Book Reviews

With over 35 years as a top professional wedding photographer, Steve Sint knows exactly what it takes to make it in this competitive, high-pressure field. This book is a thorough guide for every part of the process, from getting the job, to taking the right shots, to selling the albums, to making a profit, and most importantly, keeping everyone happy in the process. His book, Digital Wedding Photography (ISBN 13: 978-1-600595-65-3, 272 pages, $29.95, pixiq, an imprint of Sterling Publishing Co.) brings that experience to bear on every aspect of the art and craft of wedding work, including an excellent shooting script, lighting, posing and business tips, all told from a veteran photographer’s point of view. This is one book those getting started in this field should own, and serves as an excellent refresher course even for those who have been shooting weddings for years. In this excerpt we highlight the author’s recommended packing list and organizational method, and how he ensures that his gear is working from job to job.—Editor

Near Carmel, California, there is a small beach studded with rocks, shells, and sand formed over thousands of years. The tide pushes in daily with a great, uninterrupted force of life, pounding the giant rocks and sand, yet gently feeding and refreshing the sparkling tide pools that spawn life in all its amazing micro detail. Nearby on the cliffs above are paths carved between giant boulders, set next to majestic Cypress trees and greenery. This area is Point Lobos, and this beach—Weston Beach—is named for a man who changed the way many people saw these natural wonders, and so many other everyday things as well. Edward Henry Weston was his own great force of life. His photographs have become synonymous with the beauty of the West and California in particular, inspiring many photographers and admirers, and leaving his indelible mark as one of the 20th century’s most important photographers.

When we received a review copy of Pring’s Photographer’s Miscellany (Ilex, $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-907579-43-1) we felt there was so much fun information about photography included that it would be great to share this book with readers. The excerpts here are just a few of the many illuminating, humorous, and at times arcane information Pring’s delivers. The book also contains numerous quotes to ponder from photographers and philosophers alike.—Editor

Agent Provocateur
The Minox subminiature camera was invented in 1936 by Walter Zapp, a German living in Estonia (this modern Estonian stamp celebrates Zapp’s original patent). Unable to get it manufactured locally, he eventually established production in neighboring Latvia, but during World War II the factory was overrun, once by German forces and twice by the Russians. Production resumed in former West Germany in 1948, by which time the Minox had become the preferred equipment of real or imagined espionage agents worldwide. Grasping the attached measuring chain, the spy in a hurry could extend it to touch the secret item, shoot without using the viewfinder, and be assured of a sharp copy of, for example, an A4 or 8 1/2 x 11 inch document. The Minox uses specially cut, unsprocketed film which is advanced each time the case is closed, an action which also protects the viewfinder and lens.

While it’s true that anyone can buy a professional-quality camera, the necessary business skills for running a successful photography venture are often overlooked. Thousands of aspiring professionals falter because they lack the skills to turn their dreams into a profitable business. GOING PRO: How to Make the Leap from Aspiring to Professional Photographer (Amphoto Books; $29.99) is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide for beginning photographers on how to launch a business in any genre of professional photography.

"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."
--Mark Twain

Even with the massive sale of US book publishers to foreign companies and the payment of million dollar advances to authors whose books don't sell, 2006 produced more and better digital imaging books since I started this annual feature. This current generation of...

It's a sign of the times, I guess. Digital imaging is no longer a novelty; it's a popular way that many people, amateurs and pros alike, capture images. Reflecting this, 2004 is a banner year for digital imaging books with the best variety, content, and even prices I've seen in recent years. This year's collection includes books aimed at specific...