Art Wolfe's new creation is a gorgeous book of his images of this rugged and beautiful part of the US, and the cover image is just a small taste of the image quality inside, but then, just the name Art Wolfe is enough to tell most photographers what they can expect. Top quality photos, done with top quality printing, give this book images by which you can almost feel the chill of a forest fog, or count the feathers on an owl. The 130 images come in sections for mountains, forests, deserts, rivers, and ocean regions, and range from a single leaf floating on water, to a full 2-page spread of snow covered mountain forests.

This hardback book is about 10x11 inch, with 160 pages and retails for only US$35.00.  Distributed by Sasquatch Books at  www.sasquatchbooks.com     
I Rate it: A++  (Reviewed Dec. 2005)

Paint Shop Pro X for PhotographersBy Ken McMahon and Robin Nichols

If you have Paint Shop Pro and really want to use it to its fullest, you need this book.  There are very few quality books available for this program, and this one, published by Focal Press, is at the top of the list.  The first five chapters cover the usual areas of image-editing and include a few step-by-step projects to learn how to do specific techniques like repairing damaged photos or creating a photomontage.  The sixth chapter is all about text and vector graphics with step-by-step projects that include creating a greeting card and combining text and photos to make a calendar.  The seventh chapter discusses more advanced manipulating techniques and special effects which consist of creating a panorama.  The next two chapters are about presentation: printing and putting on the web.  The last chapter discusses the free program that comes with Paint Shop Pro: Corel Photo Album 6.  This program replaces the file browser within Paint Shop Pro and provides useful options for photo management.  This book is organized well by using color coded pages for easy access to the many chapters, quality images to illustrate technique instructions and results, and tutorials at the end of every chapter to put to use the information that was just explained.
320 pagesFocal Press (February 27, 2006), Paperback, US$29.95
I rate this book A+++  (Reviewed Aug. 2006)

 

Painter X for Photographers
By Martin Addison

Whenever I see a book marked with the official publisher’s logo of Focal Press, I can trust that it will be a quality book. This manual covers the latest tools, techniques, and tutorials for using Corel Painter with photographs. The organization of the book is setup similar to an art book with chapters of information on brushes, paper, media, and specific subjects (such as Children and Young People, chapter 11 and Portraits, chapter 12). The book also has additional chapters which cover topics important to working digital artists, such as Printing and Presentation, chapter 14 and Layers and Montage, chapter 7.  Within each chapter’s subcategories there are detailed explanations of the techniques involved with step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish the task.  The steps also include screen captures, as well as examples of the effect on your image. Any photographer or artist who is interested in using Painter X to manipulate or enhance their photos would really benefit from this book.

I am always surprised by the number of photographers who are unfamiliar with Corel's Painter program. As a user of Painter since the first version, I have used it to create unique art for myself and clients for years. If you are a photographer looking for a tool for getting the most out of your collection of photos and you haven't seen Painter, you don't know what you are missing.

This book is one of the best aimed at photographers. While other books are clearly for graphic designers, this book aims at inspiring photographers. The book is packed with beautiful illustrations and tutorials. Addison is adept at creating step-by-step directions that are easy to follow. The accompanying DVD has over 2 hours of video tutorials and has all of the images that you will need to work along in the book. There is also a website that contains even more tutorials and images with which to work. Worth the price to learn another marketable skill.

This is a book of photographs created by Brian Sweeney, a New Zealand based photographer. Most of the images are landscapes, aerial photographs, and other perspectives on nature. The term “landscape” does not adequately describe Sweeney’s style, because of the unique perspective he uses to capture the shapes and lines in nature. There is often an emphasis on the sky and its powerful presence. The photographs which are limited to land frequently draw the viewer’s eye to the storytelling-lines. A few of the images could be compared to color field painting because of the minimalist style and emphasis on color.  The ideal location for this book is on a coffee table.

Text: A
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: All Photographers and Non-photographers
(Reviewed by EP April 2010)

Here is a perfect reference book for any photographer who not only wants to find the most famous battlefields in Pennsylvania to shoot, but also the history that goes with them.  This 6x9 inch soft cover, 208 page book includes directions to the locations, nearby areas of interest, and any web sites pertaining to the area so you can check things out even before you go out your front door. There are maps and pictures showing what you will see. This is a must have book for any history/travel photographers. It retails for US$19.95  and can be ordered at:   www.stackpolebooks.com
I Rate it:  A  (Reviewed June 2005)

Perception and Imaging: Photography – A Way of Seeing, 3^rd Ed.
By Richard D. Zakia 

This is one of those how-to photography books that teaches the conceptual making and understanding of an image, instead of giving information on the technical making of an image. The book covers image perception by discussing the way our eye and brain makes selections in what we see. Zakia continues with describing the Theory of Gestalt and how our memory affects our view. There is an entire chapter on the three visual attributes: space, time, and color and how they affect our visual experiences. The book continues with other topics of perception such as personality, rhetoric, and the subliminal state of mind. There is also a chapter specifically on the critiquing of photographs. This book is an excellent companion for anyone interested in studying imagery at a deeper level.

I rate this book A+++ (EP)
(Reviewed Sept. 2007)

The title of this book alone will tell most photographers the quality inside it. Zuckerman is world famous for his nature and landscape photography. His images are the type that as soon as you see one you know who took it, so it goes without saying that any instruction from him, as to how you too can make great images, is invaluable. The illustration images are the best around, and the captions with each tell you exactly how it was made. This book is as close as you can get to going on one of his photo workshops, and lasts a whole lot longer. At 8.5x11 inches, with 144 soft cover pages, it retails for $27.99-US. It can be ordered at  www.fwpubs.com.       
I Rate it:  A++  (Reviewed March 2005)

   
   

This is one great book by the master of color photography. I have seen Turner’s images in publications for more years than I can remember and was really happy to get this collection from his trips to Africa several decades ago. When you have looked at just a few of the images in this book, you will understand how, over the years, Turner has received over 300 awards for his photography, and why the introduction to this book is by Gordon Parks. Turner is one of those unique photographers whose pictures you only have to look at to tell who created it. These are the ones who truly deserve the title of a “Master Photographer.”  This hardback book is over 9.5x12 inches, with 206 pages and 148 color images. It is a perfect addition to the photo library of anyone who truly loves great images. The book retails for US$60.00, and is published by GRAPHIS Press at:   www.graphis.com      
I Rate it:   A+++  (Reviewed March 2005)

 

Pet Photography NOW! A Fresh Approach to Photographing Animal Companions
by Paul Walker

Another book by Lark Photography, this guide to pet photography has a lot of inspirational advice. Like Baby Photography NOW! this themed manual includes techniques for any subject, including equipment, lighting, and post production tips. The main part of this book, though, offers suggestions for photographers and the specific subject of PET. The author suggests basic tips, like bringing along a bag of treats and toys, but there are also more creative suggestions in the use of props and sets. The author continues by encouraging the photographer to read up on the particular traits and personalities of specific breeds to predict its habits and plan for appropriate settings and possible poses. Even so, as every pet owner knows, each pet is unique and should be thought of as such. The text is written well and the advice helpful, but the most inspirational part of the book is the pictures. Any animal-lover or good-photography-lover would appreciate the images included in this book.

Text: A
Layout: A+
Photography: A+
User: All Photographers
(Reviewed by EP Nov. 2008)

PhoDOGraphy: How to Get Great Pictures of Your Dog
by Kim Levin

Well known to the animal photography field, author Kim Levin offers tips of the trade. She has contributed her talent to such venues as Animal Planet and Reader’s Digest. Levin attributes her success to her ability to go beyond the basic animal portrait and capture the personality of a dog. One of Levin’s tips is to zero in on a body part, like the eyes or the tail to capture a fun perspective. Other tips include getting the dog to tilt its head or viewing the world from a dog’s perspective. PhoDOGraphy includes advice for composition, lighting, and motion. A great gift for a dog lover.

Text: A
Layout: A
Photography: A+
User: Beginning Photographers and ALL Dog Lovers
(Reviewed by EP Nov. 2008)

You don’t have to be a photographer to thoroughly enjoy this book.  250 images have been collected from 200 of the world’s greatest photographers—some you will surely recognize, while others you may not.  No matter, it will draw you in!  It is a compilation of photos within twelve themes depicting photography’s 170 years of history, from its early days to the present, covering: reportage, nature, war, portraits, still life, women, travel, cities, art, fashion, the nude and sports.  Each photo is accompanied by a brief biography of the photographer and compelling text related to the photo—insight into the photographer, their craft, their subject.  And some will tell the story of how they were technically created.  The photographers include Edward Weston, Helmut Newton, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams, Edward Steichen and many more.  This will be a great addition to anyone’s book collection.

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A+
User: All Readers
(Reviewed by M. Meier Dec. 2009)

PhotoCraft is a new book about “cool things to do with the pictures you love,” and if you are stuck in a rut and can’t find new ideas for your images, your search is over.

The book index lists 37 projects you can do, but with all of the photo illustrations, there will be a lot more ideas you can get than just those. Projects from tile coasters, to throw pillows, and you can get your whole family involved in the projects, including the kids who can create their own party invitations. You can even decorate your home with wall hangings. This is one super book that will keep you busy for a long time, (and the kids out of trouble).

This hardback book is a large 9x10 inch, with 160 pages and retails for only US$19.95. Distributed by BULFINCH Press at  www.bulfinchpress.com     
I Rate it:  A+ 
(Reviewed Dec. 2005)

Photofinishing with Photoshop: The Art of Printmaking in the Digital Realm
By John Watts

Author, John Watts, is a professional photographic printer who has written this book to share his knowledge and expertise of the printing world. Using Adobe Photoshop, Watts explains and demonstrates the tools and techniques needed to make a professional looking print. The text is written in an easy to understand style, without sacrificing high quality information. The layout is well thought out using font style to emphasize key points, images demonstrating effects, examples of Photoshop menus and screen views and arrows to label options and tools. Watts does an excellent job of making quality prints with Photoshop an accessible concept to amateur or intermediate photographers.

Ebook: Over 100 pages in PDF format.
Available from the author at http://www.wattsdigital.com/photoshopebook.html Email: john@wattsdigital.com
Phone: 800-443-9701

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A
User: Beginning to Intermediate Photographers
(Reviewed June 2008 by EP)
 
 

Are you a great photographer, but not so great at promoting your work?  Does your photo business need a boost? This is another very helpful book from Allworth Press, book publisher for creative professionals.  It is packed full of practical business strategies for the photographer that wants to actively market and self-promote their photography enterprise.  Learn what it takes to build a photography business and then create and implement a great marketing plan.  Find out how to get those clients & keep them coming back for more. Learn from 25 in-depth case studies through interviews with top professional photographers.  This book will get you on your way.  

Text: A
Layout: A
Photography: N/A
User: All Photographers and art professionals
(Reviewed by Meier Nov. 2010)

Click on the above image to find out current pricing or to purchase this book from Amazon.com

Photographer’s Market, Guide to Building your Photography Business
by Vic Orenstein 

Whether you are just started out or have been in business a while, there is something for you in this book. Orenstein starts out addressing the beginning professional, discussing what it means to be in business, how to find a niche, and how you can refine your skills. Many books on the business of photography omit what I think is one of the most important aspects of starting and maintaining a business and that is the business plan. Everyone needs one, and if you have been in business for a while you should be revising it yearly. Orenstein jumps right in with some of the most important parts of the plan: the mission statement, marketing, how you are going pay yourself and pricing your services. There are many hints to help you with all of these aspects. There are chapters on building a portfolio, marketing, sales and accounting. Using his own experiences as an owner of a successful studio, Orenstein takes the reader through about everything he/or she will need to consider when making the decision to turn photography an income earning profession. The book is by Writer’s Digest Books. 319pp. Retail price: $18.99.
(Reviewed July 2004 by Michael Fulks)

The 2006 Photographer’s Market is now available in stores for any photographer wanting to learn how and where to sell their images. This book is the #1 reference for everything you need to know, with over 1,600 listings of publishers around the world, plus contests, stock agency info, and more.  This is the 29th annual edition, which should tell you how well it works. An added benefit of using this reference is that if you get one of your images published in one of the places listed, you can submit that image for possible use in a future edition. This year, in fact, has one of my images used in the contest section, (and that does not color my rating of the book as I have been reviewing them for about the past 10 years, and use them all the time.)

This soft cover book is 7x9 inches, with 631 pages, and retails for just US$24.95.  Published by Writer’s digest books, so check it out at   www.fwpub.com       
I Rate it: A+  (Reviewed Dec. 2005)

Suzanne Sease has experience working with the art and advertising departments of large companies giving insight into the contemporary market. Amanda Sosa Stone is an experienced photographer who has built her career as consultant. Together, the authors share expertise for the photographer who want to develop portfolios and marketing materials. This book is filled with unique, high-quality photographs and marketing examples that inspire the contemporary photographer looking to grow their business. The book starts with encouraging photographers to build a unique style and then continue with self-promotion. Examples of marketing and bidding advice accompany dos and don’ts of the industry. The advice is based on direct experience with clients in the business. This book is an excellent resource for the photographer wanting contemporary advice on building a business in the photography field.

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A+
User: All Professional (or soon to be) Photographers
(Reviewed April 2009 by EP)

Photographic Lighting: Essential Skills, 4^th Ed.
By John Child and Mark Galer

This Focal Press book has a perfect mix of lighting concept descriptions and instructions for creative techniques. The author covers both film and digital photography in many of the chapters. They include characteristics of light, exposure and light meters, contrast and compensation, sensitivity and image capture, color correction and filtration, lighting on location, the Zone System, studio lighting, and creative techniques. The pages are full of expert advice and explanations, along with helpful diagrams and image examples. The book also includes a gallery of professional images displayed at the end of each chapter.

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A+
User: Beginning to Intermediate Photographers
(Reviewed June 2008 by EP)