Book Reviews
C.A. Boylan, July, 2004
Mastering Digital
Photography And Imaging; by Peter K. Burian; Sybex Inc., 1151 Marina
Village Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501; soft cover; 271 pages; $29.99; (ISBN
0-7821-4290-7)
Since digital technology is rapidly becoming more affordable and producing
better results many traditional photographers are seeing the benefits
of making the switch. The transition can be confusing to a new user
but professional photographer Peter Burian has created a wonderful resource
to answer all your questions and simplify this complex subject. His
guide provides a wealth of data on everything from choosing the right
equipment and software to tips on how to capture the perfect image,
alter it in an imaging program, and transform it into a format that
can be sent by e-mail or made into an online album. He guides you every
step of the way as you dive into this exciting new world.
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Rajasthan;
by Pauline van Lynden; Assouline Publishing, 601 West 26th Street, 18th
Floor, New York, NY 10001; hard cover; 320 pages; $65; (ISBN 2-84323-446-8)
This beautiful tome documents van Lynden’s 15 year quest to explore
the many wonders of Rajasthan. Her amazing collection of 350 images are
ablaze with a joyous blaze of vibrant colors and sparkling metals that
transport the reader to another place and time. Each chapter is accompanied
by an essay that provides depth and a sense of greater understanding to
the images that follow. The words and photographs combine to create a
unique experience that you won’t soon forget.
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Night Visions:
The Secret Designs Of Moths; by Joseph Scheer, introductions by Marc
Epstein and Johanna Drucker; Prestel, 175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 402, New
York, NY, 10010; hard cover; 120 pages; $45; (ISBN 3-7913-2968-5)
The moth is a misunderstood creature that has often been overshadowed
by its more flamboyant cousin, the butterfly. Scheer has sought to rectify
this oversight with his magnificent images of various species of moths
that are as wondrous as they are unexpected. The 150 photographs reveal
the diverse colors, shapes, and sizes of these specimens which prove moths
to be just as fanciful and complex as any butterfly. The images alone
are worth the price of this title but the addition of informative captions
add a new layer of depth and interest that is sure to capture your attention.
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Scrapbooking Your
Family History; by Maureen Taylor; Betterway Books, an imprint of
F&W Publications, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236;
soft cover; 141 pages; $24.99; (ISBN 1-55870-683-6)
Your heritage is precious, so why not transform those dusty old family
photos into a scrapbook for future generations to cherish. Taylor will
be your expert guide as she explains how to chart your family tree, research
and interview relatives, locate images and archive them safely. When the
fact finding is done Taylor provides useful tips on how to use this information
to bring the story of your family to life in the pages of a well crafted
album that includes background information, images, and heirlooms. It’s
certainly a labor of love but a task that is well worth the effort.
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Photographing Your
Garden; by David Bjurstrom; Sterling Publishing
CO., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016; hard cover; 128
pages; $24.95; (ISBN 0-8069-6889-3)
The lush landscape of a tranquil garden offers a myriad of opportunities
to capture the delicate beauty of nature on film. Fortunately, you won’t
have to waste time searching for the most perfect bloom or eye catching
composition because Bjurstrom reveals the secrets behind the creation
of these stunning photographs and how to achieve fantastic results with
ease. He covers everything from equipment to film, settings, exposure,
composition, light, and styling with the aid of full color illustrations
and technical tips. Grab a copy of this title and discover the wonders
waiting in your garden.
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