Book Description
Digital photography has arrived once and for all. No longer do photographers have to be defensive because they prefer digital. Thanks to new technologies, digital cameras at all ends of the price spectrum can rival their film counterparts. If you have shifted from traditional to digital photography, and need to know what's different about shooting digital, this is the book for you. Now in its third edition, this bestseller has been fine-tuned and updated to provide you with the most current information on today's cameras that you'll find anywhere. Whether you're new to photography, or new to digital photography, you'll learn how to take the best possible shots. Even though your camera may pack an image sensor instead of film, taking good pictures still involves understanding apertures, shutter speeds, and metering techniques, as well as a few other issues that film shooters don't face. Fortunately, digital cameras also provide some unique tools to help you get the shot right the first time. Covering everything from the inner workings of your camera to the subtle intricacies of your image editing software, the book is divided into four sections. The first section provides a basic technical foundation that will prepare you for the rest of the book. It details the basics of how digital cameras work and gives you a quick photography primer. The second part explores everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which camera, computer, and software is right for you. In section three, you'll progress to the nitty gritty of shooting, including metering, choosing the right exposure, using histograms, flash photography, and much more. In the final section, you'll learn about digital editing and correction techniques, along with the various methods for outputting your images (print and electronic). If you're new to photography, you'll learn the basic theory that photographers have studied for decades, as well as the latest tools and techniques mad
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference book.......2007-10-03
Good presentation of basic facts of digital photography. Especially valueable I found the chapters that explained how cameras and digital cameras in particular work and what should be taken into account when selecting your camera.
More advanced topics like editing images with your computer are also covered in an easy to follow fashion. Even though you might not do an awful lot of editing it's good to know where to find the guidance.
This book is most suitable for someone who is not very experienced in photography but reasonably technically oriented and wants to create better quality images taking the best out of his or her camera.
I'm told it's "just what [he] wanted".......2007-09-26
I got this for my friend's birthday. He is fast becoming a very skilled digital photographer and is ready to hone his technical capabilities. I selected this book entirely on others' recommendations. The feedback from my friend is very positive, and I expect to see his work in print any day now! :-)
I love this book!.......2007-05-13
I found this book extremely helpful, having just purchased a digital SLR. It is easy to read and very informative. I would recommend this book for someone that does not know a lot about digital SLR, but is familiar with a film SLR.
Very informative book........2007-04-01
This book answered all the questions my wife and I had about photography. It was easy to understand for a beginner and it goes into intermediate/advanced topics.
good for beginners.........2007-03-09
i took it for my photography class. I love it!! it's good for beginners, too..
Book Description
The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It is the only book that teaches all the skills needed to live independently in harmony with the land harnessing natural forms of energy, raising crops and keeping livestock, preserving foodstuffs, making beer and wine, basketry, carpentry, weaving, and much more. This new edition includes 150 new full color illustrations and a special section in which John Seymour the father of the back to basics movement explains the philosophy of self-sufficiency and its power to transform lives and create communities. More relevant than ever in our high-tech world, The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It is the ultimate practical guide for realists and dreamers alike.
Customer Reviews:
Learn to live without fossil fuel.......2007-09-08
Great book for learning the basics of farm life. If you are getting started into the subject of sustainable living this is the perfect reference guide for you. You may require a companion book for plants more native to your climate (this book's perspective is in the UK). Insightful pictures and well written commentary make this book excel.
A well organized and complete guide.......2007-08-02
I was surprised to discover it is written sort of like a textbook. The more I look through it the more I like it. It's very practical and informative.
A Fun Coffee-Table Book.......2007-03-04
This book is great for just flipping through, day-dreaming about owning your own farm some day. Even for the current non-farmer, this book provides some practical tips on things almost anyone can do to be more self-sufficient. This book would be especially great for those who are intensive gardeners. But mostly this book provides ideas about certain aspects of self-sufficiency that the reader can then take and mold to their particular situation.
I'd like to address one point that some other reviewers have made in criticism of this book, namely that Seymour doesn't go into enough detail. Well, this is a coffee-table book that covers a fairly wide range of material. As such it can't (and shouldn't) go into deep detail. What Seymour does is get your imagination going. If you want to seriously implement some of Seymour's ideas you'll need to supplement this book with others that deal with the particular topic you're working on. To criticize Seymour for not going into detail on things is, I think, unfair.
This book would make a great gift for anyone who is interested in the self-sufficient lifestyle. I love flipping through the book whenever I feel like daydreaming about the fun work I hope to do some day on my own farm.
Extremely informative - Great reference.......2007-02-02
This book is an absolute necessity if you are going to be taking the plunge into self-sufficiency. It offers encouragement and guidance. It is realistic and full of traditional methods. It is a very handsome book, with lots of graphics and well written verse.
Simply cannot beat the price either. Simple, affordable, functional, and elegant - what self-sufficiency is all about.
Great Information.......2007-01-19
This book has a lot of information about self-sufficiency. It is great of anyone who is interested in becoming self-sufficient.
Customer Reviews:
first of a kind.......2004-11-10
This is one of the first book that covers topics related to High Speed digital design so extensively. Well written and a good reference. A must have.
Very Good Reference for a Hardware Designer.......2004-07-20
The Book covers lot of the current and emerging technologies
for most aspects of Board Design and this is the first book of this kind I have seen so far.
Outstanding Resource.......2004-06-05
The book is a must have for anyone interested in the latest technologies, and their implementations all wrapped up in one place. I have a lot of references on my desk, but this book is one of my favorites.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is involved in high speed digital design.
Book Description
In Volume III, as in Volumes I and II, the classic topics of reading are included--from vocabulary and comprehension to reading instruction in the classroom--and, in addition, each contributor was asked to include a brief history that chronicles the legacies within each of the volume's many topics. However, on the whole, Volume III is not about tradition. Rather, it explores the verges of reading research between the time Volume II was published in 1991 and the research conducted after this date. The editors identified two broad themes as representing the myriad of verges that have emerged since Volumes I and II were published: (1) broadening the definition of reading, and (2) broadening the reading research program. The particulars of these new themes and topics are addressed.
Customer Reviews:
Using Research to Accommodate Instruction.......2000-06-15
An extremely well-written compilation and synthesis of research in the field of Reading. Some areas that are explored include Early Literacy, Motivation and Achievement, Historical Perspectives of Reading Research, Comprehension, and Computers and Reading. The synthesis and meta-analysis of the research provides implications for instruction. A must have for reading specialists, Special Education specialist/teachers, and anyone who has the desire to improve their understanding of the reading process and improve their instruction.
Book Description
The definitive, practical guide to all the tools, techniques, and materials of paintings, drawing, printmaking and related visual arts. Over 1,000 illustrations and 175,000 words of text.
Customer Reviews:
Great reference material........2005-12-10
I keep this around for when I'm bored and just want to browse and think about materials, but it's most useful for when you forget things. For instance, when you forget exactly how much dammar resin to soak in turpentine, like I did today. I found the answer in seconds and went back to work. Very, very handy. On the other hand, if you're not doing two-dimensional work, this won't be so handy. This is a great text on painting, drawing, and formal aspects and techniques in those areas.
A great resource for artists.......2003-09-28
This book is an important resource for artists. Ray Smith has a complete knowledge of art materials, and he gives a complete and detailed description of each material and how they are used. It covers a wide range of art materials including paints, grounds, pencils, inks, printing equipment, cereamic tiles, stained glass, and so forth. Also included is information on color, perspective, framing, photography, and exhibiting your work. Basically it's a complete guide to the 2D mediums of art. if you're interesting in 3D arts such as sculpture or pottery, you're not in luck. Those fields aren't covered.
For me, it's interesting to just look through this book and examine the wide range of techniques and materials presented in it. You can find a lot of new ideas to try out. Even if you're an experienced artist, I think you can find something new that you will be excited to try. Check it out. It's worth it.
ADDIT TO LAST REVIEW I SUBMITTED.......2003-05-09
When recommending an alternative text in the last review I wrote of this book, I suggested Robert Gottsegan's book. His real name is Mark David Gottsegan. Apologies for this mistake.
Good but contains some bad advice.......2003-05-09
I agree with the preceding reviewers but must add I found this book to be so general as to require supplementation by other books such as those by Ralph Mayer(somewhat out of date but still useful) or Robert Gottsegan. Ray Smith does offer some very dubious advice in parts of the text eg. he suggests that after priming your support with the traditional lead primer, you should sand it to smooth the surface. This is a TERRIBLE suggestion. Lead is very dangerous when inhaled--it only becomes inhalable when sanded or when used in pigment form. Sanding it is an absolute no-no.Ralph Mayer is a chemist, so his advice on safety issues is a lot more reliable than Mr Smith's. Of all three books, that by Gottsegan is probably the one I would recommend most as it is far more up to date than Smith's or Mayer's.
Get this book!.......2002-01-06
Quite simply this is a fantastic book. The things you can learn from it are amazing. Starting from the very first chapter a very in-depth analysis of pigments, their types, chemical structures, lightfastness, reactions to different types of binders, etc. are given. And that's only the beginning because the next chapters cover different types of oils, resins, glues, starches, gums, solvents, waxes, and additives...and all of this just for the paint in the tubes or the mediums you use with it. Then the author moves on to an in-depth look at various supports (wood, canvas, steel, copper, fiber, etc). Paper and grounds each get its own chapter.
All this before ever discussing the media you can choose to use. The obligatory big four are covered in detail (watercolor, acrylic, soft pastel and oil) but what makes this book such a treasure is the coverage of so many less well-known media. Just some of the media that get their own chapters are pencils and graphite sticks, colored pencil, oil pastel, chalk and conte crayons, charcoal, silverpoint, scratchboard, pen and ink, brush and ink, egg tempera, gouache, encaustic, fresco, dry wall (aka mural) painting, stained glass, ceramic tiles, enameling, and a bunch of chapters on various kinds of print-making (woodcut, linocut, intaglio, lithography and screen printing). There are chapters covering color theory, perspective, painting restoration, making frames, repairing damaged paint films, varnishing, photography, computer art and even a chapter on how to set up a well-lit, well-ventilated artist studio and exhibiting your art. The last chapter gives formulas for making your own paints or pastels. The book finishes up with a glossary, bibliography and an index.
The only things I would've liked to see included but didn't (maybe they'll add them in a second edition?) are chapters on casein, calligraphy and various types of sculpting and glass etching. Even so, that is a minor quibble. Overall, I really have high praise for this book. Definitely give it serious consideration as a reference for your bookshelf.
Book Description
The artistic versatility of tattoo artists has frequently been overshadowed by the negativity that surrounds tattooing in general. Many tattoos are made by would-be artists who copy overused designs. A perfectly tattooed body requires the skills of a professional and talented artist, who creates a unique and personal design. These designs are often inspired by one or more of the various tattoo styles of Japanese, Maori or other tribal origin. The Sketchbook offers the reader a selection of 80 of these unique designs by well-known and less famous, but very promising, tattoo artists from around the world. Each artist was requested to create a sketch unrestrained by commercial demands and which reflects their own personal motivations.
The book is divided into two sections: the first comprises an explanation of how this collection was brought together, along with a brief illustrated overview of the history and various styles of tattooing. The second section is devoted to the artists, each sketch being accompanied by a biography and favourite quote.
The concept of this book was developed by Marco Bratt, a tattoo artist from The Netherlands, and his partner, Germanborn lifestyle photographer Nancy Heimburger, who also wrote the introductory chapter.
Customer Reviews:
Not as Expected, very disappointed!.......2006-08-31
Sadly I purchased this volume based upon other reader reviews. Although I have given it 3 stars- as the book production itself was very nice- oversize square small coffee table book, printed on high quality thick stock, with well printed art work- makes this volume attractive on the outside. The contents and sketchbook is rather a let down. 60% of the sketches are very crude and unattractive (even considering them just sketches from a sketchbook) and the remaining art being just okay, maybe there is 10-12 eye opening pieces. If your looking for inspiration or eye candy this is not your book
Ever feel like you've been swindled?.......2005-12-22
I'm not an artist, but I do have a few tattoos. Just over 100 hours of custom work all done at the Smilin' Buddha in Calgary, Alberta. I've even managed to get 3 pictures of my work (one full page) in Paul Jefferies' vanity press book celebrating his 25 years in the industry.
In the course of getting my work done, I've bought more than my share of tattoo books and have looked through dozens of books at the Buddha including the owner's private library and I'm sad to say that this book is tied for last place with one other book.
The previous reviewer, the one who's an artist with 35 years experience says it best.
The work in this book for the most part is sub-par. Except for a few, the work in this book looks like it was done by scratchers not artists. There's no way in the world I'd leave this book on my coffee table, let alone wear anything done by most of these "artists".
BTW, I'm pretty sure one reviewer here must have ties to this book. My guess is the publisher.
Save your money. I wish I had.
Crappy Bar napkin sketches.......2005-11-24
The following is an opinion for which we are all entitled: Although this book does tell you something about each artist and shows one sketch from each artist, it is more like a "Collection of bar napkin sketches". Most are of poor quality as if the artist could care less when he/she had drawn them and a very few are of some quality. As an award winning artist of over 35 years experience, I felt it was a complete waste of money as far as being helpful to further my talents or to "just plain enjoy". I would never show such "doodles" in a book to represent what I can do. For something to glance through to kill time, I would say fine, go nuts. Overall....I AM NOT IMPRESSED!
graphic gems from tattoo artists: a pathbreaking book.......2004-11-03
Rarely has the tattoo art form enjoyed a presentation in a volume as remarkable as Heimburger and Bratt's "The Sketchbook: 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists." For starters, the "Sketchbook" does not feature photographs of tattooed bodies but rather brings together a set of original graphic designs produced by artists expressly for this collection. Then there is the beauty and quality of the book itself, which has been published by Hotei, the Leiden-based publisher best known for its first-class books on Japanese prints.
Most of the artists represented in the "Sketchbook" are fairly young and, with the exception of several members of the Leu Family of Lausanne, are not yet well-known. Their work is complex, however, and the short autobiographies provided by each artist provide insights into the special world and close relationships of the international community's best tattoo practitioners. Traditional Japanese tattoo themes dominate the graphic work, but fans of modern art in general will note and enjoy the resemblance of much of the work to that of the 20th-century surrealists and even to the specialized art genre known as exquisite corpses. Indeed, the artwork presented is so fascinating and potentially rich in symbolism that I wish it had been displayed at The Drawing Center in New York's Soho district and introduced by scholars of modern graphic art.
A very different kind of artbook.......2004-08-10
The Sketchbook is a large coffee-table compendium showcasing eighty unique designs by some of the world's finest body art tattoo experts. An introductory essay explores the history of body tattoos, and both Japanese and Western views of the art practice. The eighty designs themselves are showcased largely in black-and-white, in their original drawn concept form rather than a photograph of the tattoo on human skin. With a photograph of its artist along with a paragraph by the artist about his or her background and philosophy. A very different kind of artbook, in which East truly meets West.
Book Description
Every phase of writing is addressed in this authoritative, practical guide. Specific topics include: organizing information, discovering a personal voice, enhancing readability and checking grammar and spelling. Featuring hundreds of exercises and written in a relaxed, entertaining style, this is the perfect aid for the many Americans who wish to improve their communication skills in both their business and personal lives.
Customer Reviews:
Hasn't arrived.......2007-09-14
I would dearly like to review this book, but it hasn't arrived. Although Amazon's Where's My Stuff page said that there is no outstanding orders, the time estimate said it should arrive (New Zealand) between 4 Sept - 14 Sept, so I waited. The shipment was sent 14 August. I have requested assistance through Support, but haven't heard at all from Amazon. Generally, I have found Amazon very prompt, and delivery (International Standard) very good - about 2- 3 weeks. I hope that I will hear soon. Better, I'd like to post a more positive review for this book (and the other that was shipped with it).
The Scarlet Letter........2007-02-02
The book is okay until Chapter 17: Bias Free Writing.
I'm not certain if it's a sermon from the Gospel of Political Correctness, or an excuse for the authors to be scolds. And they have a problem with every form of group affiliation. The Special Olympics gets a slap, too. "Special" is now, officially, a hateful word. They suggest you regularly consult with all the different ethnic and social groups to learn what's okay to say.
I'm reminded of an astronomy lecture I attended many years ago. The featured speaker was to talk about his career in astronomy. And he did for much of his presentation. But at the end he digressed to talking about his religious convictions, and the speech became an attack on those who held different beliefs. The president of the astronomy association finally had enough and told the man to shut up and leave.
Much of the book is informative and I learned a few helpful tricks.
But! Guys? Shut up and go away.
Like school? Then maybe you'll like this book........2006-12-10
Even though I finish most books I read, I couldn't get through this one. It was like attending school: bloody boring and filled with exercises. I decided I would go through a chapter a night, but my decision was in vain - after a few nights, I quit. I recommend instead "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser. I couldn't put it down. Also recommended, of course, is "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White.
A Transformational Guide That Can Turn You into an Effective Writer.......2006-11-27
Most people hated writing essays in school. At work, memorandums continue to be a pain to read . . . and an even bigger pain to write.
For the last three years, I've encouraged my graduate students to begin their studies by writing an essay based on Adler's and Van Doren's How to Read a Book. Then, I ask the same students to read The Classic Guide to Better Writing, summarize its key points in 1,000 words, and then write 2,500 words about what they learned about how to improve the last essay they wrote.
After that experience, each student has become an effective writer . . . even though most were not before reading and applying this book.
I don't know of another resource that is nearly as effective for learning how to be an effective writer of essays.
Although it takes time to develop this foundation skill, you'll save much more time in the long run . . . and be much more effective in whatever you do if you read and apply Dr. Flesch's classic.
Be sure to do the exercises!
book. ......My Name IS NOT RONNIE J. PARKER. MY NAME IS OLUMOROTI ABIOLA !.......2006-08-26
excellent!
Customer Reviews:
Covers the Subject Well.......2006-03-13
In doing some research for a project I was working on, I acquired this book. I found it had all of the information I needed on using a view camera. The author covered the swings and tilts well and showed the advantages of using these cameras.
Very Good, but...........2004-07-06
What IS there, IS good- But, For the price, @ $45. to $55. I had hoped it was going to be much more in depth. More information on equipment; e.g.: Lenses, cameras, & accessories such as tripods, light meters, etc. I also would have liked much more information on films, printing paper, chemicals, processing techniques, etc. I suppose this does get away from the general title of the book somewhat, however, being new to the processing Large Format film, I needed much more information on that topic, as it is quite a bit different than working with roll film.
What I did like about it is that it did give a very good overview of the View Camera; and has especially good section on the techniques for using one. Not sorry I bought it, just wished for it to be a bit more than it turned out to be.
Amazon.com
The Stagecraft Handbook strives to be lightweight, compact, and economical. Daniel Ionazzi leaves the specifics to the designers, but provides practical, reliable advice for those involved in setting the stage. With chapters on tools, scale drawings, scenic materials, joinery, flats, and rigging to fly, Ionazzi provides valuable know-how to help novice and experienced stagecrafters create their dream sets within practical boundaries of time and money.
Customer Reviews:
Expeditious Quality.......2006-07-04
The book I ordered was delivered with speed and is in excellent condition. My thanks to the seller. I look forward to our doing it again.
Stagecraft Handbook.......2006-03-11
Item was as described. I wish there was a book like this that focused more on the stage construction of movie sets.
Perfect Tool.......2004-03-11
This is a wonderful book, perfect for the beginner and intermediate. Clear and very helpful. Highly recommended.
A Great Sourse for Carpentry and Scene Design.......1999-04-03
I have worked in the theatre for a number of years in every capacity. As a scene designer and carpenter, I have found Ionazzi's Handbook to be a valued tool. I use it everytime I design, it can be found right along side my drafting tools. It's one of the best soures on this suject out there! I highly recommend it to the novice and seasoned designer and carpenter!
A very good book for the beginner or seasoned set builder.......1999-01-24
From the beginning, this book takes you step by step into set and scene building. It starts with the basic inventory of tools and space needed, to recommended shop lay out and flow of construction. Included from the start, are safety practices that are recommended to keep you and your helpers leaving each day with all fingers, eyes and etc. in-tact. Each chaptor that follows takes very logical and precise steps to show basic set building. This goes on to more complex (but very useable) technigues and then puts them together. Also included are variety of stage props that can be made. I have been a stage manager and set construction designer and builder for a childrens theatre group for a number of years, and I use this manuel as my main source and refer to it over and over. As part of the production with the children , it is a requirement for parent involvement which includes help with set construction- this book has proven to be of tremendous help for the parent helpers to use as resourse also. I highly recommed this book as a reference book for any scene shop.
Customer Reviews:
pretty close to 'Ultimate'.......2007-05-23
This book does a great job of going over almost all the facets of starting and airbrushing. One of the most complete books I've seen.
great info.......2007-01-16
I gave this book to my husband along with a new airbrush & it's been a great help to him, includes info that even the airbrush didn't company give.
Comprehensive Excellence!!.......2005-09-08
The "Ultimate Airbrush Handbook" is exactly what it's title says is! No hyperbole in the title. It covers all aspects of airbrushing, useful to everyone, including newbies like myself. Well worth the money spent!
Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.......2005-07-21
Excellent. As the title states the "ultimate". Should be the first book purchased, borrowed or stolen for the enthusiast.
Great book.......2005-04-22
I've read other "how to airbrush" books, but this one is the best.
There is something for everyone from beginner (me) to advanced airbrushers.
From masking to freehand airbrushing.
Easy and simple to understand.
Once I received it and started reading it,I couldn't put it down.
So many things I thought I knew, but the book set me straight.
Other people on web forums had recommended this book, wish I had done it sooner.
Books:
- Creating Characters with Personality: For Film, TV, Animation, Video Games, and Graphic Novels
- Creating Powerful Radio: Getting, Keeping and Growing Audiences News, Talk, Information & Personality Broadcast, HD, Satellite & Internet
- Creative Stamping in Polymer Clay
- Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories from History and the Arts
- Disney Fairies: Learn to Draw the Fairies of Pixie Hollow (Disney Fairies)
- Drawing Realistic Pets: From Photographs
- Early Pottery: Technology, Function, Style, and Interaction in the Lower Southeast
- Ed Emberley's Great Thumbprint Drawing Book
- Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cartooning but Were Afraid to Draw (Christopher Hart Titles)
- Fantasy Workshop: A Practical Guide
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- 1,000 Unforgettable Senior Moments: Of Which We Could Remember Only 246
- The New Destroyer: Guardian Angel
- Modern Methods in Carbohydrate Synthesis
- The Athenian Murders
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals
- The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence
- Rice Bowl Recipes: Over 100 Tasty One-Dish Meals
- 1 2 3 Draw Cartoon Faces: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Passed to the Present: Folk Arts Along Wisconsin's Ethnic Settlement Trail
- Annual rings in big sagebrush: Artemisia tridentata
General
| Graphic Arts
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
The Digital Photography Book
Perfect Digital Photography
Mastering Digital SLR Photography 2E
The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series)
