BABY FACE: Celebrating Your Pregnancy & Baby With Beautiful Photo Crafts (by Barbara Smith)
Reviewed by Nancy A. Nally
As you might expect from a book whose author is foremost a photographer, the pages of Baby Face are full of inspiring eye candy: beautiful photographs, and photo-based projects. (Disclaimer: This book makes use of artistic nudity in its photography of pregnant women. If you were offended by Demi Moore's famous Vanity Fair cover while she was pregnant, you will probably not like this book.) If you are pregnant, have friends who are pregnant, or are a photographer who regularly takes pictures of mothers-to-be, this book will almost certainly stretch your creative boundaries. The photography techniques include both ideas for during a photo session and for in the "digital darkroom" of photo editing afterward. (The photography tips aren't only limited to pregnant women, either - there are also tips for taking beautiful portraits of babies and older children.)
In fact, there is a lot of digital hybrid content in this book. Most of the suggested projects rely at least somewhat on digital techniques and provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete them. The projects include ideas on how to use photos in everything from baby announcements and gift thank yous to baby shower accessories and photo albums. And while the project ideas are illustrated with newborn pictures and baby shower examples, it is easy to imagine the techniques being applied to other events and topics.
If you like to get "artsy" with your photography and your papercrafting, and you like to use your photos for more than just for scrapbook pages, you will love Baby Face. It inspires and teaches at the same time...a wonderful combination.
THE ART & CRAFT OF KEEPSAKE PHOTOGRAPH: ENGAGEMENTS & WEDDINGS (by Barbara Smith)
Reviewed by Mia Winston:
I am a professional photographer and a paper crafter and I was already offering custom handmade invitations and announcements. Even with my experience, this was the most informative book on this subject I have ever read. I'm actually buying a second copy of this book so I can keep one intact and cut up the second book to use in my "Visual Journal" (She talks about this in the book). My only regret is that I live too far to attend one of her workshops. I can't wait for the second book in this series!
Reviewed by Janine Smith:
This book is packed with examples of wonderful photos and how to use them. Ms. Smith makes her photographs into incredible cards, albums, stationery...the list goes on and on. The instructions are easy to follow. The list of materials (and where to get them) is extensive. This is more sophisticated than many "how-to" craft books out there--I can't wait to try some of the elegant projects.
Reviewed by L. Morgan:
I took one of Barbara's workshops last spring and found her writing to be as charming and open as she was in person. I have received so many compliments on the projects that I have done. I hope that she will forgive me for biting my tongue and taking all of the credit!
Reviewed by "Library girl" (Richmond, VA)
I first saw this book in the library, and checked it out there. I was quite impressed with the thoroughness Barbara Smith brings to the table. She offers techniques and suggestions for everyone from intermediate photographers who might be just bringing their camera to the wedding, to professional photographers who will be working closely with the bride. As the mother of a bride-to-be, I wanted some ideas of things to look for in a professional photographer, things to look for in their sample books, etc. as well as things that we might be able to do for ourselves to save money. Smith provided both things. She also discusses ways to manipulate photos for different effects using Photoshop Elements (step by step instructions make it easy for novices), as well as darkroom techniques. Because of the creative ideas Smith offers, we've decided to make our own invitations and save-the-date cards. We won't be following her suggestions exactly, but have used them as a springboard for our own unique ideas. I was so impressed with the book that I purchased it for myself to keep as a reference. I am a die-hard scrapbooker, and the tips for photography that Smith applied directly to weddings can be used for many different situations.