Koncocoo

Best Digital Photography

Tony Northrup's DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography
Stunning Digital Photography is much more than a book; it's a hands-on, self-paced photography class with over 12 hours of online training videos and free help from the author and other readers. In this book, beginner photographers will master: * Using composition to take great photos with any camera. * Adjusting exposure to control the brightness of your photos. * Setting your shutter speed to freeze action or blur motion. * Controlling your aperture to blur or focus the background. * Setting your ISO for bright and dark environments. * Finding beautiful natural light for landscapes and portraits. * Using flash without the ugly effects. * Troubleshooting blurry, dark, and bad pictures. * Taking great pictures of pets * Wildlife photography (mammals, birds, insects, fish, and more). * Taking pictures at night, including fireworks, stars, and meteors. * Photographing sunrises, sunsets, landscapes, cityscapes, flowers, forests, waterfalls, rivers, fireworks, and more. Advanced photographers can skip forward to learn the pro's secrets for: * Posing men and women, with checklists. * Taking candid, casual, formal, and underwater portraits. * Using RAW files. * Using HDR to overcome lighting challenges or create art. * Macro/close-up photography. * Using diffusers, reflectors, and other light modifiers. * Remotely triggering multiple flashes for inexpensive studio lighting. * Building a permanent studio in your home. * Using studio lighting on any budget. * Shooting your first wedding. * High speed photography. * Location scouting/finding the best spots and times. * Planning shoots around the sun and moon. * Creating star trails using two techniques: long exposure and image stacking. * Light painting. * Eliminating noise. * Focus stacking for infinite depth-of-field. * Underwater photography. * Getting close to wildlife. * Using electronic shutter triggers. Tony studied photography at the New England School of Photography and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Reviews
"What I love about it is that when you buy the book you get access to community forum and the Facebook page which is very nice, It has loads of useful information to improve your photography, I would highly recommend the book to anyone starting out in photography, very very useful."
"I've learned a lot through the Stunning Digital Photography Facebook page, as well as Chelsea and Tony's live show, podcasts, and Youtube videos."
"I do know that it is is not just the "mechanics" that one can learn from a book that makes better photographs, but I think the concepts that have been outlined are extremely valuable to keep in ones repertoire and will make anyone a better photographer (maybe incrementally!)."
"It is such an unusual book in that throughout the book (I got the electronic version) you can click on videos that further explain the technique he is teaching. He discusses and gives examples in portraits, flash photography, weddings, birding (one of my favorites), wildlife, night shooting, how to improve lighting, and landscape photography....and much more. For me, I could not have found a better book on photography."
"Tony Northrups DSLR Book IS OUTSTANDING I Read quite a Bit about DSLR and so I Can honestly say its East to Understand Easy to Read Packed with information and each Chapter is assisted by a video with Tony Physically Showing You how to with each Lesson This Book and video tutorial's how to is for everybody at any level Everyone Gets a lot for there money ."
"I'm so glad I gave this book a chance and I'd urge anyone who's just getting started and considering purchasing this book to do the same."
"This book is for anybody entering the digital camera world."
"The authors of this book give you great tools and information to execute picture taking."
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Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
Understanding Exposure has taught generations of photographers how to shoot the images they want by demystifying the complex concepts of exposure in photography. BRYAN PETERSON is a professional photographer, internationally known instructor, best-selling author, and founder of The Bryan Peterson School of Photography at www.bpsop.com.
Reviews
"Buy this book first."
"Since it was first published, Understanding Exposure has provided a friendly, easy, and accessible way for everyone to learn to use their cameras to create beautiful images. I've been in the photography business for almost two decades and this book has always been my first recommendation (more than any classes or any other book) when pressed for help with cameras. It's for a very good reason that the book has been so successful over the last decade - Peterson makes it easy to put away the camera manual and get the most important basics down to start taking consistently good images."
"He talks around it for the whole book like it's some magical thing but I had to go to Wikipedia to get an understanding of the what the triangle is and how to use it in a practical way. Try searching Wikipedia for "Exposure Value" or "Law of Reciprocity" under the "Science of Photography"."
"I picked up my first camera and this book at the same time."
"This book completely revamped my passion for photography and improved my photos tremendously."
"I bought this latest version for my daughter, the only real difference is the last chapter deals with flash usage."
"If you are used to your camera's Auto-something feature, forget about it, because this will really change the way you will set up exposures, leveraging your creativity."
"Easy read and very informative without being overly wordy."
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Tony Northrup's DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography
500+ ORIGINAL PICTURES. NO STOCK PHOTOS. Many pictures include links to the full-size image so you can zoom in to see every pixel. First, beginner photographers will master: * Composition. * Exposure. * Shutter speed. * Aperture. * Depth-of-field (blurring the background). * ISO. * Natural light. * Flash. * Troubleshooting blurry, dark, and bad pictures. * Pet photography. * Wildlife photography (mammals, birds, insects, fish, and more). * Sunrises and sunsets. * Landscapes. * Cityscapes. * Flowers. * Forests, waterfalls, and rivers. * Night photography. * Fireworks. * Raw files. * HDR. * Macro/close-up photography. Advanced photographers can skip forward to learn the pro’s secrets for: * Posing men and women. including corrective posing (checklists provided). * Portraits (candid, casual, formal, and underwater). * Group photos. * Remotely triggering flashes. * Using bounce flash and flash modifiers. * Using studio lighting on any budget. * Building a temporary or permanent studio at home. * Shooting your first wedding. * High speed photography. * Location scouting/finding the best spots and times. * Planning shoots around the sun and moon. * Star trails (via long exposure and image stacking). * Light painting. * Eliminating noise. * Focus stacking for infinite depth-of-field. * Underwater photography. * Getting close to wildlife. * Using electronic shutter triggers. -- Philip Greenspun "Amazon" Award-winning author and photographer Tony Northrup has published more than 30 how-to books and sold more than a million copies around the world.
Reviews
"What I love about it is that when you buy the book you get access to community forum and the Facebook page which is very nice, It has loads of useful information to improve your photography, I would highly recommend the book to anyone starting out in photography, very very useful."
"I've learned a lot through the Stunning Digital Photography Facebook page, as well as Chelsea and Tony's live show, podcasts, and Youtube videos."
"I do know that it is is not just the "mechanics" that one can learn from a book that makes better photographs, but I think the concepts that have been outlined are extremely valuable to keep in ones repertoire and will make anyone a better photographer (maybe incrementally!)."
"It is such an unusual book in that throughout the book (I got the electronic version) you can click on videos that further explain the technique he is teaching. He discusses and gives examples in portraits, flash photography, weddings, birding (one of my favorites), wildlife, night shooting, how to improve lighting, and landscape photography....and much more. For me, I could not have found a better book on photography."
"Tony Northrups DSLR Book IS OUTSTANDING I Read quite a Bit about DSLR and so I Can honestly say its East to Understand Easy to Read Packed with information and each Chapter is assisted by a video with Tony Physically Showing You how to with each Lesson This Book and video tutorial's how to is for everybody at any level Everyone Gets a lot for there money ."
"I'm so glad I gave this book a chance and I'd urge anyone who's just getting started and considering purchasing this book to do the same."
"This book is for anybody entering the digital camera world."
"The authors of this book give you great tools and information to execute picture taking."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Aerial Photography

Overview: A New Perspective of Earth
A stunning and unique collection of satellite images of Earth that offer an unexpected look at humanity, derived from the wildly popular Daily Overview Instagram account. "Absolutely gorgeous, yet utterly gut-wrenching" – Wired "Stunning, surprising and intriguing photographs of Earth from the skies." "Grant’s book...uses satellite photography to reveal both environmental wonders and suburban sprawl from a new perspective." – Smithsonian "The awesomeness of earth from above" – The Atlantic "Stunning" – Huffington Post "A tour de force of research and image presentation" – American Photo.
Reviews
"Have spent the past couple nights flipping through it with my kids and discussing fascinating subjects."
"It's really more than just a coffee table book - I found it mind-expanding; a combination of great beauty and deep truth."
"A totally necessary and beautiful book."
"The images are stunning!"
"The kids loved to flip through it and got more ideas on how human being have intervened the Earth."
"Absolutely BEAUTIFUL book!!!!"
"This beautiful book is now the star of our coffee table."
"Amazing pictures!"
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Best Travel Photography

Humans of New York
Now an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, Humans of New York began in the summer of 2010, when photographer Brandon Stanton set out to create a photographic census of New York City. The Top 5 Humans of New York Brandon Stanton's thousands of not-quite-candid street portraits of New Yorkers (and accompanying captions, usually from the subjects themselves) have made his Humans of New York blog both poignant and extremely popular--as well as garnering him recognition as one of Time magazine's "30 People Under 30 Changing the World." This book of the same title collects 400 of his best portraits, telling small stories that are outsized in their humor, candor, and humanity. Normally I'm a bit downtrodden if I'm unable to interview a subject, but I thought her 'brush-off' was the perfect complement to the photo. I found these kids in the Lower East Side, making the most of a hot summer day. But his shyness ended up coming through beautifully, creating a portrait of the relationship between mother and son.
Reviews
"Over the past 40 years I have been traveling around the US and the globe I have been doing this in my mine and sometimes by interviewing the people I meet."
"They had no clue where it came from till I called and asked how they liked the book."
"Everything about this book is amazing."
"I see so many photographs everyday but just don't have what it takes to approach random strangers without feeling creepy."
"Now in addition to looking at their photographs, I’m thinking about the people that Brandon Stanton captured through his camera lens. (1) There’s the elderly lady with soft silver hair and a beautiful smile whose caption says, “Every time I force myself to go outside, something wonderful happens.” Great advice! After looking at it, you’ll know for certain that there are no uninteresting people and that Stanton is a gifted photographer who’s found his niche."
"That's what I got when I bought Humans of New York, which I think is the most exciting and one of the best photography books I've ever seen. When Stanton labels a photo, he gets it just right with a few words, or he let's the subject explain him or herself, such as the pretty girl with an attitude and fabulous hair, who says: "I'm going to let you take my photo because you seem like a genuine person."
"I was just disappointed at a plastic semi- see through cover with the title."
"I can see that he will enjoy this book for many years to come, and hopefully, make up his own stories and tell them to me."
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Best Sports Photography

Sports Illustrated Basketball's Greatest
Sports Illustrated has polled its basketball experts, including Jack McCallum, Chris Ballard, Alexander Wolff, Lee Jenkins, Ian Thomsen, Chris Mannix, and Mark Bechtel, to determine the Top 10 in more than 20 categories. Sports Illustrated (SI) , the most respected voice in sports journalism, is a multimedia sports brand that takes the consumer into the heart and soul of sports.
Reviews
"Good book with lots of great pictures of these players, but I wish they would go more in depth with their explanations of each pick. And they have a section on great defenders without a mention of Ben Wallace?"
"If you're a fan of the game...this is it!!"
"This is a really nice book!!"
"Bought this for my 11-year-old son, and frankly I'm tired of seeing it all over the house, as he keeps re-reading it 8 months after it was purchased."
"Beautiful pictures, bought this for a gift for grandson, I am sure he will love it."
"Just the right amount of written content,along with the great action photos of past and present players, for our 14 year old son."
"Bought as a gift - I thought it a beautiful coffee table book."
"Beautiful Book."
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Best Erotic Photography

Images You Should Not Masturbate To
Choking the chicken, spanking the monkey, airing the orchid-whatever you call it, none of the images in this book will encourage the gentle art of self-pleasure. Graham Johnson is a creative director at M&C Saatchi Sydney.
Reviews
"The title of this book was very deceptive."
"Don't tell me how to live my life."
"Mind over matter on this one guys, if you're really determined, you can accomplish anything."
"The pictures surprisingly weren't as funny as I was expecting."
"I got this book for the While Elephant gift exchange."
"Fast shipment;,excellent seller."
"Not enough pics and pics to random to be relative."
"Directions unclear, got paper cuts on my dick."
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Best Nude Photography

Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016
With the first centerfold image of the radiant Marilyn Monroe, Hugh M. Hefner masterminded a cultural icon: Playboy 's Playmate of the Month. Robert Coover is author of The Public Burning .
Reviews
"Not Only do i love it, my good friend/ model Chelsea Arns playmate miss march 2015 is on it, which love to work with.."
"Some white space in the middle so the pictures don't get "caught" in the creese."
"Pictures of Gorgeous Nude Women from every issue of every month from 1953 to Feb 2016, tastefully done in bright full color on excellent quality photo paper!"
"I've seen all of the issues from December, 1953 foward as Playboy has offered them on CD Roms, hard drives, and now an archive website where you can read every word ever printed in Playboy. I don't know if it was because of my age in the Sixtys or how Playboy promoted the Playmates but I felt like I knew at least something about each Playmate's personality. If you are or were a fan of Playboy for any period of years during their almost 64 years of publishing, "The Complete Centerfolds" brings back many happy memories of experiencing Playboy and the Playboy world."
"After the despised decision to discontinue centerfolds in the nude it is all the more to the credit that a book like this should have come out."
"Fully nude full color crisp Playboy Centerfolds one per page."
"Amazing history here in the form of beautiful nude women..."
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Best Portrait Photography

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."
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Best Professional Photography

Best Business Practices for Photographers, Third Edition
Right along with changes in camera technology, photographers are witnessing shifts in the business landscape that can be a challenge to understand and navigate, whether they’re just beginning their business or growing it after 25 years of shooting. Best Business Practices for Photographers, 3rd Edition , is an updated and expanded version of John Harrington’s bestselling books on the topic. For the first time, Harrington brings together both Best Business Practices for Photographers and More Best Business Practices for Photographers , creating a complete and comprehensive guide for photographers starting, maintaining, and growing their business in order to achieve financial success and personal satisfaction. Whether you’re just starting a photography business or you’re a veteran shooter looking to improve your finances, Best Business Practices for Photographers, 3rd Edition , is for you. Harrington’s Best Business Practices books have long been recognized throughout the industry as the go-to resource for photographers, and this new, complete 3rd Edition is your key to a successful career in photography. John Harrington has worked for more than 25 years as an active photographer in Washington, DC, and around the world, working with both editorial and commercial clients.
Reviews
"Great book for aspiring photographers who need a bit of a reality check when it comes to the business vs art ratio."
"I think I have read it twice already and I will keep reading it over and over again until I get everything down!"
"This book has a ton of brilliant insight in it, and if you're studio art degree didn't have much business for photographers to it, then this is a must have."
"This is required reading for my photography business class, and I was happy to get it used for a fraction of the cost at my school's bookstore."
"Ditto for some photojournalists who've opted for lighter cameras (including some who shoot for NG) while keeping the good lenses. should look at books specifically geared toward those sorts of businesses, but this has something for everyone and is a good one to keep handy. It has been an invaluable resource as my business has grown over the years, and is the book I recommend most often, even more so than the books published by industry associations."
"A very comprehensive (if not a bit too comprehensive in some areas) and well written book."
"From his early tales John Harrington clearly had to sink or swim and learned the hard way; he offers the reader who wishes to make a business of photography the mindset that will allow success."
"I just finished reading "Best Business Practices..." and I must say, from my perspective of 40-plus years in the business -- as shooter, picture editor and director of photography -- the book is fantastic."
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Best Architectural Photography

Humans of New York : Stories
Now, Brandon is back with the Humans of New York book that his loyal followers have been waiting for: Humans of New York: Stories .
Reviews
"~~~~~~~~~It appears Amazon posted my review under both books Humans of New York and HONY Stories. If you are deciding on whether or not to buy the book, consider the following, which Brandon posted on the HONY facebook page: "I want to take a quick opportunity to remind everyone that HONY is advertisement free and almost entirely financed by book sales. By purchasing a book, you can help HONY continue to grow in a way that remains focused on telling people’s stories--- and nothing else."
"I've purchased all three Humans of New York books and have loved them all, but in Humans of New York - Stories, it all comes together. Even something went unspeakably wrong and against all odds the book was garbage (it isn't) you STILL should buy it, if for nothing more than to cast a vote of support for the JOY, LOVE, and EMPATHY that HONY provides."
"It makes a great coffee table book and everybody that has come over has picked this up and started reading it."
"An amazing collection of photos and personal stories."
"I follow the Facebook page but there's something about holding a tangible book and reading through all the stories in 2 nights that make it better."
"Love this book."
"In the midst of ISIS, corruption, American elections, tanking economy and a degree of narcissism that boggles the mind... another great bit of sanity, sharing, true storytelling and remembering what it is to be human."
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Best Individual Photographers

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Celebrity Photography

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Photography

Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves
A celebration, a catalog of spirit in words and smiles, an affirmation of the fact that it’s what’s inside you that counts, Strong Is the New Pretty conveys a powerful message for every girl, for every mother and father of a girl, for every coach and mentor and teacher, for everyone in the village that it takes to raise a strong and self-confident person. “A lovely exploration filled with exquisite images of girls and quotes about what makes them strong, beautiful, and confident … stunning.” — School Library Journal. “This is an amazing celebration of the strength, confidence, and energy of girls and young women who are just beginning to understand their power in the world. Imagine how much more we can all accomplish when girls honor what their bodies can do and focus on their dreams rather than fixate on what they look like and obsess about their shape.” —Ann Shoket, former editor in chief of Seventeen magazine and author of The Big Life. They are inspiring, wise, and grounded in the certainty that they will take the world by storm.” —Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees & Wannabes and the Owning Up curriculum.
Reviews
"After getting the book today, both my young daughters kept begging me to read additional pages and both separately asked if they could be the ones to keep it in their room to read before falling asleep."
"It's very light on content (one or two quotes per page) but it's written and designed well and the photos are great."
"girls LOVE this book and refer to the images and quotes they see all the time."
"Other moms recommended this book to us and their daughters, younger and older, loved it."
"A little more diversity in terms of race/ethnicity and body type would be good but the author does her best with the content she includes."
"My nieces thought this was the coolest thing ever."
"I bought this inspirational book for my 10 yr old niece."
"My 6 year old daughter is not impressed."
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Best Astrophotography

Hubble's Universe: Greatest Discoveries and Latest Images
The Hubble Space Telescope is now at the apex of its imaging capabilities yet until the publication of Hubble's Universe , no other popular book had presented the latest pictures taken by the new Wide Field Camera 3. For his most recent book, Terence Dickinson selected a breathtaking portfolio of Hubble pictures from a library of more than 700,000 images. The book uncovers the telescope's technical workings, revealing how the images are created and interpreted, and explains how the images support scientists' theories and predictions, even as some images have taken scientists by surprise. [review for 11 X 11 edition] At first glance, some readers might consider this a coffee table book with just a bunch of pretty pictures--the color images are very high quality--but the substantial captions for the images are extremely well written. [review for 11 X 11 edition] There's a new Hubble picture book every year, but this year we're lucky to have one authored by the guy who wrote NightWatch and The Universe and Beyond. [review for 11 X 11 edition] {starred review) Dickinson details the Hubble Space Telescope's contributions to science in both text and images. Especially fantastic are the images of solar wind stripping away large gas clouds that harbor stellar nurseries; images of Hubble's deep field, revealing galaxy clusters from halfway across the universe; and sublime images of vast, colorful nebulas.... Dickinson explains how all the photographed objects fit into scientists' understanding of cosmology, adding extra context to the pictures. [review for 11 X 11 edition] Dickinson showcases extraordinary late-breaking pictures, many of which have yet to receive wide distribution...and presents a breathtaking portfolio drawn from an archive of over 500,000 existing Hubble images. [review for 11 X 11 edition] A visually breathtaking array of Hubble's images in an extraordinary new volume...a book to fill readers with wonder.
Reviews
"Ordered this book as a gift, not realizing that it was the Compact Edition, which is a full inch smaller in width and length, so not quite as impressive as the 11x11 version."
"There are pictures in it I've not seen when searching Nasa's website and many are full page shots at roughly 11x11."
"I read Hubble's Universe every night and was just amazed at the science and technology behind this venture."
""Hubble's Universe" is quite possibly the most beautiful book I've ever laid eyes on."
"Gave to a huge star fan and she loves it, says she spends hours just slowly flipping through the images."
"The pictures are detailed and absolutely gorgeous; the written portions are detailed and share a wealth of information on the featured celestial bodies."
"This book has been on my wish list far too long and then I finally decided to treat myself for my birthday and bought this book."
"He's bought a large tabletop stand for the book and each day turns a new page to reveal another glorious image."
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Best Black & White Photography

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century
Published to accompany an exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, this is the first major publication to make full use of the extensive holdings of the Fondation Cartier-Bresson―including thousands of prints and a vast resource of documents relating to the photographer's life and work.
Reviews
"If you're a fan of Cartier-Bresson's work but don't have many copies of his images to enjoy, this is a fantastic collection that contains a number of images I had not seen before."
"Just enough history and fantastic photos combined in one large coffee table book."
"Almost everything by HCB is a wonder, the work of a very gifted eye, any photographer can learn from his work."
"Gift was a big hit after giving up on the delayed arrival of re-releases volume."
"Classic work by renowned photographer."
"I do love books and are a little worried because of the new e-books, specially having a small book store, but books like this will not disappear, they are too beautiful."
"Beautiful book, good price, shipping.prompt Saw the exhibit at MOMA and had to have it!"
"In my eyes, he is the Picasso of photography, good, but a little bit dated."
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Best Photography History

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."
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Best Cinematography

Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design
Designed by Jennifer Bass, Saul Bass's daughter and written by distinguished design historian Pat Kirkham who knew Saul Bass personally, this book is full of images from the Bass archive, providing an in depth account of one of the leading graphic artists of the 20th century. As design historian Pat Kirkham shows in his forthcoming book on Bass. (co-authored with Bass' daughter Jennifer), the legendary "visual communicator" also applied his graphic wizardry to album and book covers, typefaces, packaging, retail displays, a hi-fi system, toys and a postage stamp. Possibly the most famous graphic designer of all time....yet no definitive monograph of his prolific, monumental work has existed--until now."
Reviews
"Amazing book and very interesting about Saul's work and life."
"Great tribute to Saul."
"For me, it falls just short of a 5 star rating because in the movie. section devoted to Bass, it omits some of the rarest trade ads he designed for such movies as ONE TWO THREE, THE. LOUDEST WHISPER aka THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, and NINE HOURS TO RAMA--along with various movie trade ads he. did for SOME LIKE IT HOT, ATTACK, and others."
"Livro que conta toda a história do designer Saul Bass, texto de primeira qualidade, imagens de trabalhos consagrados e inéditos."
"Book came under packaged and had some dings on the edges."
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Best Lifestyle & Event Photography

Humans of New York
Now an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, Humans of New York began in the summer of 2010, when photographer Brandon Stanton set out to create a photographic census of New York City. The Top 5 Humans of New York Brandon Stanton's thousands of not-quite-candid street portraits of New Yorkers (and accompanying captions, usually from the subjects themselves) have made his Humans of New York blog both poignant and extremely popular--as well as garnering him recognition as one of Time magazine's "30 People Under 30 Changing the World." This book of the same title collects 400 of his best portraits, telling small stories that are outsized in their humor, candor, and humanity. Normally I'm a bit downtrodden if I'm unable to interview a subject, but I thought her 'brush-off' was the perfect complement to the photo. I found these kids in the Lower East Side, making the most of a hot summer day. But his shyness ended up coming through beautifully, creating a portrait of the relationship between mother and son.
Reviews
"The only thing that I would recommend is to purchase the print version, as the Kindle version has some annoying problems. I purchased it for use on my iPad, but found that many of the captions failed to display properly, and many of the pages failed to turn when I tapped the screen."
"Over the past 40 years I have been traveling around the US and the globe I have been doing this in my mine and sometimes by interviewing the people I meet."
"Brandon Stanton has done so much to help people SEE each other."
"They had no clue where it came from till I called and asked how they liked the book."
"Everything about this book is amazing."
"I see so many photographs everyday but just don't have what it takes to approach random strangers without feeling creepy."
"Book arrived promptly and in the condition described."
"That's what I got when I bought Humans of New York, which I think is the most exciting and one of the best photography books I've ever seen. When Stanton labels a photo, he gets it just right with a few words, or he let's the subject explain him or herself, such as the pretty girl with an attitude and fabulous hair, who says: "I'm going to let you take my photo because you seem like a genuine person."
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Best Nature & Wildlife Photography

National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals
The lush and unique photography in this book represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals—especially those that are endangered. He has written several books including National Geographic's Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered Species , Photographing Your Family , and Let's Be Reasonable , a collection of essays from the CBS Sunday Morning show.
Reviews
"She loves the book."
"Gorgeous, large tabletop book."
"Beautiful book!"
"Absolutely amazing pictures and incredible record of species on our planet!"
"Beautiful beautiful book."
"EXCELLENT. 25 YRS OF WORK IN ATTEMPT TO PHOTO AND RECORD ENDANGERED SPECIE ON THI PLANET."
"Beautiful photos as are all NG photos."
"This book is beautiful!"
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Best Photography Criticism & Essays

The Photographer's Playbook: 307 Assignments and Ideas
Inside you will find advice for better shooting and editing, creative ways to start new projects, games and activities and insight into the practices of those responsible for our most iconic photographs—John Baldessari, Tina Barney, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Jim Goldberg, Miranda July, Susan Meiselas, Stephen Shore, Alec Soth, Tim Walker and many more. Fulford’s photographs have been featured in Harper’s, the New York Times Magazine, Time, Blind Spot, Aperture, and on book jackets for Don DeLillo, John Updike, Bertrand Russell, Jorge Luis Borges, Terry Eagleton, Ernest Hemingway, and Richard Ford.
Reviews
"It seams to be exactly the kind of photography book I was looking for... and inspirational one."
"Just pick it up anytime, on any page, and it gives you ideas and confidence."
"Good to have physical copy to refer to often."
"A great guide for budding and veteran photographers alike."
"This book challenges me as a photographer to think outside the box with the assignments that are presented."
"Best book I have read in a long time."
"Ordered this for my sister-in-law and she LOVED it!"
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Best Photography Collections & Exhibitions

Underwater Dogs
The exuberant, exhilarating photographs of dogs underwater that have become a sensation From the water's surface, it's a simple exercise: a dog's leap, a splash, and then a wet head surfacing with a ball, triumphant. Included in O, The Oprah Magazine's holiday gift guide, Entertainment Weekly's best-selling gift books list, and The Star-Ledger's holiday gift guide. -- The New York Times Book Review's "Inside the List". "The arresting portraits in Seth Casteel's Underwater Dogs reveal what's happening below the surface. "Seth Casteel's photos of dogs diving into swimming pools in hot pursuit of neon tennis balls have been a sensation."
Reviews
"A laugh out loud funny and sweet testimony to the awesomeness of dogs."
"If you are looking for an outstanding gift for a dog lover, these books are the ticket."
"One of the best coffee table books EVER for dog lovers."
"You get to see it all so clearly because he also demonstrates the skills and knowledge to light his moving subjects under water and what a particular lens' focal length matched with the right point of view can capture what matters the most in a fraction of a second. Thankfully, he also is skilled in how to control tone, color, contrast and depth of field masterfully to complement the composition and intentional distortion of the subject. The more established William Wegman is the undisputed pioneer and creative master of humor, gesture and novelty photography using dogs. The pool provides a way for the dogs to defy gravity while still allowing natural distortions created by water resistance from the force of the dive. Casteel is not trying to be Wegman, does make elaborate set-ups, props or wardrobe, and instead has carved out his own "underwater dog guy" identity quite well. Maybe shots of dogs diving through ice fishing holes on Lake Michigan can contrast with southern Californian pools."
"I think toddlers will love looking at the pictures and the verse that runs throughout the book is very entertaining."
"Whether you are a fan of photography or just a huge dog-lover like myself, you MUST own this book!"
"I like to give calendars as gifts because everytime the person looks at it they are reminded of you :)."
"Absolutely the best coffee table book everywhere."
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Best Photograpy Equipment & Techniques

Humans of New York : Stories
Now, Brandon is back with the Humans of New York book that his loyal followers have been waiting for: Humans of New York: Stories . “As the quotes grew longer, and the interviews deeper, Stanton developed a signature storytelling style―one that blends the lure of urban voyeurism with an eye for the extraordinary detail in seemingly ordinary subjects.
Reviews
"~~~~~~~~~It appears Amazon posted my review under both books Humans of New York and HONY Stories. If you are deciding on whether or not to buy the book, consider the following, which Brandon posted on the HONY facebook page: "I want to take a quick opportunity to remind everyone that HONY is advertisement free and almost entirely financed by book sales. By purchasing a book, you can help HONY continue to grow in a way that remains focused on telling people’s stories--- and nothing else."
"I've purchased all three Humans of New York books and have loved them all, but in Humans of New York - Stories, it all comes together. Even something went unspeakably wrong and against all odds the book was garbage (it isn't) you STILL should buy it, if for nothing more than to cast a vote of support for the JOY, LOVE, and EMPATHY that HONY provides."
"It makes a great coffee table book and everybody that has come over has picked this up and started reading it."
"An amazing collection of photos and personal stories."
"I follow the Facebook page but there's something about holding a tangible book and reading through all the stories in 2 nights that make it better."
"Love this book."
"In the midst of ISIS, corruption, American elections, tanking economy and a degree of narcissism that boggles the mind... another great bit of sanity, sharing, true storytelling and remembering what it is to be human."
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Best Photojournalism & Essays

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."
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Best Military History Pictorials

The Civil War: A Visual History
Produced with the Smithsonian Institution and released in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the start of the war, The Civil War is the definitive visual history to one of the most defining moments in our country's history. "Drawing on Smithsonian Institution collections, this fact filled and richly illustrated history brings the war fully to life along with time lines, sidebars on particular issues, chapter introductions, lengthy captions and detailed maps...this book is for those wanting to smell the sulfur and hear the thunder of guns...For school libraries, Civil War buffs and re-enactors." "[An] ocular extravaganza presenting America's Civil War...And lest the video generation, to whom the book might most appeal, assume the inevitability of Union victory, the editors cleverly deploy a before-and-after feature to underscore the contingency of events as they unfolded. On almost every page there's a picture that will give readers pause, whether it's a shot of the rolling-pin-like device used to code Confederate communications or an 1850 daguerreotype of Frederick Douglass at a gathering of abolitionists and escaped slaves."
Reviews
"That said, it gets five stars for the content of the book."
"Beautiful book full of information and visuals."
"Purchased this as a gift for my daughter in law who is a Civil War buff."
"Great product."
"I purchased this book as a gift for my son."
"LOVE THE PICS OF THE PAST."
"Fascinating text and photographs."
"Writing is a bit small for these older eyes, even when wearing glasses."
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