Ren Hang


Ren Hang - 2017
    Slight of build, shy by nature, prone to fits of depression, the 28-year-old Beijing photographer was nonetheless at the forefront of Chinese artists' battle for creative freedom. Like his champion Ai Weiwei, Ren was controversial in his homeland and wildly popular in the rest of the world. He said, -I don't really view my work as taboo, because I don't think so much in cultural context, or political context. I don't intentionally push boundaries, I just do what I do.- Why? Because his models, friends, and increasingly, fans, are naked, often outdoors, high in the trees or on the terrifyingly vertiginous rooftops of Beijing, stacked like building blocks, heads wrapped in octopi, body cavities sprouting phone cords and flowers, whatever enters his mind at the moment. He denies his intentions are sexual, and there is a clean detachment about even his most extreme images: the urine, the insertions, the many, many erections. In a 2013 interview VICE magazine asked, -there are a lot of dicks ... do you just like dicks?- Ren responded, -It's not just dicks I'm interested in, I like to portray every organ in a fresh, vivid and emotional way.- True though that may be, the penises Ren photographed are not just fresh and vivid, but unusually large, making one wonder just where he met his friends. In the same piece, Hang also stated, -Gender isn't important when I'm taking pictures, it only matters to me when I'm having sex, - making him a pioneer of gender inclusiveness. Young fans still eagerly flock to his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Flickr accounts. His photographs, all produced on film, have been the subject of over 20 solo and 70 group shows in his brief six-year career, in cities as disparate as Tokyo, Athens, Paris, New York, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Vienna, and yes, even Beijing. He self-published 16 monographs, in tiny print runs, that now sell for up to $600. TASCHEN's Ren Hang is his only international collection, covering his entire career, with well-loved favorites and many never-before-seen photos of men, women, Beijing, and those many, many erections. We take solace remembering Ren's joy when he first held the book, shared by his long-time partner Jiaqi, featured on the cover.Text in English, French, and German

True Crime Case Histories, Vol. 5: 12 Disturbing True Crime Stories


Jason Neal - 2020
    Television shows and newspaper articles often gloss over the shocking details because it may be too grisly for the average viewer or reader.When researching these stories, I commonly use actual police reports, court documents, and first-hand descriptions. Some of the details can be disconcerting. I do my best to not leave out any of the details in my books, no matter how depraved they may be. My intent is not to shock, but to show precisely how twisted the mind of a killer can be.That being said, if you are overly squeamish, this may not be the book for you. If you’re okay with it, then let’s proceed.Volume 5 features: longer stories, more photos, a bonus chapter, and an online appendix with additional photos, videos, and documents. Volume Five features twelve of the most incomprehensible stories of the last fifty years.

The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography


Jim Miotke - 2005
    With The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography, those mysterious icons, strange jargon, and dizzying array of imaging software and hardware quickly become tools to create great pictures.Illustrated with full-color photos for guidance, this easy, practical, lesson-based workbook gives you a step-by-step tutorial in getting bright, crisp, beautiful pictures from your digital camera every time. Assignments at the end of each chapter give you the opportunity to go out and test your new skills in real life.Learn about exposure, file formats and quality settings, low-light photography, digital filters and white balance, composition and lens choice, manipulating images, printing, and much more, all in a handy, bring-along format. Everyone who wants to create great photos needs The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography!

Professional Photoshop: The Classic Guide to Color Correction


Dan Margulis - 2002
    This new edition, the first in nearly five years, is completely updated for the age of digital photography. It continues the book’s tradition of introducing astoundingly effective, previously unknown methods of image enhancement. The original photographs found in the book come from a variety of professional sources, and all correction exercises are on the included CD. Professional Photoshop has changed radically from edition to edition, and this time is no exception--with almost 90 percent new content and completely overhauled coverage of curves, channel blending, and sharpening.Professional Photoshop offers a full explanation of: How curves bring out detail in the most important areas of the imagen A comprehensive strategy for blending channels to create deeper, stronger images The strengths and weaknesses of CMYK, LAB, and RGB, and when to use each one The first detailed look at the Shadow/Highlight command--and even more sophis-ticated ways to enhance contrast in the lightest and darkest parts of the imagen Sharpening strategies, in three full chapters, including the innovative hiraloam method (High Radius, Low Amount). Plus, a fiendishly effective method of merging hiraloam and conventional unsharp masking The realities--and the politics--of preparing files for commercial offset printing and how to deal with colors that are out of the press’s gamut What Camera Raw and similar acquisition modules can offer Typical problems of digital captures that were not found in the age of film--and how to correct for them

Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding


Audrey Grant - 2005
    It introduces preemptive opening bids, overcalls and takeout doubles.

No Nonsense Real Estate: What Everyone Should Know Before Buying or Selling a Home


Alex Goldstein - 2016
    straight from an experienced pro that has seen millions of dollars exchange hands at the closing table.” - Peter Voogd, #1 International Bestselling Author of 6 Months to 6 Figures There are countless real estate books on the market today, so why read this one? What sets it apart from all the others out there?Bestselling Author, Alex Goldstein, brings a unique perspective that many others do not. As a successful realtor and investor, Alex has been on both sides of a real estate transaction, so he knows what strategies and techniques will lead to a successful deal, and which ones should be avoided at all costs. That’s why he chose the name, "No Nonsense Real Estate," for his third book.Goldstein offers practical, proven home buying techniques, free of fluff or confusing jargon.This book is for anyone who is getting ready to buy or sell a home and wants to be as informed as possible as they get ready to begin the process so there are no surprises – whether they will be working with a realtor or doing it on their own. 9 REASONS TO READ THIS BOOK NOW: 1. AGENT - Go through the pros and cons of working with a real estate agent, and the two ways that they can add the most value,2. ECONOMICS - You'll understand the fundamental economics of the housing market in the simplest terms possible3. INVESTING - Avoid the top five mistakes (almost) all new real estate investors make4. NEGOTIATIONS - Five critical elements of a successful negotiation5. FINANCING - Possible financing options, from traditional loans to seller financing6. SELLING - Seven secrets that make selling a home as painless as possible7. BUYING - Demystifying contracts and closing costs takes the fear out of the process8. CLOSING - Walk through eight steps involved in a real estate transaction closing9. PRACTICAL - Learn how all the different parts come together in a real life case studyYou also receive three free gifts. Goldstein has put together a special document answering the most popular questions every buyer, seller or investor has during a real estate transaction. You also get special access to an easy-to-understand glossary of the most popular real estate jargon. Last but not least, every reader is access to a free video training that will teach you how to choose the best home for your family.

Work Your Wardrobe: Gok's Gorgeous Guide To Style That Lasts


Gok Wan - 2009
    In this style bible Gok breathes new life into your existing wardrobe, showing you how to transform the basics we all have into a fabulous new look.

Anyone Can Learn Watercolor Journaling - Yes, You!: Easy Techniques for Drawing and Painting


Jolyn Parker - 2015
    No need to wait until you’ve had hours of training or years of practice to enjoy watercolor journaling. In this book you will learn how to: Recapture the natural joy of art experienced in early childhood Create colorful travel journals that will become treasured souvenirs and a delight to share Overcome the resistance of your inner critic that says you can’t draw or paint Here’s what people are saying about Anyone Can Learn Watercolor Journaling—Yes, You! “This book is both an educational and delightful read.”—Sharan Devoto “I love the sketches in this book and appreciate the easy instructions that go along with them.”—Karen Bates “What a fun and easy-to-read book. Makes it simple to add a bit of creativity to a journal.”—Soo Hyun Han NOTE: This book is NOT for the experienced artist. It is intended only for people who want to learn VERY basic techniques for drawing and painting.

Garry Winogrand


Garry Winogrand - 2013
    But Winogrand was also an avid traveler and roamed extensively around the United States, bringing exquisite work out of nearly every region of the country.This landmark retrospective catalogue looks at the full sweep of Winogrand’s exceptional career. Drawing from his enormous output, which at the time of his death included thousands of rolls of undeveloped film and unpublished contact sheets, the book will serve as the most substantial compendium of Winogrand’s work to date. Lavishly illustrated with both iconic images and photographs that have never been seen before now, and featuring essays by leading scholars of American photography, Garry Winogrand presents a vivid portrait of an artist who unflinchingly captured America’s swings between optimism and upheaval in the postwar era.

Thus Spoke Chanakya


Radhakrishnan Pillai - 2018
    On your path to success, both the biggest hurdle and the biggest support is your own mind – depending on how you have trained it.”– CHANAKYANo school or university teaches us how to make friends, have a successful career, maintain a healthy married life, run a family or live life in general. How many times have we wished for a roadmap to navigate the confusing landscape of daily-life, to have a guidebook to show us the way? In his much-awaited book Thus Spoke Chanakya, bestselling author Radhakrishnan Pillai decodes ancient texts from the illustrious Kautilya’s Arthashastra within the context of modern times and doles them out in short, crisp passages for everyday practice and use. A perfect read for those who yearn to master the teachings of Chanakya for overall success. Radhakrishnan Pillai is the bestselling author of Corporate Chanakya, Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership, Chanakya in You and Katha Chanakya. He has a PhD in Kautilya’s Athashastra and a Master’s degree in Sanskrit. A renowned management consultant and speaker, he heads the Leadership Center at the University of Mumbai.

Cunningham's Manual of Practical Anatomy: Volume I: Upper and Lower Limbs


Daniel John Cunningham - 1893
    For the new edition, the dissection guide has been separated from thetext and remodeled to make it more distinctive and easier to read, and the text itself has been greatly expanded, with new sections on embryology, organogenesis, congenital malformations of clinical significance, and the new imaging and diagnostic techniques such as CT scanning. With an expandedgeneral introduction and additional explanations throughout, the new edition will prove the best Manual ever, answering the needs of a wide array of students and courses.

Before You Put That on: 365 Daily Style Tips for Her


Lloyd Boston - 2005
    He's familiar to readers who made his style guides for men -- and the women who dress them -- bestselling books. Now with Before You Put That On, Boston delivers 365 expert fashion tips to help women create a wardrobe and a personal style they can be proud of every day of the year -- using much of what may already be in their closets! Lloyd Boston defines finding your style as "taking your world and giving it shape." That's what he's done for his individual and corporate clientele for years, and now with this beautifully designed book -- including his own original art -- he's offering his insider secrets to you. Boston's user-friendly references are filled with inspirational ideas for looking and feeling your most stylish.Friendly, frank, and with a wealth of professional tips at his disposal, Boston guides readers through an entire year's worth of fashion choices, beginning with a new style resolution at the top of the year, through the fresh fashion possibilities of spring and barely dressed days of summer, and back through the glittering holidays.Before You Put That On offers:• Hints for choosing garments to flatter every body type• Simple solutions for going from day to night in minutes• Tailoring tricks that bring new life to items you already own• Advice on adding accessories that turn a look from frumpy to fabulous• Organizational tips for creating a user-friendly closetNamed one of Crain's magazine's "40 Under 40," he is also a national spokesperson for companies including Tommy Hilfiger, Jones New York, and LensCrafters. As Boston himself says, "Nothing makes me happier than helping real people look their absolute best." Whether the occasion is lunch with a new client, a catch-up drink with friends, or a special holiday gathering, Before You Put That On provides classic ideas that will usher readers through every event with confidence and panache.

The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes


Christopher James - 2001
    This significantly expanded edition is a full-color, lavishly illustrated, comprehensive resource that explores every aspect of alternative process image making. With his highly conversational writing style, James explores the techniques, processes, idiosyncrasies, history, and cultural connections that are such a significant part of the genre. Best of all, James makes it extremely accessible, providing clear instructions and practical workflow advice. The book delves into a vast menu of alternative and traditional options, among them: calotype, salted paper, cyanotype, argyrotype, chrysotype, POP, kallitype, ambrotype/wet collodion, Van Dyke, platinum/palladium, Ziatype, gelatin dry plate emulsions, carbon, gum bichromate, albumen, hand-applied emulsions, paper, alternative imaging systems, and digital negative production for alternative process image making. This book has become the unanimous standard reference text for alternative process photography, one that students love to read and work from. Not only does this definitive work make the most complex ideas easy to understand, it is conversational, comfortable, inspirational, and fun to read- a tremendous resource and a treasure trove of alternative process images. "The first edition was a stunning achievement, and one I felt that was not likely to be superceded. Five short years later Christopher James has created a very new work and a new standard. The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes: 2nd Edition is, by far, the best alternative photographic process book ever!" - Richard Sullivan, Founder and Co-Owner, Bostick & Sullivan "If I could only have one photography book this would be it." -Timothy Whelan, Photographic Books

Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography with Available Light


Ibarionex Perello - 2011
    It's the most powerful tool that any photographer has at their disposal. Whether the lens is turned to people, wildlife or the landscape, it is the creative use of light that transforms a snapshot into a photograph." Chasing the Light" enlightens photographers of all levels and helps them make the most of this most important tool--light. With over 25 years of experience in the photographic industry as a photographer, writer, and educator, Ibarionex Perello has developed an approach to photography that has helped photography enthusiasts from all over the world discover and nurture their own passion for photography. In" Chasing the Light, "he brings his palpable passion to the subject as he guides the reader through many scenarios--landscape, close-up, portraits--using his principle of seeing and evaluating the light and then using the right features and controls on the camera to make the most of it. Utilizing a very personal approach rooted in decades of experience, he shares how to see, control, and use available light to create beautiful and personal photographs. By developing the way photographers "see" light, "Chasing the Light "aids them to make the connection between the camera and their own eye. "Chasing the Light "removes the mystery of the buttons and dials that control focus, exposure, white balance, and sharpness and free the photographer to explore their own unlimited creativity. In an industry so filled with obsession over gear, " Chasing the Light" removes much of that from the discussion and returns the reader to a basic, yet inspirational, conversation about leveraging light to take evocative photographs.

The A-Z of Creative Photography


Lee Frost - 1998
    For serious amateur photographers who alraedy shoot perfectly focused, accurately exposed images but want to be more creative with a camera, here's the book to consult.