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Photos with IMPACT
by Tom Mackie

This is another one of those books from “across the pond,” as they say. One thing that means is that you do not get all of the “shot a million times” locations from in the USA.  Photos with Impact would make another great coffee table book even though it is a soft cover, and 9.5 x 10 inches in size. It has over 200 stunning color photos, including some side-by-side comparisons of what different camera angles, and lens choices will give you. Each image is accompanied with the tech info on the camera, lens, and film used, and how and why it was shot the way it was. This is one more book that is going on my coffee table. It is distributed in the US by F&W Publications, http://www.fwpublications.com/  and retails for $24.99-US.  
I rate it: A++
(Reviewed Oct. 2004)

The images within this book are literally worth a thousand words. Although this is meant to be a guidebook or how-to book for travel photographers, it would also make a great coffee table book because of the quality of the images.  Photographer Nick Onken does an outstanding job of capturing a story with every image whether it’s a group of people, a landscape, or up-close shot of building. Many people, photographers as well as non-photographers, could easily spend a lot of time flipping through the pages of the book staring at the images and listening to the stories they have to tell. As well as including exemplar examples within the field, Onken also does a great job of touching on the many aspects of travel photography such as the gear one needs, tips for composition and technicalities, and workflow. Each chapter includes a page titled the “Traveler’s Journal” in which Onken describes a specific situation he was in as a travel photographer. This book is a great addition to the collection of anyone wanting to learn about travel photography or just look at travel photographs.

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

Pinhole Photography is a super new book for anyone wanting to learn, or better use this age- old technique. This book is both a how-to that will teach newcomers how to create their first pinhole images, and a history lesson on how it was created and first used as far back as 1583.  Pinhole photography is a whole art form in itself, and involves a lot more than just punching a hole in a box. The book is filled with charts, and lists of what you will need, and info on how to use them. This is by far the best book I have seen on this technique and it will probably be worn out real fast once you see what you can learn from it.   It is a soft cover, with 272 pages, 8.5x11, retails for US$39.95 and published by Focal Press. Check it out at  www.focalpress.com         
I Rate it:  A+ 
(Reviewed June 2005)

Copyright © Jim Austin

Cruising--Photography--Sailing--Photography--Yachting--Photography--Kayaking--Photography.....no matter what the means to keep you afloat, if you enjoy taking adventures while atop the water and you enjoy photography, this is the book for you.

It may be small but it's mighty! 

Don't worry about having special camera equipment--it's geared to any style of camera and it's geared towards you getting the best photos you can while you're underway.

You'll receive easy to follow, practical Quick Tips & Pro Moves to improve your photographic skills.  It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, each with an example photo depicting the topic, so no matter what style of boating you enjoy, this little eBook "covers all the bases". 

Better Photography Underway:
Portraits Aboard
Kids in Action
     Special Section: Add Fill Flash?
Your Pet Underway
Your Boat
Whales
Dolphins
Birds
     Special Section: Bag Your Gear
Bugs on Deck
Sunsets and Sunrises
Watercolors
Cruising Cuisine
Pictures of Your Catch
Candids Aboard
Cruise Ships and Tenders and Yachts, Oh My !
Weather

This is a must have eBook that will get your creative juices flowing.  And when you come home from your adventures on the water, you'll be able to share great photos with all.
 

Speaking of Holgas, here is a book all about using "toy" cameras such as the Holga, Diana and others. These cameras give photographers an opportunity experiment, create and innovate without the use of expensive and technical equipment. In short, as the author says in her introduction, they "give photographers permission to immerse themselves in the joy of photography without the stress of having to have the latest and most complex, expensive equipment."

The book is full of instructions on how to optimize your camera for the best results. It also gives the reader a glimpse, through many illustrations, of what can be done with these wonderful, inexpensive medium-format cameras. Approximately 30 contributors are included representing the worlds of fine art, commercial, fashion, documentary, photojournalism, and portraiture.

This softcover book is 7.2 x 8.4inches and 240 pages. It retails for $29.95 and is distributed by Focal Press. www.focalpress.com 
I rate it: A++ (MF)  
(Reviewed November, 2006)

I don’t know of a single photographer who has not shot a good amount of landscape images, and I’d also say that most of them would find it a dream come true to have their work published in a magnificent picture book - the kind that anyone would want to have laying out on their coffee table. Picture books come a dime a dozen, but truly beautiful coffee table photography books are very hard to come by.  I said all of that to tell you about Plateau Province, A High Desert Portfolio, by Tom Till. This new book is a collection of 135 color images, an essay on desert photography, techniques, equipment, and how the images were made. This hardback book is 10x13 inches, with every full-page image a huge beautiful picture. Some of them, like the one on the cover, are also two-page spreads. If you would like to see the true beauty of the American southwest at its best, this is the book to get. It is one of the very best picture books I have ever reviewed.
    Plateau Province retails for US$49.95, has 176 pages, and can be ordered from Tom Till’s web site at; http://www.tomtill.com/          
I Rate it:   A++++ 
(Reviewed Feb. 2005) 

This is the story of Playboy and its photo history for the first 50 years. This is not just playmate images, but just about every major lifestyle subject the magazine covered, including fashion, and art. The print quality and writing is as would be expected from this classic publication, and it will make a great addition to your photo library.

This hardback book is about 9x12 inch, with 240 pages and retails for only US$50.00.  Distributed by Chronicle Books at: www.chroniclebooks.com     
I Rate it:  A 
(Reviewed Oct. 2005)

This collection of 160 pictorial images created by Newton for Playboy magazine over the 30 years period that he photographed the magazine is a great addition to the library of those who collect nude photography books. The images are the typical Newton style that both shocked and inspired many a reader, and all are printed at the best quality you will find in a printed book. 

This hardback book is about 9x12 inches, with 176 pages, retails for US$40.00 – and is distributed by Chronicle Books at    www.chroniclebooks.com       
I Rate it:  A 
(Reviewed Jan. 2006)

 

Printing for Digital Photographers
by Tim Daly

This book serves as a guide for photographers wanting to print high quality images from their computer at home. Advice for purchasing the right equipment and supplies helps even beginning photographers be successful with printing. Photographers will gain information on using their computer and software, making test prints, and making adjustments in order to achieve professional looking prints. The book also includes additional ideas and instructions for creative printing layouts and surfaces. The images and text walk the reader through the steps for using, purchasing, and recognizing techniques. Ideal for a variety of skill levels.

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Print Making in the Sun
by Dan Welden & Pauline Muir

This is a great guide book for any photographer who would like to try new ways to present their work, and it can all be done without a darkroom. Its 144 pages cover all sorts of printing methods including photogravure, etchings, as well as many others, and it shows how they can be done with simple to use items. You can even make your solarplates right in your own back yard with sunlight to expose them. You can use your own photo images, hand drawn designs, or physical items, like you would with photograms. Every technique is fully covered, including supply lists. Combine techniques and you will never be without images to create. These processes will also be great for the whole family to work on, and for making Christmas, and other gift items. This 8.5 x 10.5 inch soft cover book is also from http://www.watsonguptill.com/  and retails for $29.95-US .
I rate it:  A+++
(Reviewed Oct. 2004)

Professional Photography/Photographing Buildings
by David Wilson

This collection of images and advice from leading architectural photographers includes tips on composition and lighting, creative angles for interiors, and even marketing your images. It is full of great B&W and color illustrations from full room shots to details of interior decor items. This is one of the better books I have seen on architectural photography, especially for anyone interesting in this kind of work. You will get and learn a lot for your money. The book is 9x10 inches, with 144 soft cover pages, and retails for US$35.00.   
I rate it:  A 
(Reviewed April 2005)

Both of these books are available from RockPort at:  www.rockpub.com  

Professional Secrets is another Amherst Media book that gives you the essential techniques for photographing outdoors. Learn all of the techniques used by professional photographers to capture those great outdoor images from bugs to mountains. Learn how to handle difficult lighting situations, manipulate exposure for special subjects, combining sun and flash, and much more. This book is richly illustrated with full color images that also include before and after shots. It is a 8.5x11 inch soft cover book with 123 pages and retails for US$29.95   Published by Amherst Books, it can be ordered from  www.amherstmedia.com     
I rate it:  A  
(Reviewed July 2005) 

Pro Photographer’s D-SLR Handbook
By Michael Freeman

This book is for those professional and advanced amateurs that need help taking the last jump to the digital side of the fence. Using expertly written text and high quality images, Freeman explains not only the basics of digital photography, but the most contemporary advances in technology. Photographers will gain understanding of post production techniques, including the use of various software programs, file formats and printing tools. Any fence-sitting photographer will feel confident to jump to the digital side after having read this book. 

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

This is a collection of photographs taken by Sandra Lousada who was not only born with an access pass to the celebrity world, but also earned it as a fashion photographer for Queen, Vogue, Tatler, and Harpers. It portrays the public lives of celebrities in literature, art, and theatre such as, Lawrence Olivier and Joan Plowright, Vanessa  Redgrave, Julie Christie, Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley, and David Hockney. Most of the images are in black and white which was the highest quality of photography at the time of most of her shots. Even if there was an alternate available, the images wouldn’t have the same emphasis on the story of the character. Even though only some of her subjects were actors, the writers and artists appear to be characters as well, telling the story of their sometimes average, but usually unique, lives. Each image has a short caption that names the subject, year taken, and a brief statement about the location or event taking place. A great book to sit with, stare at the pages and a get a glimpse of artistic lives.

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