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 Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
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Influence
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*Amazon: £16.99
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
Inspiring, 05 Nov 2008
This book is a very influential read and lives up to it's purpose.
Mary-Kate and Ashley have done a great job interviewing the featured people and the books design is very nice. The book has a lot of interesting quotes and it was nice to get an insight into the lives of how the true "originals" grew up and got started in their fields (Karl Largerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Frustenberg to name a few).
A couple of not so good things: the book is very repetitive, but i guess i was expecting that.
___
This book would make a great gift to anyone interested in the "Olsen twins" but it also could cater to a much broader audience weather your a 40 year old woman or a 19 year old boy. It would also make a great coffee table book.
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
Inspiring, 05 Nov 2008
This book is a very influential read and lives up to it's purpose.
Mary-Kate and Ashley have done a great job interviewing the featured people and the books design is very nice. The book has a lot of interesting quotes and it was nice to get an insight into the lives of how the true "originals" grew up and got started in their fields (Karl Largerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Frustenberg to name a few).
A couple of not so good things: the book is very repetitive, but i guess i was expecting that.
___
This book would make a great gift to anyone interested in the "Olsen twins" but it also could cater to a much broader audience weather your a 40 year old woman or a 19 year old boy. It would also make a great coffee table book.
Why? They ask me. Why does he do it?, 06 Oct 2008
Well, it is art and it is very hard to someone to explain the reason why he's an artist don't you think?
"Why" was the question several of my colleges at work asked me when I received this little book from Amazon this morning. First they've asked me why does he do it and then, why did I bought it. To the first question I answered that Slinkachu is an artist and this is his art. For the second question I didn't need to answer anything. Just passed the book to their hands and let them see for themselves.
I've been following Slinkachu work on the Internet for some time now and when I knew this book was on sale, I just had to bought it.
A little book that's a lot for the money., 02 Oct 2008
An entertaining and extremely interesting form of street art, this little gem will appeal to anyone interested in street art: it's a must if you're a fan of Banksy! Each piece has a shot showing its surroundings as well as a macro shot with its title. You really do empathise with each little figure! I'm sure any student would be happy to add this to his or her collection.
Brilliant street art, 05 Sep 2008
This is a really brilliant idea, and great "little" book. The idea is simple - take small people (1 inch high or so), paint them and put them somewhere, create a story around them, and take close up (macro) shots.
throw in some heartfelt life messages, and you have this book. It's a great alternative view on life, and life in London specifically.
Recommended.
Excellent, 05 Sep 2008
It's strange how something like this can be beautiful and hold so much emotion, but I guess that's the whole point of art.
Flick through and you're reminded that we're all little people at the end of the day. Slink captures that lost, vulnerable feeling we all get sometimes and then throws in the comic moments too.
I first saw "Dreams of packing it all in" when I was trapped in a big corporate and had just been prescribed the happy pills. It now takes pride of place on my self-employed office wall and reminds me of how things used to be.
And at this price, cannot we all afford some art in our lives?
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
Inspiring, 05 Nov 2008
This book is a very influential read and lives up to it's purpose.
Mary-Kate and Ashley have done a great job interviewing the featured people and the books design is very nice. The book has a lot of interesting quotes and it was nice to get an insight into the lives of how the true "originals" grew up and got started in their fields (Karl Largerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Frustenberg to name a few).
A couple of not so good things: the book is very repetitive, but i guess i was expecting that.
___
This book would make a great gift to anyone interested in the "Olsen twins" but it also could cater to a much broader audience weather your a 40 year old woman or a 19 year old boy. It would also make a great coffee table book.
Why? They ask me. Why does he do it?, 06 Oct 2008
Well, it is art and it is very hard to someone to explain the reason why he's an artist don't you think?
"Why" was the question several of my colleges at work asked me when I received this little book from Amazon this morning. First they've asked me why does he do it and then, why did I bought it. To the first question I answered that Slinkachu is an artist and this is his art. For the second question I didn't need to answer anything. Just passed the book to their hands and let them see for themselves.
I've been following Slinkachu work on the Internet for some time now and when I knew this book was on sale, I just had to bought it.
A little book that's a lot for the money., 02 Oct 2008
An entertaining and extremely interesting form of street art, this little gem will appeal to anyone interested in street art: it's a must if you're a fan of Banksy! Each piece has a shot showing its surroundings as well as a macro shot with its title. You really do empathise with each little figure! I'm sure any student would be happy to add this to his or her collection.
Brilliant street art, 05 Sep 2008
This is a really brilliant idea, and great "little" book. The idea is simple - take small people (1 inch high or so), paint them and put them somewhere, create a story around them, and take close up (macro) shots.
throw in some heartfelt life messages, and you have this book. It's a great alternative view on life, and life in London specifically.
Recommended.
Excellent, 05 Sep 2008
It's strange how something like this can be beautiful and hold so much emotion, but I guess that's the whole point of art.
Flick through and you're reminded that we're all little people at the end of the day. Slink captures that lost, vulnerable feeling we all get sometimes and then throws in the comic moments too.
I first saw "Dreams of packing it all in" when I was trapped in a big corporate and had just been prescribed the happy pills. It now takes pride of place on my self-employed office wall and reminds me of how things used to be.
And at this price, cannot we all afford some art in our lives?
Latest and best of his WW1 series, 10 Nov 2008
Richard Holmes is well known as a military historian who can not only make the details of military campaigns intelligible, but can recognise the human stories beneath. There is little in terms of campaign detail. There is not that much that is especially original, either. But these are trivial matters compared with the book's place as in my opinion one of the best annotated photo albums about WW1. Enormous knowledge is worn lightly; the choice of photos is without exception excellent, with most them having appeared rarely if at all before. The greatest strength is that Holmes teaches us (without seeming to do so) how to read photos of WW1 and probably all conflicts, drawing us into the detail of the picture with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended even at full price.
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Product Description
Since the 10.5 million images in National Geographic's possession won't fit in a book, the 250 in this moderately glossy, minimally costly collection will do nicely. Through the Lens is a stunning collection of photos judiciously apportioned to represent the regions of the earth, the sea and outer space; humans and nature; and even the history of the medium--a few historic black and whites contrast dramatically with the eye-popping modern colour shots that dominate the book. The aesthetic key to their impact is the use of big, emotional pictures with witty little captions and, whenever possible, startling juxtapositions, such as a Boston matron's faux-fur coat that looks just like her pet Dalmatian (the caption identifies them as "spots fans"); the world's widest street (in Buenos Aires) by night looks great next to a grassy highway overpass for grizzly bears in Alberta; and the famous green-eyed Afghan refugee poses in a purple burkha with her 1985 National Geographic cover. There's also a fuzzy shot of a 1907 inventor testing a multi-winged "Katydid" flying machine contrasts with a crisp 1974 shot of Skylab soaring far above fluffy clouds; newborns are lined up like bread loaves in Shanghai. This is a beautiful collection of photographs drawn from an amazing archive. --Tim Appelo, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
Inspiring, 05 Nov 2008
This book is a very influential read and lives up to it's purpose.
Mary-Kate and Ashley have done a great job interviewing the featured people and the books design is very nice. The book has a lot of interesting quotes and it was nice to get an insight into the lives of how the true "originals" grew up and got started in their fields (Karl Largerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Frustenberg to name a few).
A couple of not so good things: the book is very repetitive, but i guess i was expecting that.
___
This book would make a great gift to anyone interested in the "Olsen twins" but it also could cater to a much broader audience weather your a 40 year old woman or a 19 year old boy. It would also make a great coffee table book.
Why? They ask me. Why does he do it?, 06 Oct 2008
Well, it is art and it is very hard to someone to explain the reason why he's an artist don't you think?
"Why" was the question several of my colleges at work asked me when I received this little book from Amazon this morning. First they've asked me why does he do it and then, why did I bought it. To the first question I answered that Slinkachu is an artist and this is his art. For the second question I didn't need to answer anything. Just passed the book to their hands and let them see for themselves.
I've been following Slinkachu work on the Internet for some time now and when I knew this book was on sale, I just had to bought it.
A little book that's a lot for the money., 02 Oct 2008
An entertaining and extremely interesting form of street art, this little gem will appeal to anyone interested in street art: it's a must if you're a fan of Banksy! Each piece has a shot showing its surroundings as well as a macro shot with its title. You really do empathise with each little figure! I'm sure any student would be happy to add this to his or her collection.
Brilliant street art, 05 Sep 2008
This is a really brilliant idea, and great "little" book. The idea is simple - take small people (1 inch high or so), paint them and put them somewhere, create a story around them, and take close up (macro) shots.
throw in some heartfelt life messages, and you have this book. It's a great alternative view on life, and life in London specifically.
Recommended.
Excellent, 05 Sep 2008
It's strange how something like this can be beautiful and hold so much emotion, but I guess that's the whole point of art.
Flick through and you're reminded that we're all little people at the end of the day. Slink captures that lost, vulnerable feeling we all get sometimes and then throws in the comic moments too.
I first saw "Dreams of packing it all in" when I was trapped in a big corporate and had just been prescribed the happy pills. It now takes pride of place on my self-employed office wall and reminds me of how things used to be.
And at this price, cannot we all afford some art in our lives?
Latest and best of his WW1 series, 10 Nov 2008
Richard Holmes is well known as a military historian who can not only make the details of military campaigns intelligible, but can recognise the human stories beneath. There is little in terms of campaign detail. There is not that much that is especially original, either. But these are trivial matters compared with the book's place as in my opinion one of the best annotated photo albums about WW1. Enormous knowledge is worn lightly; the choice of photos is without exception excellent, with most them having appeared rarely if at all before. The greatest strength is that Holmes teaches us (without seeming to do so) how to read photos of WW1 and probably all conflicts, drawing us into the detail of the picture with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended even at full price.
RATHER DISAPPOINTED ON THE WHOLE, 18 Apr 2008
Was so excited when my book arrived today but to be quite honest was rather disappointed. Although the book is extremely heavy and the paper quality good, I personally was not too excited by the photos at all. Maybe I was expecting more Wildlife scenes or more landscape scenes. Too many "people" photos for my liking. Also each photograph is spread over two pages which often distracted due to the join in page. On the positive side there are a few stunning photos.
Gorgeous, gorgeous book, 02 Apr 2008
I bought this book as a present for someone that loves to take pictures of animals and wildlife scenes....they loved it.
To my, admittedly 'unprofessional', eye - the pictures are just...gorgeous!
Its a definate coffee table book, but its more than that - its unusual and inspiring. You almost want to hop on a plane and go and see these things for yourself.
I would say its a great gift for anyone interested in photography, anyone interested in the world and nature and anyone with an appreciation for beautiful things - anyone left?!...
A little too big, 19 Mar 2008
It's a coffee table book - on the large/heavy size for me. I would prefer something smaller that I could pick up and browse more easily.
Breathtaking photos, little short on print quality, 22 Jan 2008
I see that the contents are well explained so I'll be giving a more personal view on the book itself. When I first gazed through the pages, I found myself drowned in the richness of the compositions.
Every page carried a different wind and there were lots of them. After a while I found it rather relaxing to open a few pages and try to understand the feeling in each photograph.
The book is well organized and explained. You do not have to turn a hundred pages to look back at your favorites. Of course there are some photos that are far better taken, thus stand out, but when the number of photos is considered this is expected.
Lastly, the print and paper quality may have been slightly better. These kind of books feel even better when they stroke your fingertips with a quality paper.. All-in-all a book that deserves a place on the living room table by the sofa!
What a great value for money book, 27 Jun 2007
I couldn't believe the size of this book when i received it. It is huge!!!
The sections are split up by Continent and some of the European and Asian photos are spectacular. For a fan of photography this book is an absolute must and this is a great book for your coffee table!!
Perfect present material and an absolute bargain for the price!
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
Inspiring, 05 Nov 2008
This book is a very influential read and lives up to it's purpose.
Mary-Kate and Ashley have done a great job interviewing the featured people and the books design is very nice. The book has a lot of interesting quotes and it was nice to get an insight into the lives of how the true "originals" grew up and got started in their fields (Karl Largerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Frustenberg to name a few).
A couple of not so good things: the book is very repetitive, but i guess i was expecting that.
___
This book would make a great gift to anyone interested in the "Olsen twins" but it also could cater to a much broader audience weather your a 40 year old woman or a 19 year old boy. It would also make a great coffee table book.
Why? They ask me. Why does he do it?, 06 Oct 2008
Well, it is art and it is very hard to someone to explain the reason why he's an artist don't you think?
"Why" was the question several of my colleges at work asked me when I received this little book from Amazon this morning. First they've asked me why does he do it and then, why did I bought it. To the first question I answered that Slinkachu is an artist and this is his art. For the second question I didn't need to answer anything. Just passed the book to their hands and let them see for themselves.
I've been following Slinkachu work on the Internet for some time now and when I knew this book was on sale, I just had to bought it.
A little book that's a lot for the money., 02 Oct 2008
An entertaining and extremely interesting form of street art, this little gem will appeal to anyone interested in street art: it's a must if you're a fan of Banksy! Each piece has a shot showing its surroundings as well as a macro shot with its title. You really do empathise with each little figure! I'm sure any student would be happy to add this to his or her collection.
Brilliant street art, 05 Sep 2008
This is a really brilliant idea, and great "little" book. The idea is simple - take small people (1 inch high or so), paint them and put them somewhere, create a story around them, and take close up (macro) shots.
throw in some heartfelt life messages, and you have this book. It's a great alternative view on life, and life in London specifically.
Recommended.
Excellent, 05 Sep 2008
It's strange how something like this can be beautiful and hold so much emotion, but I guess that's the whole point of art.
Flick through and you're reminded that we're all little people at the end of the day. Slink captures that lost, vulnerable feeling we all get sometimes and then throws in the comic moments too.
I first saw "Dreams of packing it all in" when I was trapped in a big corporate and had just been prescribed the happy pills. It now takes pride of place on my self-employed office wall and reminds me of how things used to be.
And at this price, cannot we all afford some art in our lives?
Latest and best of his WW1 series, 10 Nov 2008
Richard Holmes is well known as a military historian who can not only make the details of military campaigns intelligible, but can recognise the human stories beneath. There is little in terms of campaign detail. There is not that much that is especially original, either. But these are trivial matters compared with the book's place as in my opinion one of the best annotated photo albums about WW1. Enormous knowledge is worn lightly; the choice of photos is without exception excellent, with most them having appeared rarely if at all before. The greatest strength is that Holmes teaches us (without seeming to do so) how to read photos of WW1 and probably all conflicts, drawing us into the detail of the picture with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended even at full price.
RATHER DISAPPOINTED ON THE WHOLE, 18 Apr 2008
Was so excited when my book arrived today but to be quite honest was rather disappointed. Although the book is extremely heavy and the paper quality good, I personally was not too excited by the photos at all. Maybe I was expecting more Wildlife scenes or more landscape scenes. Too many "people" photos for my liking. Also each photograph is spread over two pages which often distracted due to the join in page. On the positive side there are a few stunning photos.
Gorgeous, gorgeous book, 02 Apr 2008
I bought this book as a present for someone that loves to take pictures of animals and wildlife scenes....they loved it.
To my, admittedly 'unprofessional', eye - the pictures are just...gorgeous!
Its a definate coffee table book, but its more than that - its unusual and inspiring. You almost want to hop on a plane and go and see these things for yourself.
I would say its a great gift for anyone interested in photography, anyone interested in the world and nature and anyone with an appreciation for beautiful things - anyone left?!...
A little too big, 19 Mar 2008
It's a coffee table book - on the large/heavy size for me. I would prefer something smaller that I could pick up and browse more easily.
Breathtaking photos, little short on print quality, 22 Jan 2008
I see that the contents are well explained so I'll be giving a more personal view on the book itself. When I first gazed through the pages, I found myself drowned in the richness of the compositions.
Every page carried a different wind and there were lots of them. After a while I found it rather relaxing to open a few pages and try to understand the feeling in each photograph.
The book is well organized and explained. You do not have to turn a hundred pages to look back at your favorites. Of course there are some photos that are far better taken, thus stand out, but when the number of photos is considered this is expected.
Lastly, the print and paper quality may have been slightly better. These kind of books feel even better when they stroke your fingertips with a quality paper.. All-in-all a book that deserves a place on the living room table by the sofa!
What a great value for money book, 27 Jun 2007
I couldn't believe the size of this book when i received it. It is huge!!!
The sections are split up by Continent and some of the European and Asian photos are spectacular. For a fan of photography this book is an absolute must and this is a great book for your coffee table!!
Perfect present material and an absolute bargain for the price!
Biographical Notes, Technical Insights, and Inspiration . . . Portrayed on a Too Small Page, 29 Nov 2008
Any fan of Annie Leibovitz will want to read and cherish this book. The words and images will mean the most to young people dreaming of having a career in photography who wonder about how she got started.
Annie Leibovitz's photography has surrounded and informed us for so long that it has become part of the landscape, perspectives that we employ and too often take for granted. In Annie Leibovitz at Work, she takes us behind the camera a little to understand her motivations, her family, her career, her assignments, her purposes, and how those iconic images were constructed. I enjoyed the book very much but I found that it had two flaws that bothered me: She is a usually little too coy in holding back details that her disclosures make enticing. The page sizes are too small to properly display the images. The print quality is excellent, but you can only do so much when images intended for full magazine pages or portraits are displayed in 3 inch by 5 inch formats. A minor weakness is that some of the images she talks about aren't portrayed (presumably either a space or a permissions problem, but it is disappointing whenever it happens).
Here are some of the poignant stories in the book:
1. Taking the last portrait of John Lennon and Yoko Ono before John was murdered.
2. Photographing the Rolling Stones on tour while trying to keep a nervous independence from the parties and the crush of fans at the end of a concert.
3. John Cleese nearly suffocating to get the picture of pretending to be a bat hanging from a tree.
4. Capturing Al Sharpton at the beauty parlor.
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger changing his image through her photographs.
6. The story behind the pregnant cover of Demi Moore.
7. Cindy Sherman wanting to disappear in her portrait.
8. Capturing the war in Sarajevo.
9. The slaughter in Rwanda.
10. Posing OJ during his LA trial.
11. The arrogant photograph of the new White House team in town (December 2001).
12. Philip Johnson and his glass house.
13. Agnes Martin
14. Queen Elizabeth
Of the technical details, I was most interested in her descriptions of how she put together multiple shots to appear as one image.
Here are some of the many iconic images in the book:
Richard Nixon leaving the White House, Washington, D.C., 1974
Hunter S. Thompson and George McGovern, San Francisco, 1972
Tom Wolfe, Florida, 1972
Apollo 17, the last moon shot, Cape Kennedy, Florida, 1972
The Rolling Stones, Philadelphia, 1975
Keith Richards, Toronto, 1977
Mick Jagger, Chicago, 1975
Mick Jagger, Buffalo, New York, 1975
John Lennon, New York City, 1970
John Lennon and Yoko Ono, New York City, December 8, 1980
Tess Gallagher, Syracuse, New York, 1980
Robert Penn Warren, Fairfield, Connecticut, 1980
Bette Midler, New York City, 1979
Meryl Streep, New York City, 1981
The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi), Hollywood, 1979
Steve Martin, Beverly Hills, 1981
Whoopi Goldberg, Berkeley, California 1984
Keith Haring, New York City, 1986
John Cleese, London, 1980
Andrée Putnam, New York City, 1989
William Wegman and Fay Ray, New York City, 1988
Evander Holyfield, New York City, 1992
Willie Shoemaker and Wilt Chamberlain, Malibu, California, 1987
The Reverend Al Sharpton, PrimaDonna Beauty Care Center, Brooklyn, New York, 1988
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Malibu, California, 1988
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sun Valley, Idaho, 1997
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rob Besserer, Cumberland Island, Georgia, 1990
Mark Morris, Cumberland Island, Georgia, 1990
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Paducah, Kentucky, 1988
Demi Moore, Culver City, California 1991
Cindy Sherman, New York City, 1992
Carl Lewis, Pearland, Texas, 1996
Sarajevo, 1993
Soccer Field, Sarajevo, 1993
Blood on a mission-school wall, Rwanda, 1994
Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, Los Angeles, 1995
Patti Smith, New Orleans, 1978
Patti Smith, New York City, 1996
Puff Daddy and Kate Moss, Paris, 1999
Ben Stiller, Paris, 2001
Natalia Vodianova, Stephen Jones, and Christian Lacrois, Paris, 2003
Keira Knightley and Jeff Koons, Goshen, New York, 2005
Kirsten Dunst, Versailles, 2006
Cabinet Room, The White House, Washington, D.C. December 2001
Nicole Kidman, Charleston, East Sussex, England, 1997
Johnny Depp, New York City, 1994
Cate Blanchett, Los Angeles, 2004
Philip Johnson, Glass House, New Canaan, Connecticut, 2000
William S. Burroughs, Lawrence, Kansas, 1995
Agnes Martin, Taos, New Mexico, 1999
Marilyn Leibovitz, Clifton Point, New York, 1997
Sarah Cameron Leibovitz, New York City, 2002
Susan Sontag, Paris, 2003
Sharon Stone, Angelica Huston, and Diane Lane, Los Angeles, 2006
Kirsten Dunst, Bruce Willis, and James McAvoy, Los Angeles, 2006
Judi Dench and Helen Mirren, Los Angeles, 2006
Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet, New York City, 2006
Jack Nicholson, Los Angeles, 2006
Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, London, 2007 (4)
Hillary Clinton, New York City, 2003
Take a close look and enjoy!
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it will be amazing to see if they can sustain it. The number of pictures produced from film rather than a digital sensor seems to have fallen almost to nothing but if the quality is improving for that reason then who would complain? The photos in this volume transcend wildlife or nature photography. They are fine art. Incredible moments, captured with exquisite competition and perfect timing.
A few photos after my first look already stick in my mind, an image of dolphins going after fish, an underwater portrait of a beaver, a snake trying in vain to eat a treefrog.
If you bought other volumes in the series you'll know how good they are and need little convincing, even without knowing how much better this new portfolio is. If you haven't - then you must try them out starting with this one. If you only have the one book of wildlife photography, make it this one - you won't find better than this anywhere.
The book follows the standard formula and include a short statement by each photographer and include technical details, these are generally short but cover the essentials like aperture and shutter speed and this is, after all, not a book on how to take a photo. It would be nice if the pages were bigger but they're glossy and the photos seem to have been reproduced very well.
Absolutely wonderful book, stands head and shoulders above the other volumes in the series. A must-own item!
Great Book Even For Pro's, 05 Oct 2008
I've been a wedding photographer for 25 years. I thought this was going to be another "how to take photos book". I've liked other Scott Kelby books so whilst in a bookstore picked it up just for a quick glance, but was suprised to see how much detail he went into. Each page being a new subject, it gave a detailed taster of each subject without all the waffle many books have, and then gave links to websites where you could read more or get equipement that is hard to find. To me it was worth it just for those hard to find links.
Should have stopped at volume 1, 04 Oct 2008
I like Scott Kelby, I really do.
OK he's from the other side of the Atlantic and totally over the top - but he is totally infectious in his love of photography and, in particular Photshop
However, this one doesn't do it for me.
It is just a re-hash of voulme one. The content is very weak and I gained very little from it.
Buy volume one by all means - and certainly buy his photshop books Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)....
but I suggest you think long and hard before buying this one
Buy a highlighter pen..., 21 Apr 2008
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book, 07 Apr 2008
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it...., 15 Feb 2008
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
Inspiring, 05 Nov 2008
This book is a very influential read and lives up to it's purpose.
Mary-Kate and Ashley have done a great job interviewing the featured people and the books design is very nice. The book has a lot of interesting quotes and it was nice to get an insight into the lives of how the true "originals" grew up and got started in their fields (Karl Largerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Frustenberg to name a few).
A couple of not so good things: the book is very repetitive, but i guess i was expecting that.
___
This book would make a great gift to anyone interested in the "Olsen twins" but it also could cater to a much broader audience weather your a 40 year old woman or a 19 year old boy. It would also make a great coffee table book.
Why? They ask me. Why does he do it?, 06 Oct 2008
Well, it is art and it is very hard to someone to explain the reason why he's an artist don't you think?
"Why" was the question several of my colleges at work asked me when I received this little book from Amazon this morning. First they've asked me why does he do it and then, why did I bought it. To the first question I answered that Slinkachu is an artist and this is his art. For the second question I didn't need to answer anything. Just passed the book to their hands and let them see for themselves.
I've been following Slinkachu work on the Internet for some time now and when I knew this book was on sale, I just had to bought it.
A little book that's a lot for the money., 02 Oct 2008
An entertaining and extremely interesting form of street art, this little gem will appeal to anyone interested in street art: it's a must if you're a fan of Banksy! Each piece has a shot showing its surroundings as well as a macro shot with its title. You really do empathise with each little figure! I'm sure any student would be happy to add this to his or her collection.
Brilliant street art, 05 Sep 2008
This is a really brilliant idea, and great "little" book. The idea is simple - take small people (1 inch high or so), paint them and put them somewhere, create a story around them, and take close up (macro) shots.
throw in some heartfelt life messages, and you have this book. It's a great alternative view on life, and life in London specifically.
Recommended.
Excellent, 05 Sep 2008
It's strange how something like this can be beautiful and hold so much emotion, but I guess that's the whole point of art.
Flick through and you're reminded that we're all little people at the end of the day. Slink captures that lost, vulnerable feeling we all get sometimes and then throws in the comic moments too.
I first saw "Dreams of packing it all in" when I was trapped in a big corporate and had just been prescribed the happy pills. It now takes pride of place on my self-employed office wall and reminds me of how things used to be.
And at this price, cannot we all afford some art in our lives?
Latest and best of his WW1 series, 10 Nov 2008
Richard Holmes is well known as a military historian who can not only make the details of military campaigns intelligible, but can recognise the human stories beneath. There is little in terms of campaign detail. There is not that much that is especially original, either. But these are trivial matters compared with the book's place as in my opinion one of the best annotated photo albums about WW1. Enormous knowledge is worn lightly; the choice of photos is without exception excellent, with most them having appeared rarely if at all before. The greatest strength is that Holmes teaches us (without seeming to do so) how to read photos of WW1 and probably all conflicts, drawing us into the detail of the picture with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended even at full price.
RATHER DISAPPOINTED ON THE WHOLE, 18 Apr 2008
Was so excited when my book arrived today but to be quite honest was rather disappointed. Although the book is extremely heavy and the paper quality good, I personally was not too excited by the photos at all. Maybe I was expecting more Wildlife scenes or more landscape scenes. Too many "people" photos for my liking. Also each photograph is spread over two pages which often distracted due to the join in page. On the positive side there are a few stunning photos.
Gorgeous, gorgeous book, 02 Apr 2008
I bought this book as a present for someone that loves to take pictures of animals and wildlife scenes....they loved it.
To my, admittedly 'unprofessional', eye - the pictures are just...gorgeous!
Its a definate coffee table book, but its more than that - its unusual and inspiring. You almost want to hop on a plane and go and see these things for yourself.
I would say its a great gift for anyone interested in photography, anyone interested in the world and nature and anyone with an appreciation for beautiful things - anyone left?!...
A little too big, 19 Mar 2008
It's a coffee table book - on the large/heavy size for me. I would prefer something smaller that I could pick up and browse more easily.
Breathtaking photos, little short on print quality, 22 Jan 2008
I see that the contents are well explained so I'll be giving a more personal view on the book itself. When I first gazed through the pages, I found myself drowned in the richness of the compositions.
Every page carried a different wind and there were lots of them. After a while I found it rather relaxing to open a few pages and try to understand the feeling in each photograph.
The book is well organized and explained. You do not have to turn a hundred pages to look back at your favorites. Of course there are some photos that are far better taken, thus stand out, but when the number of photos is considered this is expected.
Lastly, the print and paper quality may have been slightly better. These kind of books feel even better when they stroke your fingertips with a quality paper.. All-in-all a book that deserves a place on the living room table by the sofa!
What a great value for money book, 27 Jun 2007
I couldn't believe the size of this book when i received it. It is huge!!!
The sections are split up by Continent and some of the European and Asian photos are spectacular. For a fan of photography this book is an absolute must and this is a great book for your coffee table!!
Perfect present material and an absolute bargain for the price!
Biographical Notes, Technical Insights, and Inspiration . . . Portrayed on a Too Small Page, 29 Nov 2008
Any fan of Annie Leibovitz will want to read and cherish this book. The words and images will mean the most to young people dreaming of having a career in photography who wonder about how she got started.
Annie Leibovitz's photography has surrounded and informed us for so long that it has become part of the landscape, perspectives that we employ and too often take for granted. In Annie Leibovitz at Work, she takes us behind the camera a little to understand her motivations, her family, her career, her assignments, her purposes, and how those iconic images were constructed. I enjoyed the book very much but I found that it had two flaws that bothered me: She is a usually little too coy in holding back details that her disclosures make enticing. The page sizes are too small to properly display the images. The print quality is excellent, but you can only do so much when images intended for full magazine pages or portraits are displayed in 3 inch by 5 inch formats. A minor weakness is that some of the images she talks about aren't portrayed (presumably either a space or a permissions problem, but it is disappointing whenever it happens).
Here are some of the poignant stories in the book:
1. Taking the last portrait of John Lennon and Yoko Ono before John was murdered.
2. Photographing the Rolling Stones on tour while trying to keep a nervous independence from the parties and the crush of fans at the end of a concert.
3. John Cleese nearly suffocating to get the picture of pretending to be a bat hanging from a tree.
4. Capturing Al Sharpton at the beauty parlor.
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger changing his image through her photographs.
6. The story behind the pregnant cover of Demi Moore.
7. Cindy Sherman wanting to disappear in her portrait.
8. Capturing the war in Sarajevo.
9. The slaughter in Rwanda.
10. Posing OJ during his LA trial.
11. The arrogant photograph of the new White House team in town (December 2001).
12. Philip Johnson and his glass house.
13. Agnes Martin
14. Queen Elizabeth
Of the technical details, I was most interested in her descriptions of how she put together multiple shots to appear as one image.
Here are some of the many iconic images in the book:
Richard Nixon leaving the White House, Washington, D.C., 1974
Hunter S. Thompson and George McGovern, San Francisco, 1972
Tom Wolfe, Florida, 1972
Apollo 17, the last moon shot, Cape Kennedy, Florida, 1972
The Rolling Stones, Philadelphia, 1975
Keith Richards, Toronto, 1977
Mick Jagger, Chicago, 1975
Mick Jagger, Buffalo, New York, 1975
John Lennon, New York City, 1970
John Lennon and Yoko Ono, New York City, December 8, 1980
Tess Gallagher, Syracuse, New York, 1980
Robert Penn Warren, Fairfield, Connecticut, 1980
Bette Midler, New York City, 1979
Meryl Streep, New York City, 1981
The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi), Hollywood, 1979
Steve Martin, Beverly Hills, 1981
Whoopi Goldberg, Berkeley, California 1984
Keith Haring, New York City, 1986
John Cleese, London, 1980
Andrée Putnam, New York City, 1989
William Wegman and Fay Ray, New York City, 1988
Evander Holyfield, New York City, 1992
Willie Shoemaker and Wilt Chamberlain, Malibu, California, 1987
The Reverend Al Sharpton, PrimaDonna Beauty Care Center, Brooklyn, New York, 1988
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Malibu, California, 1988
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sun Valley, Idaho, 1997
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rob Besserer, Cumberland Island, Georgia, 1990
Mark Morris, Cumberland Island, Georgia, 1990
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Paducah, Kentucky, 1988
Demi Moore, Culver City, California 1991
Cindy Sherman, New York City, 1992
Carl Lewis, Pearland, Texas, 1996
Sarajevo, 1993
Soccer Field, Sarajevo, 1993
Blood on a mission-school wall, Rwanda, 1994
Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, Los Angeles, 1995
Patti Smith, New Orleans, 1978
Patti Smith, New York City, 1996
Puff Daddy and Kate Moss, Paris, 1999
Ben Stiller, Paris, 2001
Natalia Vodianova, Stephen Jones, and Christian Lacrois, Paris, 2003
Keira Knightley and Jeff Koons, Goshen, New York, 2005
Kirsten Dunst, Versailles, 2006
Cabinet Room, The White House, Washington, D.C. December 2001
Nicole Kidman, Charleston, East Sussex, England, 1997
Johnny Depp, New York City, 1994
Cate Blanchett, Los Angeles, 2004
Philip Johnson, Glass House, New Canaan, Connecticut, 2000
William S. Burroughs, Lawrence, Kansas, 1995
Agnes Martin, Taos, New Mexico, 1999
Marilyn Leibovitz, Clifton Point, New York, 1997
Sarah Cameron Leibovitz, New York City, 2002
Susan Sontag, Paris, 2003
Sharon Stone, Angelica Huston, and Diane Lane, Los Angeles, 2006
Kirsten Dunst, Bruce Willis, and James McAvoy, Los Angeles, 2006
Judi Dench and Helen Mirren, Los Angeles, 2006
Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet, New York City, 2006
Jack Nicholson, Los Angeles, 2006
Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, London, 2007 (4)
Hillary Clinton, New York City, 2003
Take a close look and enjoy!
Stunning, 04 Nov 2008
Wow,this is a book that you will look at time and time again. The photographs are stunning and beautiful at the same time. What will Tim be photographing next?
Equus, 30 Oct 2008
This is a beautiful book by photographer Tim Flach with stunning and unusual photographs of horses (and some other animals in the equus family). Everyone who has seen my book has loved it. It would make a very good present for people who are interested in horses or photography. It is a large book approximately 37cm wide x
29cm. It has photographs of everything from an embryo to horses photographed all over the world. It seems very good value for a book of this quality and size.
Stunning, 15 Oct 2008
Stunning photographic images of the horse whether in their natural environment or under human influence. A true masterpiece which will last a lifetime.
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Customer Reviews
Spectacular!, 03 Nov 2008
This is the second volume I've reviewed in the now very well established, BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition. Portfolio 15 was the first one I bought and because of the amazing pictures I've continued to buy it each year, however I did not review 16 or 17 because there was little else to say. Now, I feel there is.
I don't know what the photographers out there have been doing this year but the level in quality has jumped to a whole new level and it wil | | |