08 Sep, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes




Jerry D’s
Extreme
Makeover Techniques
For Digital Glamour Photography

Master The Skills You Need To Make
Real Women Look And Feel Like Models
By: Bill Hurter

Bill Hurter, editor of Rangefinder magazine, takes you behind the scenes with acclaimed photographer Jerry D, revealing the secrets Jerry uses to design his signature glamor images.
Together, Bill and Jerry walk you through a variety of sessions with real clients-women of all ages, shapes, and sizes who have one demand: they want to look great. Through careful styling, lighting, posing, and post production enhancement, this is accomplished by bringing out the very best in every woman -and hiding all those little problem areas that no subject wants to see.
Step-by-step images and simple instructions take you through the entire process (including a comprehensive tutorial on applying makeup), showing you how and why every tool at the photographer’s disposal is applied to create the final, highly flattering portrait.


________________Notice the difference? --->
· Features
o Comprehensive makeup techniques for sculpting the face with highlights and shadows
o Eliminating blemishes, wrinkles, and other problems for a smooth complexion-head to toe
o Slimming the waist, arms, hips, and any other area of the body
o Using the Clone Stamp and Patch tools to manipulate shadows and highlights, reshaping any problem areas on the body

About The Author
Bill Hurter is he editor of Rangefinder magazine and the author of numerous books, including The Portrait Photographer’s Guide to Posing, Portrait Photographer’s Handbook, and The Best of Wedding Photojournalism, all from Amherst Media.
Book Specs
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 270 color photos, ISBN-13:978-1-58428-268-6, Order no. 1897.

For Further Information
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com



Leave comment (0)

01 Sep, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes




The Art of Posing Techniques For Digital Portrait Photographers


By: Lou Jacobs Jr.

Go Behind The Scenes With Top Photographers And Learn To Design More Flattering, Eye Catches Poses

Lou Jacobs Jr. explores the work of nearly a dozen top portrait photographers-working in style from classic to contemporary-who share their insights on designing flattering, eye catching poses. Sitting down with this book is like taking ten master classes without ever leaving your home.



Featuring Techniques And Images From
· Julia Greer..... Todd Joyce
· Carolyn Wright..... LarryPeters
· Elizabeth Etienne..... Dan Hefer
· Melanie Linchfield..... Angela Stott
· Sara Brennen-Harrell..... Ron Jacobson


· Features
o Making clients comfortable for a productive shoot and more natural-looking poses.
o Using posing to deal with the client’s appearance problems
o Tips for posing brides and grooms, families, teens, children, and more
o Using props in your images-and how they work with the pose
o Ideas for directing subjects into the right poses

About the Author
Lou Jacobs Jr. is the author of Amherst Media’s Photographer’s Lighting Handbook and Professional Wedding Photography. He has also contributed articles and images to many publications, including Popular Photography, Rangefinder, Modern Photography, Petersen’s PhotoGraphic, and Modern Maturity.

· Book Specs
$34.95 list, 81/2x11”, 128p, 170 full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-991-3, Order no. 2007.

· For Further Information, Contact:
Adam Richards or Johanne Murdock, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Stree, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · arichards[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com



- - - - - - - - - -



Taking Stock:
Getting into a Stock Frame of Mind

Rob Sylvan : “As photographers, we’re all drawn to different types of photography. Certain subjects, locations, techniques, and styles exert a pull on our creative minds more than others and fit better with who we are in the world.
I love to be outdoors as much as I love how photography helps me capture and share that love with others. Embrace and nurture whatever it is that pulls the strongest for you. Own it! Leverage those passions as you attune your mind’s eye to shooting for stock. The key concept to keep in mind when you shoot for stock is that you are creating the raw materials for someone else to use for his or her purposes.
That is the whole point of stock photography. This may be a paradigm shift from what you are used to doing with your photography, so the sooner you can start seeing in that light, the more satisfying this process will become. One of the best ways to understand this point of view is to put yourself in the shoes of the people you are trying to serve.” SOURCE: Peachpit Press
http://www.graphics.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=864



Leave comment (0)

25 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes





HE’S WATCHING -- Photog Probes Secret Sites With Megazoom and Science - Geographer and artist Trevor Paglen has spent a career tracking the purposefully hidden cogs of U.S. military Secret Ops. Paglen photographed airplanes involved in the rendition program from great distances. His series Limit-telephotography employed high-powered telescopes whose focal lengths range between 1300mm and 7000mm. SOURCE: PETE BROOK. http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2010/08/photog-probes-secret-sites-with-mega-zoom-and-science/




ANSEL THE TEACHER -- Digital Landscape Photography: In The Footsteps Of Ansel Adams by Michael Frye. The goal of Digital Landscape Photography: In The Footsteps Of Ansel Adams is to show you what can be learned from Adams' working process and how these lessons can be used today with modern digital techniques. SOURCE: T. Michael Testi Seattle Times.
http://www.seattlepi.com/books/425058_141349-blogcritics.org.html?source=rss


Leave comment (0)

18 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes




500 Poses for Photographing Women
A Visual Sourcebook for Portrait Photographers

GET THE CREATIVE SPARK YOU NEED TO DESIGN
BETTER POSES AND SPICE UP YOUR PORTRAITS!


By: Michelle Perkins

Filled with images by some of the world’s most accomplished portrait, fashion, and commercial photographers, this book provides a resource for photographers seeking inspiration for their own work.

Stuck on what to do with a particular client or unsure how to use a prop? Flip through the sample portraits, pick something you like, and then adapt it as needed to suit your tastes.
Looking to freshen up your work with some new poses? Find a sample that appeals to you and look for ways to implement it (or some element of it) with one of your subjects.

It can be difficult to remain creative day after day, year after year, but sometimes all you need to break through a slump is a little spark. In this book, you’ll find a plethora of images designed to provide just that.




· FEATURES
o Inspiring images from top portrait, fashion, and commercial photographers
o Head-and-shoulders, three-quarter, and full-length poses
o Ideas for location and studio portraits
o Poses for both traditional and contemporary portrait styles

· ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Perkins is a professional writer, photographer, and designer who has written for PC Photo and is a regular contributor to Rangefinder and AfterCapture magazines. She is the author of Professional Portrait Lighting and Beginner’s Guide to Adobe® Photoshop®, both available from Amherst Media.

BOOK SPECS

$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 500 full-color photos, ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-249-5, Order no. 1879.

· For Further Information Contact:
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com







Leave comment (0)

11 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes



Children’s Portrait Photography Handbook
TECHNIQUES FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS, 2ND ED.


MASTER THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO CREATE
ENDURING PORTRAITS THAT CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF CHILDHOOD


Children are notoriously difficult to photograph, but this book provides the insight you need to rise to the challenge and create images that will be treasured for generations. Rangefinder magazine editor, Bill Hurter takes you behind the scenes with some of the world’s top children’s photographers to explore the amazing images and see just how they created them.

INCLUDES TECHNIQUES AND IMAGES FROM:

Patti Andre Jim Garner Craig Kienast
Drake Busath Amber Holritz Larry Peters
Michele Celentano Elizabeth Homan Tim Schooler
Bruce Dorn Kevin Jairaj Vicki Taufer
Frank Frost Tim Kelly …and more...





· FEATURES
o Picking the right camera and lighting equipment for photographing busy children
o Studio lighting techniques for both formal and casual portraits-and tips for working with children who just won’t stay put
o Using window light to capture natural images
o Taking your shoot outdoors for fun sessions and portraits that reflect the joy of children at play
o Posing tips for infants, toddlers, school-aged kids, and senior portraits
o Talking to kids and planning a successful shoot
o Design techniques for collecting you images in albums that parents will treasure forever
· ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Bill Hurter is the editor of Rangefinder Magazine and the author of numerous books, including The Portrait Photographer’s Guide to Posing, Children’s Portrait Photography Handbook, and The Best of Adobe Photoshop, all from Amherst Media.

· BOOK SPECS
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 165 full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-996-8, Order no. 1917.

· For Further Information Or To Receive A Review Copy, Contact:
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com




Leave comment (0)

04 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: Alec




The Business of Photography
GET ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS WITH PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES


Learning the art of photography is the only the first step in building a successful career. To make a go at being a true professional photographer, you also need solid business skills.

This book will help you overcome any bumps you encounter on your road to success, showing you what to expect, what not to expect, and how to make the smart decisions that will keep you moving toward your goals.

Tucci and Usmani cover everything you need to know to achieve your goals-from setting up your business and building a brand identity, to targeting you marketing at the right demographic, to providing to-notch customer service that will earn you clients for life.

Written in clear language you don’t need to be a CPA to understand, this book is an invaluable resource for photographers who want to spend more time behind the camera and less time wading through spread sheets!

TUCCI AND USMANI’S
The Business of Photography



By: Damon Tucci and Rosena Usmani


• FEATURES
o Setting up your company legally
o Understanding and planning for sales, income, and employment taxes
o Controlling your expenses and setting prices
o Deciding between a home-based studio of one in a commercial space
o Customer service practices for satisfied clients
o Marketing techniques to get you started and keep you succeeding
o Working with employees and subcontractors

• ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Damon Tucci is a professional photographer known for infusing his documentary images with a high-fashioned style. Rosena Usmani is the founder of Exposure Business Solutions, a company devoted to designing synergistic marketing concepts. She holds an MA in Corporate Communicatons.



• BOOK SPECS

$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 180 full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-997-5, Order no. 1919.
• For Further Information Or To Receive A Review Copy, Contact:
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 • fax (800) 622-3298 • kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com • www.amherstmedia.com

- - - - - - - - - - -


NEED A PHOTO? You paid for them, why not use them? These are government contracted photos from departments such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Library of Congress, NASA,, The US Agricultural Dept, and many more agerncies. The book is call “Amazing Public Domain Images Sourcebook” If you are looking fore some priceless (meaning free) photos for your blog, here’s a book that shows you how to find them. Photopreneur provides guidance on utilizing the world’s largest free photography collection: the tens of millions of images currently in the public domain. http://pmanewsline.com/2010/07/30/photopreneur-releases-%E2%80%9Camazing-public-domain-images-sourcebook%E2%80%9D/



Leave comment (0)

27 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: Alec






Zen and the Magic of Photography – Learning to See and to Be through Photography

We’ve all had those photographic moments
when we just took the photo without thinking about it.

We saw what we knew was a keeper, that once in a life time great image - no thoughts – no words, - we knew it was going to be a great photo.

Well, that’s what this book is about.

That’s what Zen is about. Becoming a better photographer without words; and sometimes, without thought – more “the feel of the moment”. That is the Zen of the moment - the here and now of creating great memorable photographs.

This book has three sections to it and begins with the general knowledge and introduction of what Zen is about: Part I “Experiencing Zen through Photography and Photography through Zen”. Here he discusses What is Zen, What is Satori, Photography and the Creative Mind , and Zen and the Empty Mind, and the Role of Intuition and Feeling in Photography and Zen.

As you can tell from these headings, this book is not about technical stuff. It assumes you have all that already. Rather is about mastering a way of observing, that every photographer must have and must experience, that is, the ability to capture that moment we’ve experienced in all of its fullness and completeness, right now – not yesterday, or tomorrow, but now. This is an important section, as it establishes the ground work for what’s to come next.

The thought of putting such an abstract concept as Zen and Satori in print and then to photography, is pretty exceptional. The author moves on in Part II to illustrate a link between still photography and film using this technique. Movies scenes with actors like Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront,” and James Dean in “Rebel Without A Cause,” are examples of an artist being in the “here and now of Zen.
He includes scenes shots along with explanations, of why the scenes works, so when put up against one’s own experiences, you have a comparison or study if you will.

Finally, in Part III the author suggests “Opening Oneself to the Light” of this Zen/Satori moment, with examples of several pages of his own images – full page and half page examples. He invites us to find this “Satori” moments in his work as well as encouraging us to begin looking for it in our own work. Rowe believes that this Zen perspective is teachable, and does so by showing and illustrating how one becomes more aware and intuitive.
This is a book I would highly recommend to experienced stock photographers. It was a fun read as well as very engaging. I use it in my own photography, daily.


Zen and the Magic of Photogaphy: Learning to See and Be through Photogaphy by Wayne Rowe, Published by Rocky Nook, joan[at]rockynook[dot]com ISBN: 1933952547, Price: $24.95 – At Amazon: $16.47

- -

Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for the last twenty-five years. He has published in many ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock
photography business in Southeast Iowa. www.photos4calendars.com






- - - - - - - - - - -



Advanced Lighting Techniques

TAKE YOUR LIGHTING

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

WITH THESE TRICKS OF THE TRADE


Christopher Grey takes you behind the basics of lighting and shows you the tricks professionals use to create more visually complex effects. Some “tricks” are complex strategies that rely on a thorough understanding of the physics of light, but more are simply inventive solutions that make it surprisingly easy to produce a very sophisticated result.

Each chapter teaches you one technique, explaining the concept on which it is based, demonstrating the setup step by step, and revealing the final results. Working through the image design process for each image, Grey teaches you to creatively use accent lights, subtractive lighting, shutter drag, double main lights, and more.
Both studio and location shoots are included.


CHRISTOPHER GREY’S
Advanced Lighting Techniques
TRICKS OF THE TRADE FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

• FEATURES
o Creating killer accents with side lights
o Mastering subtractive lighting techniques
o Using underexposure as a creative tool
o Capturing motion-and emotion-in you images
o Using a double main light for softly lit portraits
o Creative effects with gauze, Cinefoil, and other simple devices for modifying the light
o Building a wall of light
o Underfill and underlighting techniques
o Making the most of a location shoot
o Cheap solutions for customized light modifiers

• ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Grey is a professional advertising, fine art, portrait, and stock photographer. He is the author of Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers.

• BOOK SPECS

$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 320full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-998-2, Order no. 1920.

• For Further Information Contact:
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 • fax (800) 622-3298 • kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com • www.amherstmedia.com


Leave comment (0)

21 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: Alec




Master The Skills

You Need To Succeed

In This Highly Competitive Field


The rewards of being a professional wedding photographer are great-not only financially, but also in terms of community status. As such, increasing numbers of ever-more-talented photographers are entering the field, making for a very competitive market-place.

Today, being good is not good enough; it takes greatness to truly stand out and succeed.

In this book, Rangefinder editor Bill Hurter shows you what it takes to achieve that objective, --covering all of the skills that must come together to create world-class images.

• Featuring Techniques And Images From
Stuart Bebb Brett Florens Ray Prevost
David Beckstead Jerry Chionis Kenneth Sklute
Joe Buissink Greb Gibson Marc Weisberg
Ben Chen Gene Higa Jeff and Julia Woods
Jesh de Rox Kevin Jairaj Yervant Zanazanian
Dan Doke Kevin Kubota ...and many more!
Wedding Photography
Advanced Techniques For Digital Photographers
By: Bill Hurter

• Features
o Working more effectively to anticipate pressure, honing your powers of observation, and idealizing your subjects
o Improving your ability to anticipate events and shoot the peak moments of action and emotion
o Tips from pros like Mike Colón, Gene Higa, and Dan Doke on refining your shooting procedures and workflow
o Techniques for directing your subjects, allowing you to create images that flatter while still looking natural
o Meeting the challenges of lighting on the wedding day-with tips for natural light, mixed light sources, flash, more


• About the Author
Bill Hurter is a the editor of Rangefinder magazine and the author of numerous books, including The Portrait Photographer’s Guide to Posing, Children’s Portrait Photography Handbook, and The Best of Adobe Photoshop, all from Amherst Media
• Book Specs
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 180 color photos, ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-990-6, Order no. 1912.

• For Further Information Contact:
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 • fax (800) 622-3298 • kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com • www.amherstmedia.com


Leave comment (0)

14 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: Alec



The Law (in Plain English)® For Photographers
By Leonard D. DuBoff and Christy O. King

Invaluable resource provides essential and timely legal advice

Digital imaging and the Internet have created new markets and opportunities for photographers – as well as new controversies and lawsuits. While the average professional photographer is hardly likely to have and in-house lawyer, the need for photographers to understand their rights and responsibilities as artists and as business people is more urgent than ever.

In the third edition of The Law (in Plain English)® for Photographers, seasoned attorneys Leonard D. DuBoff and Christy O. King provide essential and timely legal advice for aspiring and professional photographers that can mean the difference between and photographer’s success and ruin – all written “in plain English.”

“Much of the material in this volume is intended to enlighten photographers so that legal problems can be avoided,” DuBoff observes. “Unfortunately, even the most prudent individual may become entangled in the web of complex legal issues.”

The third edition has been expanded to include analysis of key digital issues, new cases on fair use and copyright infringement, post-9/11 rules for shooting “sensitive” locations, and updates to right of publicity laws protecting images of famous people even after death (including the new California law).

In addition, photographers will find information on:
• Censorship and obscenity
• photography organizations
• The rights of privacy and publicity
• releases, contracts, and other forms
• Organizing as a business
• online stock photography deals
• Tax deductions for the home office
• leases
• Relevant court cases
• estate planning

Third Edition
424.05, 6x9, 216 pages
Paperback, ISBN 978-1-58115-712-3
Publication Date: May 2010
More info: CONTACT SARA HENDRICKSEN 212.777.8395 X15 SHENDRICKSEN[at]ALLWORTH[dot]COM


Leave comment (0)

30 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: Alec



The Beginners Guide to
Underwater Digital Photography
By Larry Gates


Larry Gates shows you how to make the smart technical and creative decisions that lead to great underwater images-without breaking the bank.

Gates covers all the aspects of underwater photography in this manual. He begins with equipment, showing you how to select gear for the kinds of images you want to create.
Next, he shows you how to use this equipment effectively in the underwater environment to produce crisply focused, colorful, and properly exposed images of any scene or subject you might encounter.
Finally, Gates presents practical strategies for maximizing your results when photographing specific subjects-from telephoto images of the smallest creatures to wide-angle images of sunken ships.
Simplifying the seemingly complex task of underwater photography, Gates makes it easy to get started quickly and improve your results on every dive.

• Features
• Adding light to reveal the colorful aspects of the underwater world
• Tips for photographing a variety of underwater subjects, from fish (and other creatures), to wrecks, other divers, and the reef itself
• Step-by-step techniques for every phase of the photography dive
• font.Maintaining your equipment to minimize the potential for problems,/ during a dive
• Techniques for getting closer to fish and other aquatic creatures
• Postproductions refinements to perfect your images

>Larry Gates is an underwater photographer and photography instructor whose images have appeared in Skin Diver, Florida Scuba News, and Water Line. He has also worked as a safety and support diver for Paramount Studios and provided technical assistance to Vogue Magazine.
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 180 full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-274-7, Order no. 1911.

Leave comment (0)

23 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn






The Linked Photographers’ Guide to Online Marketing and Social Media (Lindsay Adler and Rosh Sillars.)– Reviewed by Aaron Hockley, the book is presented in four major sections: an introduction to social networking, a section on social media basics, information for several of the major social media websites, and a collection of case studies and real-world stories.

http://www.socialphototalk.com/book-review-linked-photographer/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SocialPhotoTalk+%28Social+Photo+Talk%29


Leave comment (0)

16 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Corrective Lighting, Posing & Retouching
For Digital Portrait Photographers

Learn How To Make Every Subject Look Their Very Best

A step-by-step guide where you’ll learn the techniques you need to photograph real people, not just size-two supermodels with perfect hair and skin. With these practical techniques, you’ll be ready to identify problems, correct them, and deliver images your clients will love-and buy!

· Learn How To Conceal
Prominent Ears Weight Problems
Double Chins Glare from glasses
Large or crooked noses Uneven eyes
Thinning hair …and much more

The Third Edition

· Lighting And Posing Techniques For:
o Studio or location shoots
o Setting the main, fill, and accent lights
o Making the legs and thighs look long and lean
o Concealing problem areas with shadow
o Trimming the waist and enhancing the bust
o Full-length, three-quarter, and headshots

· Digital Techniques For:
o Removing blemishes for flawless skin
o Eliminating stray hairs
o Minimizing the nose and eliminating tummy bulges
o Addressing age-and weight-related concerns


· About the Author: Jeff Smith is a professional portrait photographer, studio owner, and photography instructor whose no-nonsense approach to the business of photography is widely acclaimed.

· Book Specs
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 207 full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-995-1, Order no. 1916.

· For Further Information Contact:
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com


Leave comment (0)

09 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn



Learn How To Expand Your Control And Creativity With
The Magic Of Off-Camera Flash

You can break free from the shackles of natural light and push the limits of design with the off-camera flash techniques mentioned in this book by well-known photography teachers Rod and Robin Deutschmann.
From selecting the right equipment to overcoming common problems, the authors get you up to speed quickly-and demonstrate practical techniques you can use right away to produce more dynamic, expressive, and engaging images.

Features
o Selecting off-camera flash equipment-including a discussion of features you can’t be without.
o Wired and wireless solutions for triggering your off-camera flash.
o Using simple one-flash setups and more complex multiple-flash setups.
o Modifying your flash for softer lighting or more targeted effects.
o Flash support options-whether you’re working alone or with an assistant.
o How to overcome the creative limitations of your flash-sync speed
o Adding neutral-density filters and polarizers to finesse the tomes in your images.
o Adjusting the flash’s power for more refined effects.
o Using off-camera flash to create dramatic close-up images.
o Designing appealing portraits on location using off-camera flash.
o Amplifying the apparent power of your flash for incredible in-camera black and white images.
o Combining motion with of-camera flash for more expressive images.
o Advanced techniques for collage-building and finger-painting with flash.



Amherst Media PO Box 586 Buffalo, NY 14226
www.AmherstMedia.com
ISBN-13: 978-1584289920



Leave comment (0)

26 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn





Lonely Planet's Guide To Travel Photography

Richard I'Anson’s third edition of Lonely Planet's best-selling Travel Photography, shows you how to avoid the usual photography mistakes and to develop your compositional and technical skills as a photographer.
It’s a comprehensive look at most aspects of travel photography, from the equipment you’ll need to the software and hardware required to store and process your images back at your headquarters. Also, it offers you ways to earn money with your photos. .

Try out the exercises and examples to learn photographer-tested techniques and tips.
It's full of practical exercises and examples to hone the tips and techniques outlined in the text, and stunning travel photographs throughout will inspire you on your journey.
§ Fully updated for the digital photographer
§ Most everything you need to know to sell your travel photographs
§ Capture that perfect moment – a new section shows you how to anticipate.
§ Camera technologies, from working with film and digital to taking pictures on your camera phone

Author: Richard I'Anson US $21.99 3rd Edition / August 2009 ; ISBN: 9781741046892
368 pp color ; http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/


Leave comment (0)

19 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Face to Face: Rick Sammon’s Complete Guide to Photographing People


Rick Sammon is a people person who loves the art of making – rather than simply taking – people pictures. In Face to Face, he makes learning people photography a quick and enjoyable experience. He provides techniques he uses to make extraordinary photographs of people around the world. The book gives hundreds of tips and strategies for engaging your subject and setting up the shoot, along with techniques for shooting in a variety of conditions both indoors and outdoors. He demonstrates his methods through a collection of his original photographs, each one including notes explaining the principles he followed publishing;and the techniques he used. (ISBN –134: 978-0-596-51574-4; 303 pgs) Contact: O’Reilly Publishing (Corporate Headquarters)
1005 Gravenstein Highway North. Sebastopol, CA 95472. USA
T: (707) 827-7000 / (800) 998-9938 F: (707) 829-0104
www.oreilly.com



Leave comment (0)

05 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn



Lighting Techniques

By Billy Pegram

MASTER THE TECHNICAL AND CREATIVE ASPECTS OF LIGHTING MODELS

Billy Pegram provides the knowledge you need to showcase a model’s best attributes, conceal any problem areas, and reveal her personality. Just as importantly, he teaches you how to match the type of lighting to the market the model is trying to reach-including advertising, catalogs, swimwear, fashion, hand modeling, and more.
Following along with ample start-to-finish analysis of real-life sessions-each with a different model and a different objective-you’ll learn the problem –solving, technical, and creative strategies needed to design great lighting setups (or find them in nature).
Packed with eye-catching photos, this book takes you through the process of creating masterfully lit images that will get you model (and you!) noticed.

TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MODEL PORTFOLIOS


· Features
o Understanding the challenges of model photography-and why it requires a different approach than other types of photography
o Evaluating models and using light to help accentuate their best and most marketable features
o Designing creative lighting effects in the studio and on location
o Working as part of a creative team and communicating your ideas to ensure a productive shoot
o Practical examples showing the creation of the portfolio images for real models
o Tips for working with models and ensuring that your images help them meet their goals

· About the Author
Billy Pegram is a successful photographer and videographer who has created images for clients like Fila and Lord of the Dance, as well as numerous celebrities and clothing designers.
Book Specs:
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 180 color photos, ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-259-4, Order no. 1889.

For Further Information …
Kate Neaverth or Craig Alesse, Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com






Leave comment (0)

28 Apr, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Master The Techniques
Used By Top
Commercial Photographers

By Lou Jacobs Jr.
Jacobs explores the work of top ten commercial photographers, presenting an insightful compilation of stories, strategies, and images covering a variety of specialties on every aspect of the profession, providing advice on everything form marketing, to equipment, to the technical aspects of creating images in their individual specialties. Featuring Techniques And Images From: Pete Springer, Doug Edmunds; Darren Setlow; Cassandra M. Zampini; Todd Quom ; Cig Harvey; Wendy Nelson Sal Sessa

Insights on architectural, fashion, product, and advertising photography business
Tips on running a more successful, profitable commercial photography business
Ideas for working with clients most effectively and delivering the high-quality products that build repeat business


About the Author
Lou Jacobs Jr. is the author of Amherst Media’s Photographer’s Lighting Handbook and Professional Wedding Photography. He has also contributed articles and images to many publications, including Popular Photography, Rangefinder, Modern Photography, Petersen’s PhotoGraphic, Modern Maturity, and Campus Photo.

· Book Specs
$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 160 color photos, ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-3, Order no. 2006.

· For Further Information : Amherst Media, 175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 (800) 622-3278 · fax (800) 622-3298 · kneaverth[at]amherstmedia[dot]com · www.amherstmedia.com



- - - - - –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- - - - - - –







Learn To Design Heartwarming Images That Capture
The Bonds Between Mothers And Children

Norman Phillips shows you techniques of an important growing segment of the portrait photography market. You’ll learn how to create the right environment , the right props, backgrounds, and lighting to make the mom and her child (or even all of her children) look great-while allowing them to interact and reveal the true character of their relationship.

o Designing traditional and contemporary portraits
o Tips for pregnancy portraits
o Ideas for working with children of all ages-form infants to school-age kids.
o Creating portraits with multiple children
o Flexible lighting techniques to allow kids to be kids
o Posing techniques to make everyone look their best
o Techniques for working in the studio or on location
o Designing storyboards and mini albums from your session

Includes Images From:




Joanne Alice Sarah L. Johnston Sheila Rutledge
Michael Ayers Jeff and Kathleen Hawkins Terry Jo Tache
Michael Barton Mark Laurie Vikki Taufer
Veena Cornish Norman Phillips Wendy Veugeler
Jody Coss Cindy Romano Kerry Firstenleit


Amherst Media, Publisher Of Photography Books, PO Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226, www.AmherstMedia.com ISBN-13: 978-1584282624




Leave comment (0)

21 Apr, 2010 | Posted by: psn





To Central Park With Love


Well, you pick this photo book up and flip through it (I always like to flip through picture books backwards), and your first impression is that this was a project of a local 4-H club or Boy Scout group. It’s not something you’ll find at Barnes & Noble or on the first page of a Google search. It’ll never get an art directors’ award. The pictures are too fuzzy and besides there have been 752 books written about New York’s Central Park (just kidding…).

To those of you from the Midwest who think New York City is just a collection of sidewalks filled with fast-lane millionaires, hookers, and dog poop; streets filled with gridlock traffic, Middle Eastern taxi drivers, and wailing police cars, this book is a refreshing moment for you.

The thing is, you won’t appreciate this book if you are a professional photographer, or someone aiming to be a professional. You’ll find it, well, amateurish. But, wait, be kind, put your 300mm lens and your $350 Tamrac backpack aside and take a deep breath and forget about scrutiny and just absorb how one guy with a nostalgic $15 film camera spent 25 years wandering his adopted park, snapping away at the things he just loved. And those are: squirrels (there’s one saying a last minute prayer for a dying buddy), a robin scolding its newborn daughter, a lone jogger on a frosty morning, two lovers in a canoe figuring out how to say goodbye to each other, or maybe deciding who pays the rental fee, and there’s also the two lovers caught in the bushes having just finished the natural ritual, or just starting, and birds, birds, birds (who make Central Park their home base), none of which I know the names of.

Mind you, if you’re one of those expert bird photographers you’re probably going to gulp at the imperfections in the author’s photographic technique. This book is not fancy, or precise, or revealing some esoteric insight except one thing: love. It’s a given. This photographer shows us something with his camera many of we photographers have forgotten. Passion. Photography can introduce friends and neighbors to the way we see the world, like a kindergarten child doing a color drawing for Mom. No one asks for perfection. Just the passion will do, thank you.

Rohn Engh

The author, Roy Iwaki is an expatriate San Franciscan Cal-Berkeley transport to Manhattan, and not only a photographer but also a person with great interest in American aviation. He is a founding member of the American Air Museum in Britain.
Outskirts Press publishes his book, Wild Central Park; Crossroads of the World,
http:www.outskirtspress.com 8.5 x 8.5 86 pages ISBN 978-14327-3462-6 $36.95



Leave comment (0)

14 Apr, 2010 | Posted by: psn



The Beginners Guide to
Underwater Digital Photography
By Larry Gates

$34.95 list, 81/2”x11”, 128p, 180 full-color photos, ISBN 978-1-58428-274-7, Order no. 1911. Amherst Media; 800 6223278


Writing for the “regular guy” photographer, Larry Gates shows you how to make the smart technical and creative decisions that lead to great underwater images-without breaking the bank. Gates covers all the critical aspects of underwater photography in this comprehensive manual. He begins with equipment, showing you how to select gear for the kinds of images you want to create.
Next, he shows you how to use this equipment effectively in the underwater environment to produce crisply focused, colorful, and properly exposed images of any scene or subject you might encounter. Finally, Gates presents practical strategies for maximizing your results when photographing specific subjects-from telephoto images of the smallest creatures to wide-angle images of sunken ships.
Simplifying the seemingly complex task of underwater photography, Gates makes it easy to get started quickly and improve your results on every dive.

· Features
· Adding light to reveal the colorful aspects of the underwater world
· Tips for photographing a variety of underwater subjects, from fish (and other creatures), to wrecks, other divers, and the reef itself
· Step-by-step techniques for every phase of the photography dive
· Maintaining your equipment to minimize the potential for problems during a dive
· Techniques for getting closer to fish and other aquatic creatures
· Postproductions refinements to perfect your images



Larry Gates is and underwater photographer and photography instructor whose images have appeared in Skin Diver, Florida Scuba News, and Water Line. He has also worked as a safety and support diver for Paramount Studios and provided technical assistance to Vogue Magazine.


Leave comment (0)

10 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Digital Landscape Photography
by John & Barbara Gerlach published by Focal Press (a.langlais@Elsevier.com ) published 2010.

This is the second in a series of digital photography books (their first, Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science) by these authors begins with letting us know that great landscapes are everywhere to be found with beautiful illustrations of great places to search out; like national parks, private lands and scenics, right in your own backyard.

The authors lack no resources when using beautiful landscape scenes as examples, when they considered Chapter 2 Cameras and Accessories. They consider the highest sellers (and probably the most used) Nikon and Canon cameras; while (their example photos are spectacular) placing emphasis more on the technique of landscape photography, than the certain brand of camera equipment, to give you the best results. They touch on the essentials of these two camera systems as well as mentioning the value of megapixels, sensor size, Luminance and RGB Histograms, mirror lockup, metering, custom functions and using memory cards properly; all essentials in landscape photography.
In Chapter 3, Choosing and Using Lenses, they place a lot attention and importance on lens quality, with discussion on Amateur vs. Pro Quality Lenses, Lens Speed, Image-Stabilization, Zoom Lenses, Focal-Lengths, Filters, Super-Wide-Angle Lenses, and my favorite, Tilt-Shift Lenses; with a page and a half of how-to clean your lenses and filters.

With Chapter 4, Mastering Exposure, I like the in-depth explanation of determining the best digital exposure. They explore exposure basics such as lens apertures, shutter speeds, law of reciprocity, sensor noise problems, exposure increments, different types of metering formats, along with using the histogram and exposing for RAW images along with the need for exposure compensation - the basics to getting great results.

Chapters 5 Techniques for Sharp Images, Chapter 6 Light on the Landscape, Chapter 7, Composing Pleasing Images, and Chaper 8, Special Subjects – such as using boats to photograph on water, photographing waterfalls, autumn color and snowy landscapes were all covered very well.

Chapters 9 High Dynamic Range Images (HDR), HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and refers to a post-processing method which allows to dramatically increase the dynamic range of a photograph by merging different exposures of a same scene.

This subject has been around for awhile and they covered the workflow from exposure composition, to tripod use, to software to create a natural look high dynamic range image. Really done quit well and a technique I would feel comfortable doing after reading their fine explanation with beautiful illustrations as examples.

Their last chapter on, Panoramas is worth the price of the book alone. Their attention to detail in setting up your workflow for this type of landscape image is excellent; along with the spectacular images they used as examples – WOW.

At the outset, Digital Landscape Photography by John & Barbara Gerlach would seem like a beginner's to intermediate photography (coffee-table type) book, but I found it to be a great resource for revisiting my own workflow techniques in the field and I would highly recommend this book to any stock photographer producing and selling landscape photography.

Digital Landscape Photography by John & Barbara Gerlach and published by Focal Press (a.langlais@Elsevier.com ) - List Price $24.95 – Amazon $16.47 free shipping

Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for the last twenty-five years. He has been published in many ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a
schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock
photography business in Southeast Iowa. morningstar138@hotmail.com



Leave comment (0)

24 Feb, 2010 | Posted by: psn




Microstock Money Shots – Book Review - Ellen Boughn’s book will be released later this year. It’s called ‘Microstock Money Shots – Turning Downloads into Dollars with Microstock Photography’. Lee Torrens is honored to be a small part of the book and the first to publish a review. http://www.microstockdiaries.com/microstock-money-shots.html



Leave comment (0)

09 Feb, 2010 | Posted by: psn



AND THEY’RE FREE. Ten Great Digital Photography Downloads. Want some help with editing and managing you stock collection? Pcworld has rounded up ten downloads that will let you take control of your photos. Whether you're looking for a top-of-the-line photo editor, a great photo manager, or nifty utilities to handle tasks such as finding duplicates, we have just the thing. And every program is free--not only to download but also to use. SOURCE: Preston Gralla, Pcworld – http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20100203/tc_pcworld/10greatdigitalphotographydownloads_1


Leave comment (0)

13 Jan, 2010 | Posted by: psn



Business and Legal Forms For Photographers


As a stock photographer just starting out, or starting over, you will be dealing on an ongoing basis with selected magazine and book publishers. Why not get off on a clear, unmistakable, basis with them. “Get it in writing” and what better way is to back up your position with them with unambiguous forms, designed by a legend in the business, Tad Crawford from Allworth Press.
You’ll find in this new fourth edition legal and business for for model and property releases, copyright transfer forms, publishing contracts and stock photography forms. Want to trademark your logo? There’s even a form to get you started in that dept.

And the book comes with a CD containing 34 Word documents of all of the forms. This makes it unnecessary to photocopy anything. There’s a detailed explanation for each form, and the situations where each form might be needed. This will be an indespenable guide for you.429.95 208 pages. ISBN 978-158115-669-0. 212-777-8395 x15 www.allworth.com 10 East 23rd St NY NY 10010.





-
- - - - - –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- - - - - - –


Photographing Children – Photo Workshop by Ginny Felch and Allison Tyler Jones, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

This is a workshop “how to” book about photographing children. It begins (Chapter 1) with a comment about being inspired when photographing children and I was inspired. These two very professional photographers have put together a book that was definitely inspired by their own children as well as their clients’ children.
In Chapter 2 there’s a brief explanation of “The Look of A Photograph” and its technical side – brief, but enough, with such subjects as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, Depth of Field, and using the different modes on the digital camera to get what you want.

Chapters 3 and 4 deal with Light – Seeing the Light and Manipulating the Light. Here we learn quite a bit about available light (“Sweet Light, Reflections and Shadows, and Soft Light) and artificial lighting (Flash, Bouncing Flash, Reflectors, Light Temperature, and Basic Studio Lighting (one-light setup, metering, etc.)

Then we come in the real meat & potatoes of this book with Chapters 5 Composing, Chapter 6 What’s Your Style, Chapter 7 Evoking Expression and Emotion, Chapter 8 Ages, Stages, and Groups and Chapter 9 Equipment for the children’s Photographer. With these chapters, both authors show and tell us with examples, illustrations, tips, notes and quotes from other professional photographers, just how to get the best children’s photographs, while optimizing both their equipment and their environment. If all you do is buy this book for the photos, you’ll have gotten a deal.
These are professional photographers, and they did it right by not only showing us what the images should look like, but giving us (teaching us) assignments at the end of each chapter to help us, get it right. ( Assignments Website: www.pwassignments.com)

The final chapter Post-Production and Presentation illustrates a general workflow within a image-editing software with basic retouching, color, black and white, cropping tips and some storyboarding with different presentation options of the images.
I was impressed with the photographs in this book because, the authors found the formula for capturing the spirit and innocence of their subject, whether they were, mother and child, just child, just babies, or dad and child as well as family. They got it, and you’ll have it, if you purchase this wonderful book about photographing children.
I highly recommend this book to any stock photographer or their family. Photographing Children – Photo Workshop by Ginny Felch and Allison Tyler Jones, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc.,http://support.wiley.com - ISBN-13: 978-0470114322, Book price: $29.99 – Amazon Price: $18.89




Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for
the last twenty-five years. He has published in many
ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a
schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock
photography business in Southeast Iowa. browncow108[at]lisco[dot]com




Leave comment (0)

15 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn




The Basic Book of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY,
by Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm; published by Plume Books.

This book lives up to its name; it is basic. It is a combination of “How to,” “Show &Tell,” and general digital photography information that will be almost all outdated in a years’ time. That said, most photography books within this subject area, suffer the same outcome, and with updates in versions, usually make very useful adjuncts to a beginning digital photographer’s library.

This well illustrated handbook, is about an inch and half thick, and gives you practical advice about choosing and using digital cameras, camera settings, as well as creating pleasing compositions. It touches on “workflow” from camera to computer, as well as organizing your digital images so you can find them in the future on your computer. This covers about half the book and again, is very general in nature.

In chapter 14, Editing and Improving Your Photos with Computer Software, the authors mention a number of difference programs to improve your images, along with some very sound advise that, generally speaking about editing software. Again, this is general type information that could easily be applied to any type editing software – nothing specific.

This general approach to specific software is also applied to chapter 15, Printing Your Digital Photos At Home, and was very informative and useful in next two chapters.

Chapter 16 and Chapter 17, Using Local and Online Photo Services To Bring Your Digital Pictures, and Sharing and Showing Off Your Digital Photos, were great and really illustrated well, how to use the World Wide Web to help the beginning digital photographer to master the “show and tell” of digital photography.

The two appendixes at the end of the book are probably worth the price of the book alone: Glossary of Digital Photography Terms and Getting More Help – Photography Web Sites. If basic information was the primary reason for writing this book, these two authors did a very good job, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to any stock photographer who’s sharing their knowledge of digital photography with a beginning photographer

The Basic Book of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY, by Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm; published by Plume Books, at insidesales[at]us.penguingroup[dot]com - ISBN-13: 978-0452289550; $24.00 at bookstores or at Amazon.com @$16.32



Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for
the last twenty-five years. He has published in many
ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a
schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock
photography business in Southeast Iowa. browncow108[at]lisco[dot]com


Leave comment (0)

09 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn




Head and Shoulders Portrait Photography

Jeff Smith's Guide to Head and Shoulders Portrait Photography The goal of portrait photography is to capture the likeness of a person or a small group of people, typically in a flattering manner. Like other types of portraiture, the focus of photograph is the person's face, although the entire body and the background may be included.
He is a professional portrait photographer, studio owner, and photography instructor. He covers in detail posing a subject to make the most of their features and minimize any problem areas and how to use carefully executed lighting to make each subject look their very best.
Jeff Smith's Guide to Head and Shoulders Portrait Photography is targeted to the professional portrait photographer who would like to make head and shoulder portraits more creative, more flattering, and more profitable. Any serious amateur photographer will also benefit by Jeff’s techniques.
In "Guide to Head and Shoulders Portrait Photography" Jeff Smith shows the photographer how head and shoulders portraits can be just as rewarding as full-length portraits--both creatively and financially. From designing a customized portrait concept that clients will love (and buy), to lighting and posing the subject for a flawless effect, and to simple retouching for a polished look, Smith guides the photographer through the process from start to finish.
Also he explains how to get the perfect expression, whether it's a serious business headshot, a smiling portrait for Morn, or a photograph of the photographer's favorite model.

Published by Amherst Media, ISBN m : 978-1-58428-256-3 . www.amherstmedia.com Buffalo NY 14226 . Soft cover, 8 1/2 X 11,120 pages, 150 color photos, $34.95 US


Leave comment (0)

02 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn




The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby

START WITH A GOOD CAMERA -- A reassuring point he makes early on is that you don't have to break the bank on expensive gear to shoot great photos. He offers great advise and timely tips on how to prioritize your budget (lion's share to the lens). I also liked his philosophy of "getting it right in the camera." No matter how sophisticated your software and post-production skills, if the image doesn't possess certain qualities coming out of the camera (i.e.: sharp focus), it's impossible to rehabilitate later. SOURCE: FCEtier

http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-the-digital-photography-book3/


Leave comment (0)

11 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn




The Digital Shoebox:
How to Organize, Find, and Share Your Photos

by Sarah Bay Williams and published by Peachpit Press.


I love a how-to book that starts out right off with the how-to’s and Sarah Bay William’s book The Digital Shoebox: How to Organize, Find, and Share Your Photos gets right to it. She assumes zero entry level skills – which is great. She begins not with your computer, but with your camera settings – setting time and date info, so each photo can be registered, filed and stored with some kind of timeline attached.

This book covers storing your photos, sharing them with others, and saving photos that others share with you. Her methods although simple and straight forward, includes developing appendixes on time, file formats and metadata that direct you in storing your photos on your computer by month and year as well as a calendar of what you shoot. This is a book for the nonprofessional photographer and it does a very good job with a very complicated subject.

Chapter titles include: Before You Take Photos, Making A Home for Your Photos, Navigating a Sea of Photos, Preserving Your Photos Forever, Downloading Photos to Your Computer, Photos for Printing, Sharing and Reference, Photos from Friends and Found Images, and finally, File Formats, Metadata, and Time Lines of Your Photos.

A good example of Sarah’s insight with her fairly simple filing methods is illustrated when she talks about saving original images whenever you alter an image, as when you resize, and points out that one should resize photos that you attach to email so you don’t overload your friends email mailbox. I particularly like the readability, illustrations and general formatting of her workflow in illustrating fairly complicated filing and storing concepts. The book is 155 pages long and is very user friendly for the beginning photographer.

I think this book would be great for the stock photographer to give friends that are new to both computers and digital photography.


The Digital Shoebox: How to Organize, Find, and Share Your Photos by Sarah Bay Williams and published by Peachpit Press, press[at]peachpit[dot]com - $24.00 at Amazon.com $17.99.




Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for
the last twenty-five years. He has published in many
ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a
schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock
photography business in Southeast Iowa . morningstar138[at]hotmail[dot]com


Leave comment (0)

14 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn



Freelance Photographer’s Handbook

Freelance Photographer’s Handbook – Success in professional digital photography – Authored by Cliff Hollenbeck and Nancy Hollenbeck; these photographers operate a leading travel photography and film making business.
Together they own and operate Hot Shot Productions and Hollenbeck Photography—a flourishing film business and a still photography company. This is the second edition of this book and updated to include film as well as digital.
They did their homework on this book. It introduces the photographer to the “freelance” area of photography as well as providing many different strategies for a photographer in building his or her’s successful business in the digital world.

Chapter 1 Welcome to The World of Freelance Digital Photography, shows us the what, where, why of becoming a freelance photographer. The rest of book gives you the “how to”.
Chapter 2 Specializing - gives a general overview of subject areas that a freelance photographer might be interest in pursuing. “General” is the optimal word here – nothing specific, but enough to wet your appetite in a very large field. Such areas as advertising, commercial, fashion, fine art, photojournalism, sports, stock, and wedding areas.
Chapter 3 The Technology of Photography – is a bit more specific in its coverage of what kind of digital photo equipment you need to operated a freelance business – cameras, insurance, security, computers, computer programs as well as education. This chapter really reflected their real life experience in owning a photography business.
I thought Chapter 4 & 5 and 8 (Creating Photos That Sell, The Business of Business and Selling Your Photography) really reflected the heart of this book by showing you examples of saleable images, discussing “hobby vs. profession, getting a business off the ground, producing the product, providing the services as well as analyzing potential markets to sell your photography,as well as selling yourself. Very well written and illustrated.

Also, not to be outdone, Chapter 9 Your Portfolio, was a really nice touch from two great professional photographers. I loved “Best of Your Best” ideas in promoting your business.

And finally, Something I don’t see often enough – Resources, a full 18 pages of places to further your education and research, any of the subjects covered in their book. I would have no trouble in highly recommending this book to stock photographers as well as anyone wanting to enter the freelance photography field.-- jps

Published: Amherst Media, Inc., marketing[at]AmherstMedia[dot]com, Price: $34.95 – Amazon Price: $23.07

http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm#1584282665




Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for
the last twenty-five years. He has published in many
ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a
schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock
photography business in Southeast Iowa. browncow108[at]lisco[dot]com



Leave comment (0)

16 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn




DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERA: Great Photos Every Time, by Arnold Wilson. The digital compact camera has revolutionized photography: no reel to wind, no running out of film, no waiting for development. But it’s not quite that easy: how do you set the exposure, turn the flash on and off, download the pictures to your computer, and get the high-quality prints you want? This book answers all these questions, plus provides an inspiring guide to the art of taking better photographs. It explains the principles of composition and offers tips on shooting everything from landscapes to weddings, vacations, and pets. A good guide for digital newcomers on how to get the most out of their new cameras. (ISBN: 978-1-86108-527-6; 144 pgs; $17.95) Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Ave. So, New York, NY 10016-8810. Contact: Krista Margies, 646-688-2510; kmargies[at]sterlingpublishing[dot]com




Leave comment (0)

09 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn





Commercial Photography Handbook

by Kirk Tuck

The topics in this book begin with determining what kind of commercial photography to pursue and how to get the training needed to carve out a niche in the market. Targeting new and experienced commercial photographers alike, the guide explores the different aspects and challenges of succeeding in the industry. The topics also include marketing techniques, negotiation skills, estimating and charging for work, maximizing profits while minimizing expenses, and ethical business behavior.
Commercial photographers who are developing or expanding their businesses will know how to evolve and grow during up and down economic times.

Kirk Tuck is an award-winning advertising photographer whose clients include Dell, Elle magazine, IBM, Motorola, Pharmaco, and Time Warner lives in Austin, Texas.





Amherst Media $34.95 ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-260-0 Order #: 1890>




Leave comment (0)

19 Aug, 2009 | Posted by: psn



DON’T FORGET THE EGGS AND BUTTER. Need to remember the shopping list or an idea for your next photo shoot? Here’s a site you’ll want to look into. You phone the 800 number and they capture the info and send you an email reminder. A free part is available. http://jott.com/default.aspx


Leave comment (0)

12 Aug, 2009 | Posted by: psn



Power Up with PR: A Publicity Guide for Artists (Paperback)
by Jackie Abramian of Haley Farm Art Gallery

In this book, artists and photographers will learn how to package a media kit, write a press release, pitch the media, build relations with art critics, place stories about their artwork, and, ultimately, how to increase their art sales. They will learn how to enhance their website for use as a valuable PR tool by building an Online Newsroom, creating e-newsletters, writing a blog, and more. Step-by-step directions will provide artists media strategies on how to promote their art sales for free, starting locally and ultimately reaching to national markets.
Increased media publicity has been proven to be the best "advertisement." Now artists can learn the secrets of PR practitioners and power up your art business with PR strategies. $14.95 plis $5.50 shipping. ISBN: 978-0940899-90-2 www.artmarketing.com


SOURCE: Sarah Meyers info[at]artmarketing[dot]com 530-470-0862



Leave comment (0)

29 Jul, 2009 | Posted by: psn





BRADY'S CIVIL WAR JOURNAL,
Photographing the War 1861-65, by Theodore P. Saves.

Do you have aspirations of being a war photographer and reaping huge
sales later on by publishing your photos in book form? Read on.
Such an endeavor might hold some glory for you, if you survive, but listen to what
happened to Mathew Brady.
In 1861, maverick Mathew B. Brady introduced the unprecedented concept of chronicling war through photography. At that time, photography was still a relatively new and complex medium, but Brady was determined to bring the realities of war to the American people.

Brady's Civil War Journal is a collection of original photographs taken by Brady and
his assistants, documenting the harsh experiences of the battlefield and the
destruction of American countryside, towers and cities. After the war
Americans and American institutions wanted to put the Terrible Time behind
them and wanted no reminders.
Brady himself went into heavy debt investing in the equipment and costs to create his historic documentation of the conflict, and was unable to recover financially. Brady was unable to reap any profit from his endeavors and died penniless.
This book provides 265 powerful images that capture behind-the-lines action and marks the first
time in history when people on the home front could see the true nature of
war.
(ISBN: 978-1-60239-292-2; 256 pages; 265 photos; $24.95) Skyhorse
Publishing, Inc., 555 Eighth Ave. Suite 903, NY, NY 10018. 212 643-6816.
http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com Email: jhobbs[at]skyhorsepublishing[dot]com


http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm#1602392927


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



ORGANIZE YOUR DIGITAL LIFE Aimee Baldridge (National Geographic
Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-03343; 192 pages, 100 illustrations, $19.95
tradepaper; Jan. 6, 2009.)





National Geographic has created this first-ever
guide to digitizing all your snapshots, videos, music and more.

Now that digital cameras and music players have become so
widespread, a forest of sound and imagery is blossoming in our homes. We've
got digital pictures in the camera, scans on the computer, JPEGS attached to
emails and tunes on tiny players.
But there's also the old-fashioned stuff:
photos in shoeboxes, videos in the attic, documents in desk drawers, songs
on tape and vinyl.
How do you transform all these different elements into a convenient archive you can store on your computer, easily reach and actually enjoy? This book delivers step-by-step instructions on streamlining and organizing your "digital life" so you can create a custom digital library
and enjoy it for years to come.
Aimee Baldridge is a tech expert and author of "The Camera Phone Book."

http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm#1426203349



Leave comment (0)

27 May, 2009 | Posted by: psn





Available Light
– Photographic Techniques For Using Existing Light Sources,
by Don Marr and published by Amherst Media, Inc., marketing[at]AmherstMedia[dot]com.




Review by Joseph Stanski First and foremost, this book deals with rediscovering our sensitivity to available or natural light. And for the most part, deals with just portrait photography. Nowhere in the book does it address available light in say, landscapes, night, or wildlife photography. With that said, this book is instructional as well as informative. Some of the chapters challenge you with projects to take up that will enhance your observations of natural light.

Don starts out with describing Overcast Day light. He uses, with great illustration examples, the technique of subtractive lighting. He then goes on to describe other methods of controlling this type of lighting; with his Tunnel of Light, Short Light, and then Controlling the Quality of Light with this type of lighting. Don explains clearly with great illustrations of each way he uses this type of lighting in maximizing its potential.

Chapter 2, Sunny Day, he shows us some Quick Fixes For Bright Sun as well as some neat ideas with Photographing Children, Shadows and Color, Open Shade, A Short Primer on Color Temperature, Different Qualities of Light.

Chapter 3 thru 7 address other types of lighting, like, Backlighting and Flare, Window Light, The Daylight Studio, Natural Reflectors and as well as Finding Light (my favorite).

In Chapter 8, Don briefly explains Composition and “using light as well as good composition as a compositional element” with Rule of Thirds and Power Points, Leading Lines, Symmetry, Extra Space, and Color, Contrast and much more to improve your photography.

In the final Chapter, Creating Studio Lighting at Home, Don describes different places in our homes that can aid use in creating those studio type lighting effects one sees in the high end studios.

Each chapter in this book illustrated and deepen my understand of photographing under available lighting situations. Coupled with Don’s illustrations and the wonderful “Projects” at the end of each chapter, this book furthered my understanding and education of the creative uses of available light. I must say, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to stock photographers.

to order:
http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstore.htm#1584282525

Reviewer Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for the last twenty-five years. He has published in many ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock photography business in Southeast Iowa. morningstar138[at]hotmail[dot]com




Leave comment (0)

13 May, 2009 | Posted by: psn

Photographing Jewish Weddings:
A Complete Handbook for Professionals
by Stan Turkel




a review by Joseph Stanski


I love weddings. Most of all, I love ethnic weddings. Mainly because, I get to participate
and be a part of, another culture; and Stan Turkel’s book on Jewish weddings does just that; takes you into another culture; the Jewish cultural wedding.

Stan Turkel leaves no stone unturned as to defining a Jewish weddings. He begins Chapter 1 - Types of Jewish Weddings by defining the three major denominations, Reform Judaism, Conservative (Masorti Judaism) and Orthodox Judaism. And than introduces us (the photographer), to proper protocol with interacting with family members.

In Chapter 2, Marketing For Jewish Weddings, the ability to market your image successfully is very important to an Orthodox and non-Orthodox family. “Your marketing strategy must take this into account, as separate marketing efforts are required for each.” Timing, Buying Influences, and Wedding Packages and Shooting Styles are all very important considerations with the proper marketing of a Jewish wedding.

Chapter 3, Photographing the Orthodox Wedding is great. Stan illustrates and explains both the traditional photos you should get, as well as the tradition behind those photos. In doing this, Stan introduces us to the Timeline, The Bride’s Images,The Bride and Family Images, Finishing Up With The Bride’s Images, The Groom’s Images, The Groom and Family Images, The Kabalas Panim,The Ketubah, The Tena’im, The Badeken, The Processional and Chuppah, Yichud, The Photographs after the Chuppah and finally the Reception.

In Chapter 4, Stan goes over the Conservative and Reform Jewish Weddings, with The Back to Back Ritual, The Ketubah Signing and the Badeken, The Chuppah, The Reception, The Hora and finally, The Detail Shot with these types of Jewish weddings.

This is the kind of book you have in your photographer’s bag when you go a Jewish wedding to photograph it - to help guide you through, both the tradition and the photographing process. It assures, that you don’t miss one photo opportunity, thru ignorance or miss step.

In his final chapter on Equipment, Stan thinks of everything, from the first-aid kit, sewing kit, job-specific clothing and finally, your Yamaka. I would highly recommend this book to stock photographers, as a well illustrated and documented look into photographing a Jewish wedding.

Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for the last twenty-five years. He has published in many ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications. He retired as a schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock photography business in Southeast Iowa. morningstar138[at]hotmail[dot]com


Published by Amherst Media, Inc., marketing[at]AmherstMedia[dot]com
For info:
http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm#1584282541

Leave comment (0)

06 May, 2009 | Posted by: psn





Search Engine

Optimization for Flash

It used to be that if you used flash in the pogramming of your website, you wouldn’t get many visits from customers who were using a search engine to find you. . A major misconception has been that Flash-based applications are SEO-unfriendly and can't be indexed by search engines such as Google. That is the myth Flash expert Todd Perkins has dispelled in his new Adobe Developer Library book, Search Engine Optimization for Flash (O'Reilly, $29.99).
HTML IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY FOR SEO

Perkins demonstrates what you can do to make your website searchable no matter how much Flash it contains. Search Engine Optimization for Flash shows you how search engines work, what constitutes a search-engine-optimized (SEO) site, and what to watch out for in the way of SEO pitfalls.
It makes for an indispensable resource if you use Flash and want to be sure your audience can easily find your site through SEO. (Search Engine Optimization).
·

http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstore.htm#0596522525

·
Search Engine Optimization for Flash is a book on how to optimize Flash content for search engines.



Leave comment (0)

29 Apr, 2009 | Posted by: psn



Event Photography Handbook

What is “event photography?” If you’ve ever photographed a family special reunion, an award ceremony, a corporate function, a political get-together, a community picnic, a military ceremony, a sport team group picture, you have experienced the life of an Event Photographer.

As a stock photographer, you have an excellent opportunity to photograph in locations that ordinarily are not open to most people. Depending on the occasion, you may be permitted to gain outtakes from your shoot to be included in your stock photo file. Many event photographers miss or ignore this opportunity.

Of course, outtake shooting takes some diplomacy on your part, some bartering skill, or sharing of the revenues of stock sales. It’s not a vital element to your business, but it is a way to expand your stock collection without the usual administration that it takes to get entry into the way others conduct everyday living. .

Event photography offers stock photographers an additional stream of revenue. It also allows you to expand your business contacts at your own speed.

Like stock photography, at least in the beginning, you only need some basic equipment to start out. This book outlines the steps you will take to build a thriving business.

You'll learn how to find customers and initiate contact, select the best equipment for the job, and plan and execute the photographic capture of a wide variety of events—from anniversary photo shoots to business mixers, to ribbon cuttings and rodeos, to sporting and VIP events, The exposure is endless. You learn a typical marketing plan to increase visibility and draw more clients. And you’ll learn a lot about business etiquette when you are dealing with a variety of clients.

William B. Folsom is the resident photographer for Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and a photography instructor. He is the author of Art and Science of Butterfly Photography. He lives in McLean, Virginia. James P. Goodridge is a professional photographer. He lives in Vienna, Virginia. They work and market services together as the JPG Photo Events Team.
Amherst Media, 716-874-4450. ; Fax 716-874-4508 ; 175 Rano Street, Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14207
SPECS: 8.5 X 11, paperback, 150 color photographs, 128 pgs. ISBN13: 978-1-58428-241-9



http://www.deastore.com/book/event-photography-handbook-william
-folsom-james-goodridge-amherst-media-us/9781584282419.html

Leave comment (0)

22 Apr, 2009 | Posted by: psn



Click

by Rohn Engh


This is a photography book for teens, -but wait.
When our family first moved to the country, I decided to plant a garden. At our local library in town, I looked up books in the vegetable gardening section. The thick, heavy tomes were over my head. I didn’t get it. The agricultural terms were too obscure for me. So, I went to the children’s section and took out a book that started with “So your Mommy and Daddy have moved to the country and you want to start a garden…”
If you are a newcomer to photography, this book may give you a fresh look at what it’s all about. Or if you are a serious amateur it might help you to look at photography from a different angle.
What’s included? How-to’s for 30 favorite photography subjects. Some pro tips from people like Arte Wolfe, David McLain, Vincent Laforet, Chris Buck, and others.
Of course, if you are a teen, you know that teens love to take pictures of their friends, their families, and their dogs, their nose and their toes. You can get serious with your photography with this book. It’s the first how-to photography book written by teens for teens.
The author is 18-year-old Charlie Styr, assisted by writer and photography editor Maria Wakem.
The book is illustrated with more than 150 photos taken by teen photographers around the world. You’ll learn about basic equipment, composition, and lighting, and explore 27 high-interest techniques, from portraits to action, macro, shooting at night, special effects. And, you can join the on-line contest.
About the authors: Award-winning teen photographer Charlie Styr started flickr.com’s Teenage Photographers group in 2006. Today the group has more than 5,000 members, with 84,000 images from teens around the world. Visit Styr’s blog at www.theapblog.com. He lives in England. Maria Wakem is the editorial director of custom media at Photo District News and the editor of PDNedu, a magazine for high school and college students as well as educators. Visit her on the web at www.mariawakem.com. She lives in New York City.

CLICK Charlie Styr and Maria Wakem ; ISBN: 978-0-8230-9237-6, Watson-Guptill / Amphoto, Book (Paperback), $18.95, 8 1/2 x 9, 144 pages, 150 color illustrations, April 2009
http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm#0823092372







Leave comment (0)

15 Apr, 2009 | Posted by: psn




The Photographer's Survival Guide, How to Build and Grow a Successful Business

Yes, it’s another how-to book on how to survive as a commercial photographer. A good plus about this book is that it receives the blessings of ASM P (American Society of Media Photographers.).
A CD comes along with the book that features templates that commercial photographers often need. .
By the way, except for model and property releases, editorial stock photographers rarely need such forms since you deal with a small community of buyers in the publishing industry. But it’s nice to have them in case you cross over to an occasional commercial assignment.

There are many tips (from a commercial photography point of view) on how to market yourself and your images among major commercial clients. How to price your work among them also in that arena.

It’s interesting to see included, bills from real-life photo shoots, before-and-after makeovers of marketing presentations and other correspondence.

Who are the authors? They are art buyers who have an impressive track record in commercial photography. Sosa.Stone worked as an art buyer in advertising and is now a consultant. She lives in Orlando, FL. Suzanne Sease comes from the world of advertising, where she was a senior art buyer, working with such clients as Capital One, Clairol, and AFLAC. She in now a consultant and lives in Richmond, VA.

The Photographer's Survival Guide, How to Build and Grow a Successful Business, Amanda Sosa Stone and Suzanne Sease, ISBN: 978-0-8174-7677-9, Watson-Guptill / Amphoto, , $29.95, 7 1/2 x 9 ¼, 224 pages, 150 color illustrations, April 2009.


Leave comment (0)

01 Apr, 2009 | Posted by: psn





Butterfly Photographer's Handbook

Are you a butterfly behavioralist ? Maybe you are but didn’t know it.
The author of this book says if you know or can anticipate the movements of a butterfly you have a much better chance of getting better butterfly pictures. In his book, William Folsom presents a field-guide quality look at the baits and habitats of North American butterflies. You'll learn just when to photograph butterflies.
You'll also learn how the pros how to approach butterflies to get those spectacular detailed images we see in nature magazines. Folsom, who lives in McLean, Virginia, USA, is a stock photographer and one of his specializations is butterfly photos. He shares his knowledge with you in this book.

Here are some the features you’ll find in this book.
• Understanding butterfly anatomy and behavior
• Where and when to find butterflies—whether you're in a park, on a drive through the country, or sitting in your own backyard
• Tips for approaching butterflies without startling them
• Selecting the right lenses and lens accessories for butterfly photography
• Lighting tips for natural-light and flash photography



Butterfly photography involves an understanding of the butterfly and its behavior, technical knowledge of photography, good camera equipment, patience, and lots of practice. Fortunately, author William Folsom has done a lot of the hard work for you.
Price:$34.95 8.5 X 11, paperback, 175 color images, 128 pgs. ISBN13: 978-1-58428-247-1
 Amherst Media Phone: 1-800-622-3278 or (716) 874-4450 • Fax: (716) 874-4508 •
www.amherstmedia.com


Leave comment (0)