The Portland Metro Photographic News

 PMPN's Book Shelf is dedicated to alerting our readers to photographic books that provide exceptional instruction or inspiration to those passionate about the art and craft of photography.  The only books appearing in this section are those we believe to be significant additions to the personal photographic libraries of our readers.

If you have been inspired by specific photography books, help us grow this list of relevant reading material by recommending photographic and digital imaging related books to: reporter@pmpnonline.com.  Together we will make "The Book Shelf" a vital resource for education, inspiration and images from the world's best photographers, technical authorities and photographic authors.

The books presented here are not listed in any order of priority or level of recommendation.  Books are reviewed and added to the list as they are offered to the Portland Metro Photographic News.

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 Editor's Note: If you are a member of PMPN, you may remember the name Roy Frankland.  Roy is a member of PMPN, and the winner of our November Member Photo Contest.  His "Reflections" image made quite an impact on our judges. In our back-and-forth emails after his winning photo was announced, Roy mentioned that he had just published his first book of images.  He graciously (and thankfully) sent PMPN a copy.  What we discovered was not only a book of stunning photojournalistic images, but the passion of a photographer for a people and a culture.

Roy Frankland's "A Different Way of Life" is a self-published book containing over 200 pages of exceptional documentary photos that reveal the joys and tribulations everyday life of the peoples of Indonesia, The Philippines, China, Thailand and South Korea.  Except for a one-page introduction and a one-page biography at the end of the book, the 8" x 7.5" hardback book is packed cover-to-cover with Roy's compelling monochrome images.

 Roy (pictured at right) is a native of Necastle-upon-Tyne in the Northeast of England.  His full-time occupation has him currently stationed in Shanghai, China, but has traveled and worked in many Asian countries.

"I only got interested in photography in 1998 when I got my first SLR, but didn't really know much about the "techie" stuff.  I was based in South Korea at the time for my main job, but on my return to the UK in 1999, I joined Washington New Town Camera Club.  It was the encouragement I received here that made me continue and learn darkroom skills from a fellow member.  I was awarded "Photographer of the Year" in my first full year at the camera club in 2000. This accolade from my fellow photographers really gave me the confidence to continue.  My first love in photography was always black and white.  And once I saw my first image appearing out of nothing on a blank piece of paper in my darkroom, I was hooked."

Since then Roy has studied photography at the Sunderland City College, held his first exhibit documenting Newcastle-upon-Tyhne and become a member of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) where he obtained his Licentiateship of the Royal Photographic Society (LRPS) in 2002.  His work has appeared in several books, magazines and two exhibitions by the RPS.

Roy's images are compelling, fearless, revealing and intimate.  They are taken far off the tourist path to portray the day-to-day life of the Asian people he admires and respects.  Some images are joyful while others are emotionally difficult to view.  But they are all true to the reality of the people and culture he laboriously strives to freeze in time. With over 200 absorbing images to choose from, picking three to share with PMPN readers was not an easy task.  Here are three that we especially admire and represent the variety of Roy's documentary images.

© Roy Frankland, from "A Different Way of Life"

 
© Roy Frankland, from "A Different Way of Life"

 
© Roy Frankland, from "A Different Way of Life"

PMPN congratulates its member, Roy Frankland, and for allowing us the privilege of introducing this book and vision with the U.S. photographic community.  Be sure to browse Roy's online gallery to see more of his photography.

Roy Frankland offers his book, "A Different Way of Life", directly to interested photographers and collectors.  He accepts Paypal.  And, for PMPN members, Roy is selling signed copies of his book for $40 U.S. (postage included).  Just send an email to Roy and mention you are a member of PMPN.  Just think, you'll be able to say, "I bought Roy Frankland's first photo book when he was just becoming recognized as a rising star of photography."  "A Different Way of Life" is a welcome addition to PMPN's Book Shelf.

 After reading the first 30 pages of Andrew Darlow's newest book, Pet Photography 101, I decided that anyone purchasing this book was getting a "two for one" deal.  For most of the content in this well-written book could be used as instructional text for another book called Child Photography 101.  Much of the information, tips and examples that Andrew uses to help pet lovers take better pictures could be used with equally rewarding photographic results by parents of newborns and toddlers.

Then again, this book may be a "three in one" deal.  Andrew not only provides 101 tips for better pet photography, he takes the time to explain, in detail, the photographic principals and camera controls that newcomers will encounter.  In this respect, Pet Photography 101 is also a photographic primer.

Well, actually, this book may be a "four in one" deal.  The book comes with a free companion website that expands on the topics presented in the book as well as linking to other resources that the avid pet photographer can find on the Internet and elsewhere to continue their animal photography education. 

Andrew presents his advice as 101 individual tips.  From "choosing the right camera" (Tip 1) to "choosing the right exposure mode" (Tip 6) and from "capturing your pet in snow scenes" (Tip 28) to "taking Valentine's pictures of your pet to create your own holiday cards" (Tip 70), Andrew provides readers with creative ideas and practical photographic solutions. Ever wonder what flash mode you should use when photographing your pet? It's here in Tip 77. How about eliminating "red eye" in pet photography?  Check out Tip 78.

The final chapter offers technical tips and printing advice to ensure that files are correctly formatted, color balanced and stored for easy retrieval, post-production cropping/manipulation and printing using modern digital imaging software.

In 185 pages, Andrew Darlow furnishes pet lovers a down-to-earth manual for taking memorable pictures of their four-legged family members.  Each tip is illustrated with Andrew's images that reveal his own passion for pet photography.  Pet Photography 101 is the essential handbook for anyone wanting to capture and preserve the unique personality and life of their pet. It's a welcome addition to PMPN's Book Shelf.

Well, that's three Christmas presents I can check off my list.  With so many of our family and friends living on the East Coast, they are rarely able to take the journey to our Portland home.  But without exception, they are aware that my wife and I have settled in a very special place.  It would be easy to spend a large percentage of my time taking pictures of the local scenery just to fill the requests of our East Coast friends.

Susan Frost has solved my relatives' craving for experiencing Portland from afar.  Her collection of photographs and descriptive content in her book, Portland, Oregon - A Photographic Journey does an exceptional job of conveying the flavor, texture and visual appeal of the Portland area.

Shouldering the task of visualizing an entire city, its culture and its environment is no small undertaking.  Considering the number of locations, architectural delights, events and the extent of the natural splendor that is Portland, Oregon, the assignment is overwhelming.  Travel photography requires a compromise between pure art and documentary photography.  The images must be a product of an artist's eye while retaining a documentary component that allows the subject to be easily recognized by all types of readers.

Susan's coffee table book has found that middle ground to make her work appealing to both lovers of photography and the casual traveler who is more interested learning about our little slice of the Pacific Northwest.  For those familiar with Portland, all the places, events and attractions that make the area unique are well documented in words and professional imagery.  For those less fortunate people who have never experienced Portland, but want to learn what they are missing, Susan has constructed a visually appealing tour that includes everything visitors need to prepare their "must see" lists.

Susan's love for Portland and her flare for travel photography are evident in the photographs that detail life in Portland.  Technically speaking, the book covers the territory between the Columbia Gorge and the Oregon coast.  But, the majority of the 11.5 inch by 9 inch, hard bound book is dedicated to the sites, events and people of the city of Portland.  And that's enough to easily fill any book.

From the classic architecture of Pittock Mansion to the ever-looming presence of majestic Mt. Hood in the Portland skyline, from the iconic Hawthorne Bridge to the intimate streets crowded with countless culinary opportunities, from the city's passion for statues to the serenity and beauty of the International Rose Test Garden, they are all professionally captured to provide a compelling "I've got to visit Portland this year" experience.

So, if you've been looking for that book to place on your coffee table for your out-of-town visitors this holiday season, Susan Frost has the answer, Portland, Oregon - A Photographic Portrait.

Don't forget to visit Susan's website to enjoy more of her travel and fine art photography.

It's time to create a new folder on your computer.  The folder will be titled, "Photography E-Books" and your first file in this folder should be, "Meditations in Monochrome.PDF".

That's right, PMPN is reviewing a virtual book.  But what a virtual book.  This publication is acclaimed photographer William Neill's masterpiece of imagery and b&w conversion.  Meditations in Monochrome is an exquisite collection of black and white images that not only faithfully illustrates the craft and creativity of Neill, but also the excellence and film-like quality that can be attained through the digital conversion of color imagery. For those exploring digital b&w conversion, consider this e-publication your benchmark.

Each image is truly a work of art and reminiscent of two his heroes, Ansel Adams and Minor White. As you turn each virtual page, you soon forget you are watching a monitor and become completely absorbed in Neill's art and vision.

"Photography is a quiet, intensely meditative activity for me. Minor White, the Zen-influenced photographer, stated, "Be still with yourself, until the object of your attention affirms your presence." When the light and the subject inspire me, I am compelled to compose an image. The images that I enjoy making the most are those that rely on emotional response and perception rather than the spectacle of the scene. I enjoy isolating the details of a scene, often to the point of abstraction. By creating photographs where the content or orientation is not obvious, an intimate and enigmatic feeling can come through. I would rather make an image that asks a question than answers one, one that intrigues and arouses curiosity in the viewer." - William Neill.

Because Meditations in Monochrome - Digital Edition is purchased as a PDF file, the page and image size fills your monitor to provide unprecedented viewing.  It can be argued that the image quality is being limited by the resolution of the monitor.  But that argument is soon forgotten as you turn each digital page to reveal another work of black and white art.

The combination of stunning photography and exceptional image quality would seem good enough reason to buy William Neill's book.  But there is another, more down-to-earth reason.  Price.  Neill has priced his work to fit every admirer's budget.  The 58-page, Meditations in Monochrome sells online for $15 US. The book can be published on Neill's site.  While you're on the site, you'll want to check out his two other e-books: Impressions of Light and Landscapes of the Spirit.

About William Neill 

William Neill, a resident of the Yosemite National Park area since 1977, is a landscape photographer concerned with conveying the deep, spiritual beauty he sees and feels in Nature. Neill's award-winning photography has been widely published in books, magazines, calendars, posters, and his limited-edition prints have been collected and exhibited in museums and galleries nationally, including the Museum of Fine Art Boston, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, The Vernon Collection, and The Polaroid Collection. Neill received a BA degree in Environmental Conservation at the University of Colorado. In 1995, Neill received the Sierra Club's Ansel Adams Award for conservation photography.

William has taught photography since 1980 for such prestigious organizations as The Ansel Adams Gallery, the Friends of Photography, Palm Beach Photographic Workshops, The Maine Workshops and Anderson Ranch Workshops. He specializes in landscape and nature photography and is concerned with conveying the beauty seen in Nature. Currently, he teaches online courses for BetterPhoto.com.

Neill's assignment and published credits include National Geographic, Smithsonian, Natural History, National Wildlife, Conde Nast Traveler, Gentlemen's Quarterly, Travel and Leisure, Wilderness, Sunset, Sierra and Outside magazines. Also, he writes a monthly column, On Landscape, for Outdoor Photographer magazine. Feature articles about his work have appeared in Life, Camera and Darkroom, Outdoor Photographer and Communication Arts, from whom he has also received five Awards of Excellence. His corporate clients have included Sony Japan, Bayer Corporation, Canon USA, Nike, Nikon, The Nature Company, and Sony Music/Classical. 

Neill also conducts online classes as well as one-on-one workshops for students of photography.  It's obvious that William Neill has embraced the digital world to offer his devotees world-class e-books and education.

Although the much overused word “bible” doesn’t appear in the title of Amadou Diallo’s new book, Mastering Digital  Black and White, it probably should at least appear in the subtitle.  For photographers new to the world of digital black and white imaging, Amadou has provided a comprehensive learning and reference work that tackles the complex technical issues associated with taking and printing black and white photographs using digital technology.

With only shades of gray to worry about, it would seem that black and white would be as easy as flipping a switch to turn off the colors.  But Amadou Diallo raises the technical and artistic challenges and patiently explains the process required to produce accurate and appealing b&w images. He shows the reader just how much more control is available using digital solutions than was possible with traditional b&w film techniques.  Peppered throughout his book are exquisite examples of what can be achieved with understanding, imagination and the proper digital tools.

To the readers' delight, the often technical lessons are interspersed with interesting interviews and case studies which reinforce his content.  Another pleasant surprise is that your black and white learning experience with Amadou doesn’t end with his book.  A companion website is available to provide additional content as well as a forum on black and white photography.  A great way of providing clarification and extending the reader's learning experience.

The book is organized in the same sequence a black and white photographer would encounter when setting up his shooting and processing environment:

•    Building the darkroom
•    Color Management for black and white
•    Shooting for a black and white image
•    Post-processing
•    A black and white inkjet primer
•    A description of the workflow
•    And two final discussions on Limited Editions and Portfolios.

Amadou has attempted to make each of these sections self-contained -- making it as much a reference book as a complete learning text.

The book begins with a well-executed and creative black and white gallery to provide inspiration and a chance for the reader to take a deep breath.  That breath is necessary, because Amadou jumps right into the heavy stuff with his discussion of setting up your digital darkroom with black and white photography in mind.  Everything from computers, monitors, storage devices, input devices, scanners, calibration devices to papers and printers, is discussed in detail.  This chapter alone may be worth the price of the book, as it answers many of the questions that beginning digital imaging users struggle with.

But, there’s much more.  I suggest you take a break after this chapter.  The pace and information is about to pick up.  The book goes right to the heart of the matter by providing an in-depth discussion on color management for black and white photography.  Color management?  That’s right.  With today’s modern imaging tools, an understanding of color management is critical when converting images to a gray scale space.  And Amadou does an excellent job of explaining color management and making the case for system calibration.  This discussion includes the theory and practice of color management in the production of black and white photographs, from ICC profiles to the current printer options.  Interviews with master print makers highlight the care and consideration required to produce black and white prints that rival traditional darkroom printmaking.

The film purist will be delighted to learn that the next chapter on digital capture begins with scanning traditional black and white film to produce a digital file. This chapter includes all the essential information for producing scans that capture the detail and dynamic range of the original negative.  Note the section on digital camera capture, with a solid case for shooting in RAW mode – including all the positives and negatives. The step-by-step color to black and white instruction is logically approached.  This chapter is chock-full of those “Ah-Ha” educational moments that photographers crave.  Here too, case studies have been included to illustrate the instructional text.

For many readers, Chapter 5 – Photoshop in Black and White, is the reason the book is purchased.  It is an all-inclusive godsend for learning digital black and white conversion and making the most of Photoshop’s extensive features.  Each tool and palette is explained and demonstrated in detail.  Leaving the reader with no doubt about the process.   Chapter 5 will certainly be the most often bookmarked section of this book.

Logically, the subject moves to digitally printing the perfect black and white image.  Included in the printing consideration is choosing to work with a print provider rather than doing it yourself.  For the photographer who elects to take total control of his black and white photography, Amadou is thorough – right down to taking the curl out of large prints.  His discussion of printing papers and ink compatibility take much of the mystery out of choosing the right combination for black and white imaging.

To complete his work and bring the subject together, the author gives practical illustrations on the topic of “imaging workflow”.  Here, he walks three separate images through their workflows to produce images for different uses on different printers.  These demonstrations and explanations, which include capture, printer, RIP and various final output options, bring organization and logic to the process.  In doing so, it becomes the model for readers to follow in their own black and white photography.

The final two chapters, in my opinion, are bonuses.  His complete discussions on Limited Editions and Portfolios could become a small book in themselves.  Anyone contemplating producing portfolios or limited edition prints should read this straightforward discussion to understand the processes and prepare themselves for the exacting journey.

Amadou Diallo’s Mastering Digital Black and White is not an easy read. It is well written, but the topic is complex.  If you pick up this book with a photography student’s commitment to learn how to produce exceptional black and white images, you will not be disappointed.  In fact, you’ll put down the book a much wiser and proficient black and white photographer.  This book is a welcome addition to PMPN's bookshelf.

More details and purchasing information on Mastering Digital Black and White as well as examples of Diallo's photography can be found on his website.

Not being a connoisseur of fine wines, I had misgivings about reviewing Jánis Miglavs’ new book, Oregon, The Taste of Wine.  Fortunately my admiration for this Oregon photographer and National Geographic inspired photography overrode my trepidations.   As it turns out, the book is more about people, their concern for each other, their respect for the environment and their passion for an exacting, agricultural pursuit.

Much to Jánis’ credit, he has allowed the narrative to be provided by more than 80 grape artisans who tend their Oregon land and seek to perfect their winemaking skills.  Along the way, the reader learns about the qualities of Oregon that provide the ideal set of conditions to make it a world class environment for the production of fine wines.  These snippets of winemaker insights are organized to provide a fluid narrative encompassing the history, geology, husbandry and community that is uniquely Oregon.

But it’s the stories of the people, punctuated with Jánis’ photography, that make Oregon, The Taste of Wine a great read.  Although the tale begins even before the Oregon Trail, it was the “hippie” generation who brought Oregon wine to worldwide fame.  That “generation of love” ethic and the passion it instilled in these pioneers has resulted in a strong community of winemakers who revel in their neighbors’ successes.

Of course, being a photographer myself, the Jánis Miglavs images immediately caught my attention.  It’s obvious that Jánis has an enthusiasm for the winemaking craft and those who cultivate the art.  His photography is both majestic and simple.  The photographic skills he honed as a photojournalist and worldwide adventure travel photographer serve him well in creating this truly sensitive and stunning series of Oregon wine country images.

Oregon residents have the opportunity to meet Jánis on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25th) at a special Willamette Valley Vineyards' Open House.  Jánis will be conducting a book signing and discussion from noon until 2:00 p.m.

Location: Willamette Valley Vineyards, 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392.

Oregon, The Taste of Wine by Jánis Miglavs can be purchased on Amazon.com.

UPDATE (6/3/2009): Oregon: The Taste of Wine won GOLD in the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Awards, a prestigious independent book publishing award.

The net proceeds of this book are being donated to the "Salud Barrel Auction" to support medical care programs for vineyard workers.

 by Tom Hubbard, PMPN, May 14, 2009

For hundreds of years, printmaking -- from woodcuts to lithographs to photographic prints -- has been a complex mix of technology, art and luck.  For many, the emergence of digital inkjet printing has done little to decrease this complexity. Which may explain why amateur and professional photographers spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on DSLR equipment with no intent of ever producing their own quality prints. To me, these photographers are missing 50% of the creativity, challenge and satisfaction photography offers.

To our rescue comes Andrew Darlow and his new book, "301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques".  I've known Andrew for several years and although he has a passion for all things photographic and is an excellent photographer, he is particularly focused on making the "perfect" photographic print.  His devotion to printmaking has allowed him to accumulate a wealth of "do's and don'ts" that beginning and professional inkjet printmakers can use to "fill in the blanks" that printer manuals can create.

"301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques" is organized just as the title implies.  The book starts with tip one and ends with tip 301.  As such, it's not really intended to be a text book.  Instead, consider this book as an all-inclusive reference source for everything related to personal printmaking. The book is organized in a digital printing workflow manner, and presented in a language that's easily understood by beginning and advanced photographers. 

Andrew Darlow breaks down this workflow to:

• Deciding if you should print your own pictures or send them to a commercial printer
• Preparing your digital print files
• Choosing the right inkjet printer (including a complete check list to take with you when shopping and an objective overview of Canon, Epson and HP printers)
• Color management of the entire printing system
• Color conversion and printing black and white pictures
• Appropriate papers and surfaces
• Print presentation and portfolio production
• And sprinkled throughout, solid tips and definitions that are most often encountered.

Well, the answers are here, and packed into the first 8 chapters of 114 tips.

Then it gets really interesting.  Andrew assembled a group of photographic printing experts (including Portland's Phil Bard) who add another 250 pages and 187 tips to make "301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques" an instant and indispensable classic.  Although this "Guest Artist Section" is geared towards serious printmakers, every page contains printmakers' insights that will enable beginners to grow in their printing ability.  The topics covered by these pros include:

• Inkjet paper tips
• Print finishing
• Portfolio and marketing tips
• RIPs, B&W and color management
• Preparing print exhibits, editions and image tracking
• Proper packaging, lighting and framing
• Additional printing tips and notes on the preservation of prints.

Many will find page 479 worth the price of the book.  That's right.  Andrew took the time to provide a graph that cross-references U.S. and Metric paper sizes.  A4 is actually 8.3" x 11.7", Super B/Super A3 is 13" x 19", etc.

The answers to all those questions that amateurs and pros ask the experts at seminars, workshops and tradeshows are found in "301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques".  Save gas, airfare and hotel expenses, buy the book.

In my camera bag is my camera manual.  Alongside my computer sits my Photoshop manual.  And next to my inkjet printer, you'll find Andrew Darlow's "301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques".

Also be sure to stop by Andrew Darlow's The Imaging Buffet for a banquet of photographic tips and news.

Submitted for your literary and photographic consideration by Robert Brummitt

Hidden in remote areas of Nevada and adjacent states are beautiful rock engravings known as petroglyphs. They record the visions and dreams of ancient Native Americans. Many are thousands of years old, and most are completely unknown to the public; their existence has been kept secret to protect them from vandalism. World renowned photographer John Wimberley spent ten years searching for these fragile, irreplaceable cultural treasures. During this time, he visited more than 100 sites and exposed 5000 large format negatives. His stunning black and white photographs reveal the beauty and profound sacredness of shamanic images in stone.  

“It has been a very long time since a collection of images has affected me so...you are delving into another type of medium, neither photography nor rock art, but something more akin to shamanism or shamanic art. The images and voices you have conjured from the distant and remote past are here to heal us.” - Michael Stathatos, Photographer

 “Wimberley’s undisputed technical mastery of photographing and printing in black and white is but the springboard for visual poetry of spiritual realms." - The Monterey Herald 

(Pictured at left: Lone Grave Butte #660, 2008)

Evidence of Magic contains 62 superb reproductions of photographs made between 1999-2008, a map of the Great Basin showing regions photographed and an author’s preface. Designed by John Wimberley, the format is 8”x10”, 80 pages, hardcover with dust jacket. Publication of Evidence of Magic is limited to 1000 signed and numbered copies. Collectors’ Edition Numbers 1-100: Includes a hand-made, 8”x10” gelatin/silver print of Lone Grave Butte #660, 2008 (left), signed and numbered by John Wimberley. $260.00 plus shipping and handling. Limited Edition Numbers 101-1000: $58.00 plus shipping and handling.

Shipping and handling within the USA: $5.00; Canada: $7.00; elsewhere: $15.00. Evidence of Magic is available directly from the publisher. To order, please email tjwimberley@charter.net, or call 541.488.5277. Payment may be made by PayPal, check or money order.  

It would have been expected and maybe even easier for AnnieLeibovitz to have written a book for and about "women in photography."  Instead, she gave us a special insight into the workings of a photographer's mind as a career begins and matures to become one of today's most celebrated names in photography. The book "At Work" is a gift to all photographers who are asking the questions, "What was this photographer thinking when taking the picture?" and "How was that done?"  In between answering these questions, we gain new insights into Annie's beginnings, her personal approach to photography and her customarily famous subjects.

Even if you have no particular interest in photography, you know the name Annie Leibovitz.  Few can say, "I've never seen one of her pictures?" Her images are an integral part of our contemporary culture.  From the resignation of Richard Nixon to the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, she has been there to reveal the emotion of the encounter and the moment. 

"At Work" is packed full of "How was this picture made?' More importantly, "At Work" documents Annie's interaction with her subjects and her thoughts as she approached each assignment. These memorable assignments include the Rolling Stones Tour, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Whoopi Goldberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Bush, Demi Moore and Queen Elizabeth.  But like most stories, the beginning years were a case study in struggle, risk taking, establishing contacts, a little luck and an insatiable appetite for photography.

Each shoot described by Annie in "At Work" reinforces the reality that every situation brings new problems and its own set of restrictions that challenge a photographer's resourcefulness and imagination.  Try taking a picture of Queen Elizabeth while facing the formality and protocol associated with British royalty under a time constraint of 20 minutes.  Oh, yes, and all the while having your portrait session videotaped for a BBC documentary.

How Annie prepared for and conducted these high pressure sessions throughout her career is a blueprint for beginners and professionals. "At Work" not only takes you behind the camera, but into the mind of a gifted photographic artist.

The technical and societal lessons to be learned from Annie's photographic life are directly applicable to every working photographer whether based in New York or Peoria, Illinois. Whether shooting the President of the United States or the local Little League Softball player.  Master your craft.  Do your homework.  Plan the shoot.  And know your subject.

It's probably a good thing that "At Work" was not designed as a coffee table publication.  It is more appropriately sized as a text book.  Because that's what it may well become.

by Tom Hubbard, PMPN, April 27, 2009

 by Tom Hubbard, PMPN, May 5, 2009

OK, here's the deal.  Wait until you are having "one of those days."  When everything that could go wrong does, and nothing has gone right.  Pour your favorite drink, sit in your favorite easy chair, kick off your shoes and open Glen Wexler's extraordinary photo book, "The Secret Life of Cows".

Note:  It's best if your easy chair has a seat belt attachment.  Because you will soon find yourself falling out of your chair with laughter and crying tears of sheer joy.

I've known Glen Wexler for about 3 years now, and every new image I experience confirms my belief that he is today's most imaginative and gifted photographic image manipulator on the planet.  Every Glen Wexler picture is a Hollywood production.  That's his well-crafted style derived from years as an Album Cover Photographer and student of the arts.  And he has a pretty good sense of humor too.

From the tongue-in-cheek Foreword by Eric Idle to the final BEEFLES! album cover, the book is so udderly fascinating that you won't want to put it down.  As the book so eloquently states: "When you see cows standing in a paddock blandly chewing some dreary bit of grass and staring into the middle distance, you'd never guess what lies beneath that placid exterior." Leave it to Glen Wexler to peel back this subdued exterior and reveal that cows are "the librarians of the animal world: mild by day, wild by night."

The first time through the book is for the photographic joy and the revelations of true cow life.  The second time through the book and you're asking the question, "How did he do that?"  The question must be asked because the pictures are so mooooving and totally photographically believable.  That's Glen's talent, and his gift to us.

The best part is that you don't have to end the Secret Life of Cows experience with the book.  The cows have a website with even more cow antics, a cow FAQ and, of course, a cow blog.  You guessed it: http://www.secretlifeofcows.com/.

If you do buy this book, I recommend you buy a second copy at the same time.  Hide the second copy in a dark and secure place.  Because the copy you leave on the coffee table will soon be worn and tear-soaked by your visiting friends and relatives.

by Tom Hubbard, PMPN, April, 2009

Looking for that unique gift for the photo fanatic in your life? Then Visionary Photographer David Saffir's newest visual stunner -- "The Joy of Discovery" -- should be at the top of your list. This "celebration of my journey in photography" vividly illustrates David's keen eye for capturing the photographic art that's hidden within every location. Finding those image "treasures" may be well planned and require extreme measures, like being on location at 4 a.m. to catch a moonlit scene at a cliff's edge, or it may be the happy coincidence of timing.

 For any photographer who believes that travel to exotic locations is a fundamental requirement of successful photography, you need only browse David's images to realize that beauty is found everywhere. It's the exercising of imagination, craft and style that should be your focus.

Some of David's images may look familiar, but they all have his special touch that make them uniquely Saffir images. His mastery of lines, tone and mood is evident in this book's broad range of subjects and is a delight to any viewer's eyes.

Be sure to include David's "The Joy of Discovery" on your photo bookshelf. Visit his website to see several preview pages and for ordering details. 

by Tom Hubbard, PMPN, April, 2009