Every year a dozen or more books cross my desk in search of recommendations.\u00a0 Some are outstanding, some so-so and some just plain not worth the paper they are written on.\u00a0 The following are all in the outstanding category \u2013 worth a read if you are looking for any of these topics. Let\u2019s start with the photography category:<\/p>\n
Photoshop CC and Lightroom: A Photographer’s Handbook<\/a><\/p>\n If you want the manual that didn\u2019t come with your copies of Photoshop or Lightroom or Bridge, then this could be your book. You won\u2019t find gimmicky special effects here, but you will gain the basic knowledge to do quality editing with these Adobe products. Laskevitch is an Adobe certified instructor.otoot<\/p>\n The beginning section of the book deals in setting up your software, the most common ways to set your preferences and the tools needed to do your basic editing.\u00a0 The second half of the book details the \u201cworkflow\u201d \u2013 what to do first, second, etc.\u00a0 Certain editing tasks can be done whenever, but they usually work best when done in a logical order.\u00a0 This is where you\u2019ll gain the priceless knowledge of someone who knows what he is talking about \u2013 having set up workflows for hundreds of corporate and individual photographers.<\/p>\n 344 pages.<\/p>\n Photographic Composition: Principles of Image Design<\/a><\/p>\n Ever heard the saying \u201cGreat photographers make pictures, they don\u2019t take pictures.\u201d? What they are referring to is composition<\/em>. It is the one element of the photo that can make the difference between \u201cWow\u201d and \u201cHo-hum.\u201d<\/p>\n Rissler includes a very thorough discussion of the topic and accompanies the discussion with 250 black and white images to illustrate the concepts. Diving much deeper than just the \u201cRule of Thirds,\u201d Rissler discusses form, proportion, brightness, contrast, texture, harmony and structure \u2013 all elements that can affect composition.<\/p>\n If you are serious about your photography, this is a worthwhile read.<\/p>\n[easyazon_link asin=”145041253X” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”thetra03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Hiking Ohio by Gary S. Williams[\/easyazon_link]\n Ohio certainly has an abundance of hike-worthy areas across the state, and Williams has corralled 83 of them for this compendium.\u00a0 Each trail is described with its physical attributes and things to watch for while hiking. Hikes are grouped by geographical region and are accompanied by simple maps and GPS coordinates.\u00a0 Each is assigned a difficulty rating so you\u2019ll know what you are signing up for. If you\u2019ll be spending some time hiking in the Buckeye State, this is a perfect place to begin your research.\u00a0 298 pages.<\/p>\n[easyazon_link asin=”1626361371″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”thetra03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Get Sponsored by Jeff Blumenfeld[\/easyazon_link]\n Ever wonder how certain adventurers afford their round-the-world odysseys?\u00a0 Wish you could get someone to send you?\u00a0 While it\u2019s certainly not an easy thing to do \u2013 it is possible\u2026if you\u2019ve got some marketing savvy.\u00a0 That\u2019s where this book comes in.<\/p>\n It won\u2019t teach you how to pack or how to reach a mountain peak, but rather, it prepares you for the uphill climb of finding the appropriate sponsor, assuring them of your qualifications and finally putting together a sponsorship deal.\u00a0 Blumenfeld even give you his top ten tips for obtaining sponsorships.<\/p>\n The deals are not easy to do, but if you\u2019ve got a special talent and a special dream adventure, this book may be just what you need to get it financed.<\/p>\n 240 pages<\/p>\n[easyazon_link asin=”B00M9GQ1NI” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”thetra03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Doing Business God\u2019s Way by Santiago Riviera[\/easyazon_link]\n No matter what your business or life plan, there\u2019s a right way and a wrong way to go about it.\u00a0 Riviera takes you step by step, aligning your goals with those of the creator.\u00a0 In an easy-to-read book, Riviera helps you ground yourself and see life as it was meant to be lived.<\/p>\n While the business world can seem entirely unrelated to Christendom, there is a place for Christ in every business, and Riviera makes a good case for why sustainable businesses do just that.\u00a0\u00a0 Before you\u2019re done, you\u2019ll have a complete checklist to guide your journey.<\/p>\n[easyazon_link asin=”0692315594″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”thetra03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Pocket Man by Scott Jordan[\/easyazon_link]\n Just released, this fun-to-read book is written back the inventor of the SCOTTeVEST, the jacket or vest with dozens (literally) of pockets for every electronic gadget imaginable.\u00a0 Told in a hilarious manner, it\u2019s the story of how he promoted himself and his invention to enviable success in a short amount of time.\u00a0 Not a step by step guide, but rather a series of stories and anecdotes that anyone could and should try to emulate if they want success for their business.<\/p>\n Grab a copy, get yourself a cold one and be prepared to not want to put this one down.\u00a0 A great story and one that should give hope to many other serial entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every year a dozen or more books cross my desk in search of recommendations.\u00a0 Some are outstanding, some so-so and some just plain not worth the paper they are written on.\u00a0 The following are all in the outstanding category \u2013 worth a read if you are looking for any of these topics. Let\u2019s start with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11628,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3636,607],"tags":[394,3040,3042,3039,3041],"class_list":["post-11626","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-past","category-tech-gadgets-gear-2","tag-books","tag-business-books","tag-hiking-books","tag-photography-books","tag-spiritual-books"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=150%2C112&ssl=1",150,112,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1",300,225,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1",768,576,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1",600,450,true],"rpg_gallery_admin_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"rpg_gallery_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,true],"gb-block-post-grid-landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"gb-block-post-grid-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1",600,600,true],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=510%2C382&ssl=1",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=400%2C516&ssl=1",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1",800,600,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=800%2C551&ssl=1",800,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1",480,270,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":" Every year a dozen or more books cross my desk in search of recommendations.\u00a0 Some are outstanding, some so-so and some just plain not worth the paper they are written on.\u00a0 The following are all in the outstanding category \u2013 worth a read if you are looking for any of these topics. Let\u2019s start with the photography category: Photoshop CC and Lightroom: A Photographer’s Handbook If you want the manual that didn\u2019t come with your copies of Photoshop or Lightroom or Bridge, then this could be your book. You won\u2019t find gimmicky special effects here, but you will gain the…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"Past<\/a>, Tech, Gadgets & Gear<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Doug","url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/PC.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Past<\/a>","Tech, Gadgets & Gear<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Past<\/span>","Tech, Gadgets & Gear<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["books<\/a>","business books<\/a>","hiking books<\/a>","photography books<\/a>","spiritual books<\/a>"],"unlinked":["books<\/span>","business books<\/span>","hiking books<\/span>","photography books<\/span>","spiritual books<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 11 years ago","modified":"Updated 10 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on November 5, 2014","modified":"Updated on July 28, 2016"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on November 5, 2014 8:28 am","modified":"Updated on July 28, 2016 8:09 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-31w","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1105,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/tiffen-dfx-3-0-for-your-creative-side\/","url_meta":{"origin":11626,"position":0},"title":"Tiffen Dfx 3.0 \u2013 for your creative side","author":"Doug","date":"March 8, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Newest version of Tiffen Dfx simulates 2,000+ glass filters, lenses, film grains and more Back in the \u201cgood old\u201d days, photographers had to choose which filters they were going to pack on each assignment and chances are the one you needed might not have made the cut. Today with digital\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"EZ-Mask-grad-and-gobo.jpg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/111022111022Lion-EZ-Mask-grad-and-gobo.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/111022111022Lion-EZ-Mask-grad-and-gobo.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/111022111022Lion-EZ-Mask-grad-and-gobo.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/111022111022Lion-EZ-Mask-grad-and-gobo.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":239,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/the-wild-side-of-photography-written-by-cyrill-harnischmacher\/","url_meta":{"origin":11626,"position":1},"title":"The Wild Side of Photography \u2013 written by Cyrill Harnischmacher","author":"Doug","date":"February 22, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Most every photographer loves to have people compliment them on their pictures. But, let\u2019s face it, not every picture is compliment worthy. The world is full of way too many boring photos. Cyrill Harnischmacher is out to change that in his newest book The Wild Side Of Photography. This is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CjrcLmKW-Ys\/TWRNiUUBWTI\/AAAAAAAAAV0\/1Q6n1het8Dg\/s320\/wild%2Bside%2Bcover.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":722,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/photoshop-down-dirty-tricks-for-designers-by-corey-barker-a-book-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":11626,"position":2},"title":"Photoshop Down & Dirty Tricks for Designers by Corey Barker\u2013 a book review","author":"Doug","date":"February 2, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"This \u201cDown & Dirty\u201d is the newest update to the series started back with Photoshop v6 Corey Barker has taken over this series from Scott Kelby and does a marvelous job of continuing to provide easy to follow, complete step-by-step instructions on creating some of the most awesome graphics with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Photoshop Down and Dirty Tricks","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Photoshop-Down-and-Dirty-Tricks.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":14132,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/four-fathers-day-2015-ideas-for-under-100\/","url_meta":{"origin":11626,"position":3},"title":"Five Father\u2019s Day 2015 ideas for under $100","author":"Doug","date":"June 5, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Father\u2019s Day is almost upon us and let\u2019s remember that he will always appreciate a gadget more than a tie.\u00a0 Here are five pieces of high and low tech that should be ideal for dad\u2019s.\u00a0 Each item is under $100, so hopefully you\u2019ll find something to match your budget. Aquabot\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Past"","block_context":{"text":"Past","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/past\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"AfterShockz Bluez 2 headphones","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/61Ut-0HqrOL._SL1000_.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/61Ut-0HqrOL._SL1000_.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/61Ut-0HqrOL._SL1000_.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/61Ut-0HqrOL._SL1000_.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13758,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/ez-mask-how-to-make-digital-compositing-fun\/","url_meta":{"origin":11626,"position":4},"title":"EZ Mask \u2013 How to make digital compositing fun","author":"Doug","date":"June 2, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"When you wish the background in your picture was different, you\u2019ve got two choices. A) Go back and reshoot it or B) Use EZ Mask from Digital Film Tools.\u00a0 If you want an exotic background, like maybe Fiji, you\u2019ll find EZ Mask to be much cheaper & faster, albeit maybe\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Photography"","block_context":{"text":"Photography","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/photography-2\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Tools.png?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Tools.png?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Tools.png?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Tools.png?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Tools.png?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11017,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/new-adobe-elements-13-now-available\/","url_meta":{"origin":11626,"position":5},"title":"New Adobe Elements 13 now available","author":"Doug","date":"September 24, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Like their predecessors, Adobe Photoshop Elements 13 and Premiere Elements 13 maintain the right amount of robust organizational and editing tools that have made them extremely popular. These new versions further build on Adobe\u2019s efforts to make their products relevant to the ever-growing number of photographers whose work is destined\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Past"","block_context":{"text":"Past","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/past\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Adobe-Elements.jpg?fit=648%2C310&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Adobe-Elements.jpg?fit=648%2C310&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Adobe-Elements.jpg?fit=648%2C310&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11626"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11626\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}