Book Reviews

Book Reviews

C.A. Boylan  |  Oct 1, 2003

Perfect Exposure; by Jim Zuckerman, Writer's Digest Books, 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236; soft cover; 160 pages; $27.99; (ISBN 1-58297-126-9)
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the fine points of exposure with the expert help of Jim Zuckerman. His wonderful book contains more than 200 images that serve as excellent examples for lessons on the problems of working with snow, backlighting and fill flash, as well as extreme contrast. He is always careful to explain every point in vivid detail, which makes the solutions easy to understand and apply to your own work. This is a must-have addition to any photographer's library and it will certainly prove indispensable.

Successful Underwater Photography; by Brian Skerry and Howard Hall; Watson-Guptill Publications, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003; soft cover; 144 pages; $24.95; (ISBN 0-8174-5927-8)
What happens when you combine the talents of a professional photojournalist who possesses extensive underwater experience and a marine naturalist who is also a top underwater photographer? The result is an amazing guide that not only teaches you the techniques of photographing marine life but also supplies information about choosing the right equipment and how to sell your images successfully. Skerry and Hall fill their book with plenty of valuable hints and 150 color illustrations that make the lessons as inspiring as they are informative. If underwater photography is your passion then you simply can't be without a copy of this book.

Photo-Imaging: A Complete Guide To Alternative Processes; by Jill Enfield; Amphoto Books, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003; soft cover; 160 pages; $29.95; (ISBN 0-8174-5399-7)
Now is your chance to explore the vast and exciting world of alternative photo processes with Jill Enfield as your expert guide. She offers plenty of clearly written, step by step instructions on everything from using liquid emulsion, to Van Dyke Brown printing, platinum and palladium printing, Polaroid transfers, hand painting, Cyanotypes, and much more. There are even 200 illustrations to highlight the lessons along with a healthy selection of tested formulas. I highly recommend this book since it reveals a wonderfully creative side to photography that will have you producing stunning works of art for all to enjoy.

Photo Painting: The Art Of Painting On Photographs; by James A. McKinnis; Amphoto Books, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003; soft cover; 144 pages; $24.95; (ISBN 0-8174-5511-6)
McKinnis provides the skills needed to transform your collection of black and white images into vivid paintings that you will be happy to display. The process goes beyond the usual handcoloring technique because you are not just adding a layer of color to the image, you're transforming it into another art form. The photo painting technique will appeal to photographers, fine artists or even hobbyists of all skill levels. The 170 sample images clearly illustrate the endless possibilities this technique has to offer. This unique guide should produce hours of artistic enjoyment as well as dozens of stunning images.

Photographing Babies & Toddlers; by John Hedgecoe; Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016; hard cover; 128 pages; $19.95; (ISBN 1-85585-999-8)
Everyone wants to capture those priceless moments of childhood on film but with such energetic or just plain uncooperative subjects, it's never an easy task. With a bit of help from Hedgecoe you won't have to miss those once in a lifetime chances or deal with ruined images anymore. He provides over 150 adorable examples to illustrate each technique and morsel of professional advice that should have you creating beautiful photographs in no time. He can show you how to transform your home or backyard into the perfect makeshift studio and fill album after album with memories.

The Complete Guide To Outdoor Photography; by Paul Harcourt Davies; David & Charles, 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236; soft cover; 160 pages; $29.99; (ISBN 0-7153-1447-5)
Every photographer knows that capturing beautiful images outdoors can be as rewarding as it is difficult. You don't have to face these dilemmas alone since Paul Harcourt Davies offers a wealth of professional quality hints on everything from equipment to film, lighting and subject matter. The easy to understand instructions are generously paired up with plenty of sample images and technical data that will have you duplicating each fantastic shot without all the guess work and mistakes. This title is suitable for photographers of all skill levels and I highly recommend picking up a copy right away.

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