How Work Gets Done: Business Process Management, Basics and Beyond Review

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(More customer reviews)First off, I have to admit I am not objective about this review. Artie Mahal is a good friend and we have worked together developing the methodology he describes in this book. That said, I'll be as objective as I can.
Artie began his process journey at Mars North America, when his boss asked him to take charge of a business process change project. He went on to become the head of BPM at Mars North America, to train process change agents throughout the corporation, and to help the company become a mature process-focused organization. When Artie retired from Mars North America he formed his own consulting company and also joined with BPTrends Associates. While at BPTrends Associates he has worked with Roger Burlton, me and others to develop the BPTrends Associates Methodology. We refer to the methodology as a "best practices" methodology because we did not set out to create a new methodology, but simply to structure the existing business practices that have developed over the past thirty years into a consistent, systematic framework that companies can use to solve process problems.
Artie's contribution to the development of the methodology has been significant, but much more significant, to my mind, has been his contribution to our training and consulting practice. Artie's extensive experience at Mars guarantees his ability to help organizations when they begin to develop their own process resources. He's been there and done it, and can tell you about the problems they had and how they overcome them. And, in the past few years, he's consulted with lots of other companies and learned about their problems and guided them through the beginnings of their own process journeys.
To my mind, however, Artie's greatest strength is as an instructor. Artie Mahal is one of the most knowledgeable and gifted instructors I have known. He brings an unbeatable combination of enthusiasm, empathy, knowledge, and energy to his classes. His students learn; but more important, they catch a spark and become enthusiastic about what they can do with the ideas Artie provides.
BPTrends Associates is currently working on a Methodology Handbook that will systematically document all of the steps and techniques we teach in the BPTrends Associates Methodology. Naturally, when I got Artie's book I looked to see whether he would be preempting our Handbook. Artie certainly does describe the BPTrends Associates approach, but he does so in his own friendly and enthusiastic way. This is not a methodological handbook - this is a book that is very like a conversation with Artie. He's sits you down, talks to you about the kinds of problems you will likely encounter and then suggests what kinds of approaches you should consider.
A quick glance at the contents will give you a feeling for the scope of the book:
1.Enterprise Business Model
2.Business Process Hierarchy
3.Business Process Blueprint
4.Anatomy of a Process
5.Process Knowledge
6.Business Models
7.Process Configuration
8.BPM Methodology
9.BPM Competencies
10.BPM Services
11.Software Tools
12.NewAge Foods Business Process Case Study
Everything is here - goals and strategies, alignment, scope diagrams, cause-effect diagrams, flow diagrams, process measures, redesign strategies and ideas about how to roll out a process. The focus is clearly on redesigning a broken process and the example walks readers through the steps of doing just that. But it does much more because it provides Artie's stories and his suggestions along the way.
When I first started writing books, I used to worry about who my audience was. (Publishers always ask you that.) After awhile I realized that my audience was myself: I write books to organize and explain things to myself. At the beginning of the book, Artie talks about being asked by his manager to take over a major process redesign project and looking for a guru to help him - and meeting Roger Burlton. Well, that was many years ago, and Artie has become a guru in his own right. I believe he has written this book to be the book he would have bought to help him when he was first given that assignment at the beginning of his career.
If you have ever wished you had a very practical friend who could sit down and talk you through just what's involved in improving how work gets done at your organization, this is the book!
I expect this is the book I will be recommending to those who are new to process work for the foreseeable future.


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Rediscover how your organization works and where it can be improved by using simple, yet powerful techniques!
How Work Gets Done will provide the business or IT professional with a practical working knowledge of Business Process Management (BPM). This book is written in a conversational style that encourages you to read it from start to finish and master these objectives:
Learn how to identify the goals and drivers important to your organization and how to align these with key performance measures
Understand how business strategies, business policies, and operational procedures need to be connected within a Business Process Architecture
Know the basic building blocks of any business process - Inputs, Outputs, Guides, and Enablers
Learn how to create a BPM Center of Excellence in your organization
Acquire the skills to establish a BPM methodology addressing Enterprise-level, Process-Level, and Implementation-Level priorities
Learn how to build a Process Competency Framework encompassing all BPM stakeholders
Obtain the knowledge to improve a process step-by-step with easy to use techniques and templates such as swimlanes and flowcharts

How Work Gets Done is a clear, concise, and well-navigated journey into the world of Business Processes and Business Process Management. From a practical introduction through advanced topics around methodology and competencies, it is suitable for business process newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. It should be required reading at all levels of every organization. Eugene Fucetola - Global Application Messaging and Integration, Operations Manager, Mars Information Services

If you have always wished you had a very practical friend who could sit down and talk you through just what is involved improving how work gets done at your organization, this is the book!Paul Harmon - Executive Editor, Business Process Trends and Chief Methodologist, BPTrends Associates

Artie Mahal has done something that was thought to be impossible - produce an easily readable book about business process management. He paints pictures with words, offers many easy-to-grasp analogies, and stimulates with simplifying charts of complex concepts. Leon Fraser- Lecturer, Rutgers Business School

Chapter Listing:

Chapter 1 - Enterprise Business Model
Chapter 2 - Business Process Hierarchy
Chapter 3 - Business Process Blueprint
Chapter 4 - Anatomy of a Process
Chapter 5 - Process Knowledge
Chapter 6 - Business Models
Chapter 7 - Process Configuration
Chapter 8 - BPM Methodology
Chapter 9 - BPM Competencies
Chapter 10 - BPM Services
Chapter 11 - Software Tools
Chapter 12 - NewAge Foods Business Process Case Study

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Mastering Blender Review

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(More customer reviews)
I am a Blender wannabe. I know I'll never be anything more than a tinkerer with it and I certainly don't have the artistic ability to do anything serious with it. Blender is an open source, free 3D program with an impressive list of capabilities. In fact, Blender rivals commercial programs costing thousands of dollars.
"Mastering Blender" is the third Tony Mullen book I've read and it is as impressive as the first two. But Mullen's books are aimed at people who are actually quite proficient with Blender. As Mullen puts it, he is writing for "intermediate and advanced" Blender users. If you've attempted to use Blender, you'll immediately recognize that even achieving the intermediate stage of proficiency requires many hours of learning and doing.
That said, there is nothing that prevents the patient novice Blender user from reading, looking at the pictures and, in my case, gasping both at what Blender can do and at the people like Mullen who can do it.
The first chapter is actually helpful to inexperienced users, as it describes how you can gain control of the Blender interface.
After that, it is strictly for the more advanced and capable user. Sculpting and Retopo Workflow explores sculpting; Creating Realistic Images with UV Textures and Node-Based Materials covers texturing snd then Mullen moves into Video Compositing, which is a Blender feature I didn't know existed.
The next six chapters cover scripting Blender with Python, another revelation, and mastering the Blender Game Engine.
Mullen appears to be one of the most knowledgeable Blender users on the planet. His writing style tends to be matter of fact and very straight-forward. His coverage of each of his subject areas is very thorough. There are many large and clear illustrations.
Overall, though it is highly doubtful that I will personally ever be able to use these Blender capabilities, I really enjoyed learning about them through Mullen's ably crafted book.
Jerry


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Blender, the free alternative for professional-quality 3D animation is a complex program to learn, but once users become familiar with its power, they begin to seek more from it. This book is the first of its kind to explore the more advanced features of Blender so that you can get the most out of the software. You'll take your Blender skills to a whole new level with the featured in-depth coverage of intricate uses for Blender's modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects tools in a professional environment.
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Sculpting the Figure in Clay: An Artistic and Technical Journey to Understanding the Creative and Dynamic Forces in Figurative Sculpture Review

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(More customer reviews)I originally purchased and used Peter Rubino's first book when I began to sculpt. Years later I attended a masters class taught by the author where he opined that one day he would write book on figure sculpture. Apparently he completed and published the book which is great. It clearly describes a tried and true technique for figure sculpture that is an aid to both the novice and advanced sculptor.

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A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SCULPTING THE HUMAN FIGURE IN CLAYIn Sculpting the Figure in Clay,acclaimed portrait bust sculptor and author Peter Rubino teaches a master class in the essentials of figurative sculpture. In this intensive, all-inclusive guide, he introduces students to a natural, straightforward geometry that will help them become masters at forming figures in clay. Rubino's unique approach utilizes a geometric system consisting of blocks, simple shapes, and guidelines that instruct students in a new and instinctive sculptural style. With these easy-to-follow instructions and informative concepts, students will see figures as the basic shapes beneath the form as well as learn vital approaches such as BLT: Bend, Lean, and Turn, to create evocative expression, and the Three Ps: Position, Proportion, and Planes, for accurate representation. This unparalleled resource is the definitive guide to figurative sculpture.TOPICS INCLUDE:• The Fundamentals of the Clay Torso• Observing the Model• Essential Materials and Tools• Sculpting the Female Torso from the Live Model• Sculpting the Reclining Figure from the Live Model• Sculpting the Hand, Foot, and Lower Arm• Plus Many Photographic Reference Poses for continued Study

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Mixed Effects Models and Extensions in Ecology with R Review

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(More customer reviews)Many applications in ecology clearly are not amenable to use of the general linear model due to violations of its assumptions. In fact, in most projects I work on, things like correlation among the errors, nonconstant error variance, etc., are the rule, rather than the exception. If you are looking for an applied text dealing with these types of situations with lots of examples, and demonstrations on analysis in R, then you should get this book. It does not delve into theory; there are plenty of other textbooks where you can fill in those details if you are interested. Rather, this book would be ideally suited for quantitative ecologists, biometricians, and statistical consultants who work in life sciences. Another nice thing is that the book does not assume you are an "R expert". Well done.

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This book discusses advanced statistical methods that can be used to analyse ecological data. Most environmental collected data are measured repeatedly over time, or space and this requires the use of GLMM or GAMM methods. The book starts by revising regression, additive modelling, GAM and GLM, and then discusses dealing with spatial or temporal dependencies and nested data.

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Star Schema The Complete Reference Review

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(More customer reviews)I always been a great fan of Chris Adamson's writing - and "Star Schema - the Complete Reference" further reinforces this admiration.
The text is a model of clarity, and the book's ideas are organized and presented in a way that rewards the reader with well-chosen examples of escalating dimensional elegance and power as progressively more advance concepts are introduced. Chris deftly and wisely avoids investing too much ink in philosophical discussions of data warehousing architectures, by (correctly) pointing out that dimensional models are universally embraced by all thought-leaders for the "last mile" presentation of information to users. So we best model them correctly - regardless of the upstream plumbing that feeds them.
All of the great dimensional design techniques that we've come to expect from Chris are presented here with added depth and context- including truly great materials on modeling each of the fact table types, and brilliant design approaches for hierarchies and aggregates. But I also appreciate the fact that "Star Schema" bravely addresses really tough dimensional design challenges (multi-valued dimensions, factless facts, derived schemas, and many others) that too often confound and frustrate mere mortal (us) practitioners in the field.
Chris has managed to produce a truly practical dimensional data warehouse design book that is at once irrefutably comprehensive, empowering, and yet eminently readable - a very tough balance to strike. Many thanks and congratulations to him - this is a wonderful and important contribution to the field.
Jim Stagnitto
Llumino, Inc. ([...]), Caserta Concepts ([...])

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The definitive guide to dimensional design for your data warehouse
Learn the best practices of dimensional design. Star Schema: The Complete Reference offers in-depth coverage of design principles and their underlying rationales. Organized around design concepts and illustrated with detailed examples, this is a step-by-step guidebook for beginners and a comprehensive resource for experts.
This all-inclusive volume begins with dimensional design fundamentals and shows how they fit into diverse data warehouse architectures, including those of W.H. Inmon and Ralph Kimball. The book progresses through a series of advanced techniques that help you address real-world complexity, maximize performance, and adapt to the requirements of BI and ETL software products. You are furnished with design tasks and deliverables that can be incorporated into any project, regardless of architecture or methodology.
Master the fundamentals of star schema design and slow change processing
Identify situations that call for multiple stars or cubes
Ensure compatibility across subject areas as your data warehouse grows
Accommodate repeating attributes, recursive hierarchies, and poor data quality
Support conflicting requirements for historic data
Handle variation within a business process and correlation of disparate activities
Boost performance using derived schemas and aggregates
Learn when it's appropriate to adjust designs for BI and ETL tools

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BIM Content Development: Standards, Strategies, and Best Practices Review

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(More customer reviews)Simply put, this is a thorough, understandable, and incredibly insightful book. I have been working daily with BIM software and processes for almost 10 years now and this book kept my interest throughout and made me think about things in ways I had not thought of them before. At the same time, the examples are concise and written in such a way that they can be understood by even the newest BIM user.
My only `complaint' about the book is that the title suggests that it is just a content development book when it is so much more. While there is certainly a focus on content, the best part of this book for me is that it takes the reader through the basic theories of BIM and how it relates to the future of the construction industry, giving the user not only the best practices, but an understanding of WHY they are best practices.
With his background in specifications, Robert has developed a very deep level insight into the classification of construction materials and systems, from how they were developed to where they are now to how they can be used to bring about the future of the industry. It's exciting to see this level of detail and understanding put into print; this book will be an invaluable resource to our industry for a long time.
To sum up, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about BIM. Thank you Robert for the good read!


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A must-have reference to create content-rich BIM objects and models
A cutting-edge technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software allows AEC professionals to produce data-intensive 3D building models that far exceed those rendered with the 2D limitations of CAD, today's industry standard. Unlike CAD, however, no consensus has been reached among AEC industries for agreed upon guidelines directing BIM models. To fill this void, this book explores the different approaches used in designing a BIM model and incorporates them into one cohesive strategy that serves as a digital road map going forward.
BIM Content Development:

Details the various types of information (graphic and data) that Building Information Modeling (BIM) can gather about a building, such as its dimensions and material, its performance, its functionality, its interaction with other structures, and how often it must be maintained

Presents a vendor-neutral approach to thinking about, organizing, and managing data used to create a 3D building model

Covers the different methods for organizing content, such as CSI's MasterFormat®, Uniformat, OmniClass, and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

Providing the means and methods for effective content creation, BIM Content Development offers sound guidance for graphic standards and data management solutions to maximize the ability of professionals to operate on any BIM software platform—and shows how to strengthen the decision-making process to unleash powerful tools for modeling a building's informational profile.

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Pop Sculpture: How to Create Action Figures and Collectible Statues Review

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(More customer reviews)I spent about ten years of my life writing and helping to promote popular collectibles from action figures to resin busts. It's very easy for an outsider to be dismissive of the art of such things - who didn't own a Princess Leia action figure that made her look more simian than human. But the truth is, the mass manufacturing process means that sometimes a lot of detail gets lost. Certainly in my time I saw the standards of sculpting rise from the barely acceptable to the truly stunning. I dare anyone to walk into the Four Horsemen's studios and look at the Masters of the Universe 2-Ups (basically a prototype at twice the finished size) and not have their breath taken away.
Tim Bruckner is one, if not the best, in the business. He's a pro's pro - a sculptor other sculptors look up to. If you've ever seen DC Direct's Alex Ross-inspired Justice Line you can see a lot of his best work. In fact he's worked on a lot of DC Direct's properties bringing various comic artists' drawings into the 3D realm.
So now Tim has teamed up with Zach Oat of Toyfare fame and Rubén Procopio (Electric Tiki amongst other things) to bring us the definitive book on creating action figures and statues.
You'd think with the number of customizers and people wanting to break into the industry there would be a wealth of books on the subject, but this is the first one I've ever seen, and frankly, after being amazed by how comprehensive it is, I don't think another one is ever going to be needed.
What's stunning about this book is the level of detail. It goes into everything, filled not just with information, but tips as well. It starts with looking at the art reference, goes through the sculpting and casting to painting and ends with tips on going pro. Gorgeous photography detailing the various processes sit alongside little cartoon asides that not only raise a smile but raise pertinent points.
If you've ever marvelled at the level of art in an action figure or bust, then this is a fascinating book even if you have no intention of ever sculpting yourself. You can just dip into it and always come back with some new piece of knowledge you never had before. But if you're into customizing and hoping one day to turn it into a full-time job then this book is a god-send. Seriously, in ten years' time I reckon this will be THE textbook every sculptor learns from.
As someone who worked on the fringes of the industry for ten years, it's an incredible book. For anyone looking to get into the industry I'd say it's pretty much damn well essential.

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Sculpt toys and collectibles with modern-day tools, techniques and applications used by today's top industry professionals Ever since a 12-inch G.I. Joe took toy soldiers to a whole new level by giving them the ability to pose via moveable parts, as well as interchangeable clothing and accessories, the business of creating pop sculpture icons for the mass market was off and running. Superheroes came next, followed by TV show and movie characters, most notably those from Star Wars. Today, action figures exist for sports stars, rock stars, even presidents. With today's blockbuster success of animated films, action figures and collectibles have become a behemoth industry—with a growing need for skilled artists who can bring these characters to life. So how do you get started? The trio of veteran industry insiders who authored this book take you on an incredibly thorough journey that begins with drawing conceptual drafts and continues through rough sculpting and honing the final product. Along the way, you'll learn how to research your character, shape casts from a variety of materials including wax and resin, make accessories, articulate characters so that they are poseable, paint them, and ultimately convince an art director to buy and manufacture them. Whether you want to make small PVC toys, collectible statues, or larger high-end collectibles, Pop Sculpture offers step-by-step demos and words of wisdom from the pros.

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Modeling the '50s: The Glory Years of Rail (Model Railroader) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased a copy of this book to learn more about the railroading industry in the 50s. The book provides a good overview of what railroading in 50s looked like in the US, and provides good tips and how-to's on how to make the model railroad look the right way. For example, the book includes information on how steam locomotives were weathered at that time due to lack of maintenance, how diesels weathered, right of way trackside structures still present in the 50s, or details such as the fact that stop signs were yellow instead of red. The narration of the book is centered around several model railroads which are used as examples. Overall I strongly recommend it to anyone who is interested in modeling the 50s, the transition era, and has not lived during that time :-)

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The Art Model's Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists Review

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(More customer reviews)The Art Model's Handbook, by Andrew Cahner is one of those books I look at and exclaim, "Why didn't anyone write a book like this before..?"
If you use artist's models in your studio, work as an artist's model, or have ever thought of working as an artist's model*... you need to own a copy of this book.
Yes, I usually say, "Read this book at your public library first, and see if you want to buy it." However, this is the kind of book that you'll refer to so often, you may as well buy a copy and save yourself multiple treks to the library.
This book is 141 pages of to-the-point information. There's no fluff, and the author is knowledgeable, experienced, and addresses issues on both sides of the canvas (or sketchpad).
Author Andrew Cahner has left nothing out. He tackles the difficult aspects of nudity in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, he tells you the two things that every model must bring with him (or her), and then lists many items that will make your work easier and create a more professional environment.
Chapter by chapter, Cahner provides useful tips and the kind of information every artist -- and artist's model -- needs to think about before, during and after a modeling session.
For example, the author provides some brilliant ways to research poses, so you don't stand in front of the group, blink, and ask shakily, "Err... what do you want me to do?" (Likewise, if you're working with models, these resources will avoid wasted time while the artists try to think of poses, and the model responds, "Okay, how about this?".)
There's even a list of useful links to find modeling work, online.
If there's anything missing from this book -- from either the model or artist's standpoint -- I can't see it. And, I'm speaking as a third-generation artist who worked as an artist's model during her college years.
I rarely give a book five stars, but -- for this topic -- I can't think of any way the author could have improved the book. Every working artist and every classroom that uses models should have a copy of this book in their studios. When you have a question, the answer will be right there.
And, of course, every working model should own one as well.
I read many books about and for artists, and this one stands out as a brilliant idea, well executed and long overdue. It's well-written and easy to read, but -- even more importantly -- it's a useful reference that provides far more than just the basics.*If you're willing to sit still for 20 minutes at a time -- with a roomful of people staring at you -- this can be a fine career choice for people who need work or want extra income. Taking off your clothes is optional but will significantly increase your chances of getting work, but it's not vital. (Portrait and other models are needed, too, but -- for economy -- classes often swap-out students in those roles. At the very least, the competition is more fierce.)
Even better, this book will explain the nuances of working in this field so you don't feel like a total novice.
-- Aisling D'Art, senior editor, Art Books Reviews

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The nude figure has been the subject of art for centuries and continues to inspire contemporary artists. Figure drawing is part of the core curriculum at art schools and college art departments. Art models young and old play an important role in this creative process. So how does one learn how to become an art model?The Art Model's Handbook explains what you need to know to model for art classes and professional artists. You'll learn about the structure of figure drawing sessions, how to come up with interesting poses, costume modeling, professional conduct, finding work, and security concerns. Awkward but important questions about nudity and body issues are addressed. Guidelines for faculty and sample policies are also included.The book is based on the experience of the author, plus interviews with male and female models, artists, fine art photographers, and art school management. This is the definitive guide for art models, artists, and workshop leaders.

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True Confessions of Nude Photography: A step-by-step guide to recruiting beautiful models, lighting, photographing nudes, post-processing images, and maybe even getting paid to do it. Review

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(More customer reviews)As a seasoned travel photographer, my genre is quite the antithesis of this one: I shoot primarily outdoors rather than in-studio, I rely solely on natural lighting, I profoundly prefer candid shots over posed, and next to never do I digitally manipulate my images.
The upside to constantly traveling across the world is I know probably better than anyone which cities and countries are home to the most lovely ladies (Tokyo tops the list). I have always envied photogs who work in the comfortable confines of a studio, interact with a bevy of beautiful women and certainly get paid far better for their work than I. Why, then, shouldn't I give it a try?
But before actually delving into nude photography, I first have been flipping through numerous volumes of photo technique guides to see if it is indeed a genre I could easily convert to (i.e. teaching an old dog new tricks), but thus far I have been put off by what I have seen: guides that are either excruciatingly technical or out-dated to the point of uselessness.
And then comes along True Confessions, a brand-spanking-new book that blessedly incorporates pretty much every up-to-date aspect of the nude photography profession into a refreshingly fun instructional manual for amateurs and pros alike.
With over 20 years nude photography experience ("hundreds" of naked girls, by his last count, lucky devil) combined with proper schooling, I can't think of a better teacher than A.K. Nicholas. But even more important than his own experience and credentials is Nicholas' talent as an author for being able to convey a highly-technical skill such as studio photography into easy-to-follow text and diagrams that will immediately put the reader at ease. "You'll learn from my successes AND from my mistakes," writes Nicholas. As a photographer who is entirely self-taught and has limited technical background, I appreciated this most about True Confessions.
At a 120+ pages, True Confessions is comprehensive. 20 of those pages are dedicated to the most challenging aspect of the job: recruiting and shooting models. Our Savior Nicholas plots it all out for us in hip lingo akin to the rules of dating ("I never call after a third `no'"; "concentrate on booking a specific day, not a specific model"). He then moves on to studio etiquette, such as how (not) to physically handle a model's fun-parts, tips to make a new nude feel relaxed, and chatting a model up. "My goal is to make images, not to make friends," states Nicholas. Elliot DiMauro from `Just Shoot Me' would be so disappointed.
A sheer quarter of the book is on the art of lighting. Due to my personal jones for natural light, I was admittedly was initially loath to read this chapter. But Nicholas' cool reasoning ("the key to background light is not a lot of light, but a lot of lightS") complimented by helpful illustrated diagrams, example images and informational text - and even a token few pages on outdoor lighting - those 30 pages were, well, illuminating.
Arguable the most useful section of this book is on posing and composition. Nicholas dips into the "pin-up versus art" debate and critiques the mythical "Golden Mean" method, encouraging us to "depart from the formulaic," though ultimately the author suggests a combination of classic and experimental composition to create new poses. The chapter closes (read: rewards us) with a whopping 100 (!) different sample poses ranging from traditional to avant-garde that are sure to give Playboy a run for its money.
Post-processing is covered in-depth (he suggests "a day of post-processing for every hour of shooting"), including instructional screen-captures of the most up-to-date computer software tips. Advice on shooting for microstock and making/selling 3D reference photos follows. A helpful glossary and sample model release forms close out the appendix.
While the author gets quite specific about lighting, he avoids suggesting specific lenses or gear, which may frustrate newbie photogs who prefer to have their hands held on such matters. And with the exception of the un-credited oriental beauty on page 60, I would have liked to see more exotic models (Latina, Asian, African American, Indian) instead of a purely-Anglo cast, as ethnic skin tones photograph far differently. However, Nicholas can consider such suggestions for a "True Confessions Part 2: International Nudes."
###
Tom Carter is the author of CHINA: Portrait of a People

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Learn to photograph beautiful nude female models by reading this book.It's a step-by-step guide to recruiting beautiful models, lighting, photographing nudes, post-processing images, and maybe even getting paid to do it.Prior experience with nude models is not required to benefit from this how-to guide. This guide can be enjoyed by anyone, but is written for two main audiences: the accomplished photographer wanting insight from a peer, and the serious amateur wanting a guided introduction to the field.

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Up Clear Creek on the narrow gauge: Modeling the Colorado & Southern Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent, well written and illustrated book with lots of real "meat" on the subject. Highly recommend this and Harry's second companion book!!!

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Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure Review

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(More customer reviews)This seminal work on figure sculpting has been a standard reference for both students and teachers of fine sculpture for almost two generations. Lanteri goes beyond typical systematic instruction for recreating anatomical form and demistifies techniques for infusing one's work with the humanity that will elevate it to the level of true sculpture. It is a text that is worth reading from cover to cover as it essentially encompasses a four year course in fine sculpture. It is also valuable as a reference for materials, anatomy and basic technique.

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Covers modelling from casts, live models; measurements; frameworks; scale of proportions; compositions; reliefs, drapery, medals, etc. 107 full-page photographic plates. 27 other photographs. 175 drawings and diagrams.

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Architectural Modeling & Rendering with AutoCad R13 and R14 Review

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(More customer reviews)Within a week I was making my first 3d architectural model with good results. This book is very good and avoids to be general: it is focused on architecture and that is a relief after seeing a lot of books which explain autocad features with examples from all disciplines (mechanics, etc), which tend to confuse time-needing architects and draftmen. I recommended it in full.
The tutorial about shadow rendering is good but I had some trouble getting the right result (Acad R14). There is a bug in Autocad render module when MS Windows is set to international settings, I lost a couple of days finding out the solution to this problem. I found it at the technical support page of Autodesk. In the book there is no mention to it.

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Everything architects need to master AutoCAD(r)'s exciting modeling and rendering features.
When it comes to modeling and rendering with AutoCAD R13 and R14, this user-friendly book/CD package makes it easy to generate outstanding results. While it equips AutoCAD novices with the knowledge and skills required to create polished architectural drawings, models, and renderings, it also offers experienced AutoCAD users the information they need to use all of the program's outstanding new modeling, rendering, and animation features.
Rather than just explaining how the software works, Branko Kolarevic guides you step by step through increasingly complex exercises built around Andrea Palladio's Renaissance masterpiece, "Villa Rotonda." Coverage is divided into four sections covering 2-D drawing, 3-D modeling, rendering, and animation. Each section begins with an introduction to key theoretical concepts that is followed by a series of skill-building tutorials demonstrating these principles in action.
To help shorten the AutoCAD learning curve even further, the enclosed CD-ROM provides a library of all of the drawing, modeling, rendering, and animation steps detailed in the book. The CD is flexibly designed to allow users the freedom to focus on the supplied tutorials or to create their own designs based on the techniques described in the book.
Together, this book and the accompanying CD-ROM give architects and students the ability to explore the full potential of the most popular architectural CAD software in use today.

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The Data Model Resource Book, Vol. 1: A Library of Universal Data Models for All Enterprises Review

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(More customer reviews)I like this book. It definitely saves a lot of time and mistakes while data modelling which is one thing you better get right in your app as data migration to a new model both at the app and database level is often a time consuming and bug prone process.
That being said the locked cd is a nuisance and sometimes the data model becomes almost ridiculously detailed. For instance in one part of the book the author talks about extending the person data model to include things such as the history of the person's gender (for instance if they had multiple sex changes). I have seen a lot of overbuilt data models that had lots of entities that were rarely used and contributed to a significant amount of clutter and generally overwhelmed developers with useless details and planning for corner cases that never happened.

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Fun with Modeling Clay (Kids Can Do It) Review

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(More customer reviews)My mom bought me this book back when I was little and it was the starting point for me in learning the art of sculpting. The lessons are easy to understand and fun to do so both kids and parents can sculpt together. It can really inspire a creative side in your children that you may not have known was there. Little did my mom know when she bought me this book, years later I would run my very own successful sculpting company. Thank you Barbara Reid for creating such a wonderful book for children!

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Internationally recognized artist Barbara Reid reveals her secrets for turning lumps of modeling clay into fun, fantastic pictures and characters of all kinds. Easy-to-follow illustrated instructions in this book in the Kids Can Do It series show kids how to make a zoo full of animals, a rocket launch pad, a 3-D prehistoric dinosaur hangout -- and much more! All they need to get started is some modeling clay (any kind will do), a few easy-to-find tools, a good imagination and these helpful tips from an expert.

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Excel Data Analysis: Your visual blueprint for creating and analyzing data, charts and PivotTables Review

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(More customer reviews)The third updated edition of Microsoft Excel Data Analysis offers an excellent visual approach to professional-level computer instruction in Excel, and uses web-based applications as keys to creating formulas, working with functions, performing predictions, automating Excel with macros, and adding color and customizing results. No Excel collection should be without this!


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Advanced techniques for Excel power users
Crunch and analyze Excel data the way the professionals do with this clean, uncluttered, visual guide to advanced Excel techniques. Using numerous screenshots and easy-to-follow numbered steps, this book clearly shows you how to perform professional-level modeling, charting, data access, data slicing, and other functions. You'll find super techniques for getting the most out of Excel's statistical and financial functions, Excel PivotTables and PivotCharts, Excel Solver, and more.
Provides a clear look at power-using Excel, the world's leading spreadsheet application from Microsoft, and part of the new Microsoft Office 2010 suite
Expands your Excel knowledge and helps you use Excel data more efficiently
Demonstrates how to retrieve data from databases;; cut, slice, and pivot data using PivotTables; model data and chart data; and use advanced formulas
Explores all features and functions in friendly, two-color pages packed with screenshots, numbered steps, and other visual graphics that clearly show you how to accomplish tasks
Includes practical examples, tips, and advice to help you get the most out of Excel's features and functions

Learn Excel at the highest levels with this practical guide.

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A Guide to Appraisal Valuation Modeling Review

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(More customer reviews)Given its monetary importance, it is not at all surprising that real estate valuation would be one of the first activities to be automated. Even though the concepts needed were in place long before the first AVM tools make their way on the market, the technology and data was not available. The Internet explosion changed all that, and now the enormity of the available real estate information actually dictates that automated valuation be performed. The use of AVMs has made appraisals dramatically less expensive, and most importantly, has lowered the incidence of fraud by removing the human element and the consequent temptation to inflate housing prices. And even more importantly, the declining real estate market at the present time and the accompanying aversion towards risk by lending institutions has resulted in the development and use of many different types of AVM tools, and vendors of these tools are working diligently to improve and market them.
Appraisal valuation modeling, the subject of this very short book, can be considered to be a branch of the field of spatial econometrics. The content of the book however is quite elementary, and no sophisticated mathematics is used. Many AVM tools make heavy use of concepts from artificial intelligence and mathematical statistics, but the authors have chosen to write a book that will be helpful to the mortgage underwriter/risk manager, and so the book is not directed towards developers or modelers. The book addresses several questions important to these types of readers: 1. How can appraisers decide which type of analysis to use and how can one AVM tool be distinguished from another? 2. What is the difference between `mass' and `single-property' appraisals? 3. What is the difference between `cost', `sales comparison', and `income capitalization' approaches to valuation? 4. What are the advantages and disadvantages in using `adjustable' versus `fixed' AVM tools? 5. Is an AVM tool that is dependent on dozens of different variables always better than one that is based only on a few? 6. When can a valuation model be considered to be "good"? 7. How do you incorporate "subjective" property characteristics in a valuation model?


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A Guide to Appraisal Valuation Modeling will introduce skeptics to the mathematical modeling of market behavior. The handbook covers fundamental statistics and the basics of regression analysis and model construction. Many of these topics are brought together in a case study on the valuation of lots in an actual residential subdivision.

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