The photos are high quality with great composition. I wish there were more opportunities for men to be so At Ease with each other.

A Remarkable Collection, Nostalgia at its Finest
I loved spending time with this book, not just because it was terrific eye candy, but because it unearthed a vision of life during World War II that hasn't really been seen in this kind of photographic detail. Evan Bachner did a terrific job compiling this book and his six years of work on it was well spent.

Incredibly moving
The world WAS different then. The people WERE better. What a beautiful and moving record of a country whose spirit has died. Thank you, Evan Bachner, for unearthing and sharing this long-lost treasure.

A Beautiful Book
The photos in this wonderful book are vastly different from those that we normally see from the WW2 era. But that's exactly what is so compelling about them. All at once they're touching, erotic, and sexy. A must-have book for any photography collector. ... Read more

Book Description

World’s first book written to illustrate the on-camera spot metering technique for 35mm, Digital, and Medium Format photographers:

All types of metering systems used in different cameras (with the exception of the on-camera spotmeter operated by a skilled photographer) use a "cookie-cutter" approach to photographic exposure. What this means is the camera meter measures the various tones of your subject, and then averages all of the tones in order to come up with an overall exposure. Sometimes the overall exposure works and sometimes it doesn't. With this approach, the ball is in the camera's court and in many instances the photographer has no hand in the final look of the image. With on-camera spotmetering, the photographer uses a "tailored" approach to find the correct exposure for a very specific subject. With this approach, the skilled photographer interprets the spotmeter readings from the subject and establishes the correct exposure that captures the desired image (what the eye sees) on film. The consistency and flexibility of the narrow-angled spotmeter makes it the most powerful and versatile exposure tool in existance today. The only catch in using a spotmeter is that the photographer must have the skill to use this powerful tool correctly and effectively. The Confused Photographer's Guide to On-Camera Spotmetering does just that! It is simple, easy-to-follow, and uses a common-sense teaching approach to the material. With more than seventy full-page illustrations, it is designed to get the beginner and the intermediate photographer started in a couple of days. I assume that you have a camera with a built-in spotmetering (partial metering) feature. I also assume that you have a ninth grade education and are willing to learn. To facilitate your learning process, I have included a two page cheat sheets for each of the following cameras: Canon EOS 10D Digital Slr, Canon EOS 20D Digital Slr, Canon EOS 3, Canon EOS A2/A2E, Canon EOS Elan 2E, Canon EOS Elan 7E, Canon EOS Rebel 2000, Canon EOS Rebel Ti/300V, Canon PowerShot G3 Digital, Canon PowerShot G5 Digital, Minolta Maxxum 5, Minolta Maxxum 7, Minolta Maxxum 9, Minolta Maxxum StSi, Nikon CoolPix 990 Digital, Nikon CoolPix 995 Digital, Nikon CoolPix 4500 Digital, Nikon CoolPix 5700 Digital, Nikon Coolpix 5000 Digital, Nikon Coolpix 8700 Digital, Nikon D70 Digital Slr, Nikon F4, Nikon F5, Nikon F100, Nikon N50, Nikon N55, Nikon N60, Nikon N6006, Nikon N65, Nikon N70, Nikon N75, Nikon N80, Nikon N8008s, Nikon N90/N90s, Pentax *ist, Pentax *ist-D Digital SLR, Pentax 645N Medium Format, Pentax MZ-S, Pentax PZ-1P, Pentax ZX-5N, and Sony DSC-F717 Digital. If your camera is not listed here, you will still be able to learn the technique and apply it successfully. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

An Excellent Primer on Achieving Accurate Exposure
The Problem: How to get your camera to accurately expose for scenes of widely varying colors and contrast when your camera's built in meter can only see the world as 18% Gray?

The Answer: Read this book!!

In one bold stroke (one brief, lucid book) Mr. Farzad has completely de-mystified the technique of achieving proper exposure on color slide (and negative) film. His explanations are quite clear and simply presented without sacrificing the more subtle aspects of the "art" of exposure control. The book clearly explains the power and limitations of the on-camera spotmeter, basically teaching you how the meter "sees" the world. Once armed with this knowledge it is an easy step to then understand the proper use of exposure compensation in order to produce the kind of pictures that you want. Reading the book is like having a private lesson from the kind of teacher who can make even the most complex subject seem utterly simple. I particularly liked the analogies and graphics that he used to reinforce the concepts. The book can be easily read in a few hours and they are hours well spent. In addition, the book contains appendices with additional more advanced material (if desired) as well as exposure "cheat sheets" for most of todays available 35mm SLR's. In my opinion, reading this book is the quickest and cheapest path to improving your images. It should be the first book you read after the camera manual.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!
Bahman Farzad is a marvelous teacher. If he can teach me he can teach anyone. I have been taking photos for 20 years and never knew how to do it correctly. I bought high end cameras and used them in Programmed Auto mode. I went digital a few years ago and did the same thing....Programmed Auto. I recently purchased a Nikon 5700 and have been stuggling with it. I was ready to give up. Then someone told me about this book. It has made all the difference imaginable. I had to reread some but finally the "lights went on". For taking digital or film photographs this is a book that everyone who picks up a camera should read. Actually I bought both of his books and don't regret it for a moment.

You can have all the camera technology money can buy but if you don't know the basics.......why bother.

Don't get me wrong...I am not Ansel Adams. But I do know how to take photos in Manual mode, spot meter and make correct exposure decisions all because I read these books.

Too much paper for too little concept
I know spot metering is becoming a luxury in many consumer grade cameras and only true hobbyist would acknowledge its value in existence. However, this book simply uses too much real estate to decribe a concept that could have concisely decribed in half of the space provided. There isn't enough color examples to illustrate how to take readings in real life situations. A substantial section to describe individual camera operation is not that useful since it duplicates what should have provided from the owner manual of the camera.

Great book!
This is a great book. It teaches step by step and with good examples and exercises in every chapter. Before reading the book I knew almost anything about sportmetering and kept using centerweighted and matrix metering, both are Ok and have their own particular uses but now spot is my choice. Worth the price and highly recommended!

The Best Book on the Subject of Spot Metering!
Too many photo "how to" books slide right over the importance of metering, especially spot metering. You wonder why your photos lack the detail and color that your remembered when you shot that picture. This book is wonderful. It is the only book that I have come across that explains in great detail how the camera works and how to determine the exposure you desire using the spot meter. You will be amazed at how much better your photos will be if you turn off that automatic stuff and let your brain decide what your exposure should be. After you have read those books about aperture, shutter speed and depth of field (they all seem to read the same), read this book to learn how to expose/meter correctly. I am so glad that I did! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

Best book I've seen!
This is the best book I have found so far on digital photography. If you know the basics and are looking for some in-depth info, I recommend you buy this book because it covers all aspects of digital photography well. I guess I would describe it as an intermediate guide, since one person complained that it is not a beginging book. Actually, I think that depends on the person and how much you want to learn about the topic. Also, it is easy to understand and unlike many books I have seen it is really well illustrated and the pictures helped me to understand the text--so the illustrations are well thought out. If you are shopping for a book on digital this one should be considered strongly.

Complicated for a beginner
I borrowed this from the library. I found it to be complicated. I'm a beginner in serious photography. I don't think it is a good guide for a beginner.

A good overall guide, well illustrated and with good depth
If you are already have some introduction to the fundamentals of photography, and are looking to explore digital photography (both technically and creatively) this is a very good book. It has a good discussion of hardware (cameras, etc.) and software (for editing and manipulating images). It also has a good discussion of approaches and techniques to taking photos. The book is extensively illustrated throughout with color photos and drawings, a real strength compared to most other books.

My bias is that most people should focus more on taking good photographs - paying attention to lighting, exposure, composition, etc. - than on technology. It takes a lot of editing to fix a bad shot. So the fact that this is written by a photographer is another big plus (though he appears to do mostly coffee table books, rather than guides).

A better book for some is Steve Bavister's Digital Photography. It's much clearer on the key fundamentals of photography. It has less detail all around, but that is a plus for those who want the main ideas quickly or looking for an accessible introduction. That's the book I bought for my teenage nephew; he's smart, but given his limited experience, I thought it better to give him a book with more emphasis on photography.

Note that Freeman's book discusses technical aspects of hardware and software generically, not specific to any program, which may be a negative for those users looking for a step-by-step guide to their programs or software. Also, if you don't think you'll ever do more than resize or fix red-eye, the technical discussion may not be much use to you. OR, it may open your eyes to what can be done!

Another set of alternatives, for a narrower group of users looking more for specifics on the technical aspects of hardware and software, are books like Long's Complete Digital Photography. But those books don't use photos and illustrations in the text, and are written by technical writers - not photographers. They emphasize the "digital" far more than the "photography," and aren't good as an all-in-one first book.

This is one of many books where the rating really depends on the fit to your needs. My 4 rating assumes that you are a match ... it may be the wrong buy for some.

Absolutely great!
My comments refer to the hard-cover version, 224 pages, ISBN: 0-500-54246-5.
I bought this book two days ago... and have already read it (actually the very same night of the afternoon I bought it)... I couldn't let go until I had read the lot. The book is very well written, exciting, fascinating, straight to the point, but still explaining detail where necessary.

The chapters a logically grouped, following the digital flow of the data.

I could claim the book is good because it is so recent, actually it has just been released a few weeks ago. The digital world is progressing at a pace, where related information becomes obsolete the minute it is printed. This is not the case with this book, the information is up-to-date (looking ahead), covering all aspects of digital imaging, combined with the pros and cons of the technology. Yes, cons! Ever wondered why your digital camera has this huge depth of field? This book provides the answer.

Do you hate reading software manuals? I never read them, and usually they are dull. Ever wondered how to get this dark mountain a bit lighter so it matches the bright skies?
Section three of the book "Techniques" will guide you through the steps of image manipulation in a way one can actually understand and follow. Good stuff!

I started with digital photography only three month ago. I started with a DX3900 (now enjoyed by my wife) and got myself a G2, which guided me to the conclusion that film is dead, long live digital photography! ... where I will eventually dispose of my SLR, an EOS 30. I shot 1,400 images in two month (which equals $1,170 of costs -- for film and delopement -- based on the conventional process).
Why am I telling this?

Well, in case you are looking at going digital, this book will open your mind-set pro digital, educating and showing you in a lot of areas what you can actually do and achieve by going digital.

I could brag on for much longer, the point is: this book is brilliant compared to other books I have seen or partially read contemplating this subject.

It is also a very nice crafted book. Colourful, a very good layout, printed on very good quality paper... all-in-all: high quality in word and print... Go for it, it's money well spent!

To get an idea on my stance, you may visit http://max.grenkowitz.net/Photography/

Best regards,
Max ... Read more

Book Description

From standard practices in stock and assignment photography to special one-time decisions such as acquiring a digital workstation, this “business bible” provides the latest answers to any legal or business question an aspiring or professional photographer can ask.In eleven in-depth chapters, over two dozen industry experts offer practical guidance on such topics as estimating prices, formalizing agreements, using electronic technology, and much more.This completely updated Sixth Edition also features dozens of ready-to-copy legal and business forms, helpful checklists, and an extensive cross-media bibliography.

The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) has been the leading national organization of professional photographers for more than 50 years.It is the accepted authority setting the standards for business practices in professional photography. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Stuff!
For anyone in the business or especially getting into it, this is a must have book. Very valuable!

A critical introduction to the market and reference book
In today's marketplace, it is critical that the fledgling professional photographer know how to survive. This book takes a pragmatic approach to a wide variety of topics that any professional photographer needs to understand. Frequently misunderstood concepts like copyrighting your work (and preserving copyright for future generations), writing contracts, setting client expectations, logistics for photo shoots, and stock photography market saturation are among a host of issues addressed. If you are entertaining even a glimmer of the notion of entering the world of professional photography, this book is necessary. It can save you A LOT of time, hassle, and tears shed. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

The best book you can buy on the business of photography
Photographers can be overwelmed by the sheer number of business books that don't quite fit the bill. They seem to be revisions from other industries. ASMP has done an incredibly valuable service to the industry with the publication of this book. It is informative without boring the reader, it has valid statistics that really help photographers, and it gives working photographers what they didn't get in school: a business education. Buy this book! ... Read more

Book Description

PHOTOGRAPHY: FOCUS ON PROFIT is a combination profitability handbook and business automation software that enables photography students and experienced professionals to reach the level of profitability and professionalism that is needed to grow in today’s competitive marketplace

By using the PHOTOGRAPHY: FOCUS ON PROFIT package on the job, photographers will

* automatically calculate a profit whenever applicable
* ensure a timely return of revenues through instant processing of bills, reminders, and invoices
* create a “virtual paper trail” in the office that can be easily accessed at every stage of the workflow
* apply effective copyright licensing terms to all estimates, invoices, and confirmations
* carry out customized promotions in time-efficient, professional manner
* create documents and reports from cutting-edge, time-proven templates
* instantly call up status reports, detailed client information, and track records
* implement the “best practices of photography” in their business procedures ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Essential Gear
Beginner,amateur or professional; "Photography-Focus on Profit" by Tom Zimberoff is a must have for all photographers. Tom provides a written road map that is invaluable to not just the individual, but to photographers as a whole. He guides you from the basics of starting out; continues through the do's and dont's on up to maintaining profitability in this tight market.

That's not all. He also includes the "PhotoByte" program. This amazing software keeps track of all assignments from birth to conception. It guides you step by step.

Want to know how much profit you have made from a particular image? It does it! It keeps track of all profits in general and by individual photographs (it even displays the photo). Want to know which customers still owe money, which one's pay on time and how much profit (or loss) from a particular customer? It does that as well.

Don't want customers seeing the markup on your services? Enter the item(s) and Photobyte shows it on the screen and calculates everything for you... automatically. It even add's the sales tax for you! Keeps track of equipment (with serial numbers), customers, jobs...

This program is heaven sent which means Tom is an angel. If you need direction then this book will give it to you. The program is just icing on the cake.

As a former photographer for the military in Hawaii; I moved to Puert Rico to start anew due to the economic slowdown caused by the 9/11 tragedy. I've worked for many people but never on my own (photography). I had the practical photo experience. But the business side was a stretch and I could only go by "general" business practices.

Tom's book showed me that "general" does not apply to photography. "Focus on Profit" is exactly that. "Focused".

Thanks Tom. This is the best Photography business book I have ever read. It stays on my desk at all times.

An Unbeatable Resource
I would consider this book required reading for anyone interested in ensuring their photography career is a profitable one! Focus On Profit is a sensible, easy read with a wealth of information about running a successful business.
The computer software "Photobyte" that is included with it has streamlined my business more than I can say.
I highly recommend this book.

An essential, basic guide
Photography: Focus On Profit isn't just another beginner's how-to guide on taking or marketing pictures. Photography: Focus On Profit culls the industry's best practices, using software to put its lessons into practice. Photographers are given all the information needed to incorporate profitability into their efforts. Chapters provide specific guidelines geared to profitability, from buying equipment only when and as needed to generate an immediate payback, to defining a potential customer base. An essential, basic guide. ... Read more

Book Description