Special Effects Photography Handbook

Rating:
Summary: INSPIRATIONAL!....
Review: Elinor Stecker-Orel's book is an inspiration to the serious photographer who wants to take things several steps farther and enter the realm of creating, rather than just taking, awesome photographs.
You can use the book "out of the box" as is and directly appropriate the many creative techniques she imparts, or use the book's techniques as jumping off points to inspire and fire your own imagination which will enable you to come up with additional special effects techniques on your own.
I have the benefit of both having Ms. Stecker-Orel as my instructor at the New York Institute of Photography, and as my personal friend.
In addition to her very long, distinguished list of professional credentials (Former editor of Popular Photography-still on the masthead as associate editor; seven books published; many photographic achievements, and much more) I can relate from personal experience what a dramatic difference in your photographic potential her instruction will make. She is a skilled teacher, and that comes across in this excellent book.
I was able to produce some very professional looking and unusual photographs both utilizing the techniques taught in the book, and by using those techniques for further inspiration.
Thanks, Elinor!

Rating:
Summary: Helps get the creative juices flowing
Review: Some photographers are of the opinnion that using special effects is for the photographer that doesn't know how to produce a powerful image without using some sort of gimick. Well, I'm not one of them. I say the ends justify the means. If the picture is asthetically pleasing, you did a good job. This books presents a lot of techniques that I have not thought of using. Many different takes on using techniques such as double exposures, using items you can find at pet stors, different ideas on reflective surfaces(more than shooting pictures using mylar.) Filters, vignetters, lighting effects like using ultraviolet lights, cross-polarization and a ton more. There's also a section in the back telling you where to get items like ultraviolet lights and makeup that will glow for ultraviolet lights. All in all, a good book for those of you who like using special effects.

Rating:
Summary: Not worth the money
Review: This book illustrates photographic special effects that are sophomoric and aesthetically unappealing. It does not cater to the serious photographer, and it is poorly produced with mediocre photographic examples. After reviewing this book, I found it of no use and returned it.