Lost But Not Forgotten

Here's a fascinating concept for a book -- Lost Animals: Extinction and the Photographic Record by Errol Fuller profiles species that have gone extinct within the past hundred or so years, specifically, animals that were photographed before they disappeared completely.  In some cases, the photographs presented provide evidence of the last known members of species.  Fuller concisely describes the documented history of each species and the factors that led to its extinction.  Worth the read if only to see the rare photographs.  HM

The Kitties Are Coming!

Inspired by her popular blog of the same name, Laurie Cinotto's adorable and entertaining book, "The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee" follows the adventures of the many (over 40!) kitten litters she has fostered over the past 7 years.  In addition to some beautiful -- and oftentimes hilarious -- photography, Cinotto also provides helpful tips and tricks that she's learned over the years, such as how to kitten proof your home, best practices for mealtime, and even how to create your own kitten toys out of cardboard.  A fun and worthwhile read!  HM

Meow!

Are you a cat lover?  Check out this gorgeous book, The Elegance of the Cat, comprised of a history of various breeds from antiquity through modern day.  Accompanying the text are beautiful photographs that show up-close details like fur texture and markings.  A great book to take home and flip through.  HM

Must See Photo Books

What's not to love about photo books of kittens? Of puppies? Of dogs doing funny things under water?  If you get a chance to stop by the library take a glance at some of the cutest books I've ever seen. The first is Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness by Rachel Hale.  The photos of kittens in adorable poses and settings include little sayings sure to get you inspired and give you an all around good feeling.  Rachel Hale has won numerous awards for her animal portraits and we own another prime example - Snog, another book of photos but this time of puppies!  (Check out our previous blog about Snog, October 2012).  What really got me wanting to write about these cute photo books is Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel.  You will laugh out loud at this book...I have never seen anything so funny.  Casteel has taken photos of dogs underwater, usually as they chase balls.  What results from the dog leaping into the water are bubbles, bared teeth and popping eyes in adorable dog faces. They say visiting with animals alleviates depression and stress.  If you want a 'visit' without the fur you can get it from these books.  There are plenty of images of Hale's work online and check out this link to some photos of Casteel's underwater dogs. SG

Photocraft: Creative Mixed-Media and Digital Approaches to Transforming Your Photographs by Susan Tuttle and Christy Hydeck covers everything from how to take a great picture to how to create a mixed media project. Digital techniques use Adobe Photoshop Elements and some iPhoneography apps which can help you sharpen up your digital print, remove unwanted pixels, fix exposures and much more. The best part is the creative arts part of the book which shows you how to alter a photo using not only digital techniques, of which there are many, but using good old fashioned ‘tools’ such as pastels, inks, wax and cheesecloth! Guest artists include Claudine Hellmuth and Samantha Harding.


My favorite project? Creating a realistic-looking watercolor painting in three easy steps. I will share this much: Digitally apply the charcoal filter to turn your photograph into a sketch. Print onto watercolor paper and then brush on washes of watercolor paint! Of course it sounds simple but the authors tips-prompts-variations section covers much more and the list of digital and actual materials and numbered instructions provide step by step help...so I guess you will have to check the book out if you want to play with your photos! SG

So many kitchens,so little time.

Photographer Todd Selby is back, this time focusing his lens on the kitchens, gardens, homes, and restaurants of more than 40 of the most creative and dynamic figures working in the culinary world today. He takes us behind the scenes with Noma chef Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen; to Tokyo to have a slice with pizza maker Susumu Kakinuma; and up a hilltop to dine at an inn without an innkeeper in Valdobbiadene. Each profile is accompanied by watercolor illustrations and a handwritten questionnaire, which includes a signature recipe. Reveling in the pleasures of a taco at the beach, foraging for wild herbs, and the art of the perfectly cured olive, Selby captures the food we love to eat and the people who passionately grow, cook, pour, and serve these incredible edibles every day in his book Edible Selby.  by Syndetics

Puppy Love

Rachel Hale captures pure “amour” in her newest book SNOG: A Puppy’s Guide to Love. She provides sixty adorable photos of puppies: snoozing, playing and posing.  Proverbs and quotes about love match the images and provide humor and insight. Every picture is sure to tug at your heartstrings. If her work looks familiar, you may have seen it on various greeting cards or calendars. She has been perfecting her talent since 1995. Cuddle up and enjoy! DB

Spring Thing

“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Celebrate Spring in Michigan through photography. Beautiful seasonal views from around the state are found in Pure Michigan: Abundant Natural Beauty, Authentic Destination, Unique Experiences- Spring. The ten contributors were contestants in the Pure Michigan Photography Competition of Spring 2009. Their mission was to capture the essence of Michigan. This picturesque book will help you tour the state without leaving home. DB

Pure Beauty

I'm a Michigan native so I might be biased, but once you see the variety of natural wonders and scenic sites contained in Pure Michigan, you'll be amazed at all the wonders of the Mitten State. Eight photographers captured many quiet wonders and magical moments from lake to lake. We certainly are fortunate to call this place home!

Enlightened Photography

If you're planning on vacationing and aspire to take better outdoor photos, you would do well to read Transient Light by Ian Cameron. The book discusses the importance of lighting and how to capture it most effectively with a camera. The author's samples make you see ordinary sights with a whole new appreciation.