Empty Quarter: A Photographic Journey to the Heart of the Arabian Desert; by George Steinmetz; Abrams; $40; (ISBN: 978-0-8109-8381-6)
Aerial photographer George Steinmetz captured this breathtaking collection of 150 full-color images while strapped from the harness of a motorized paraglider drifting hundreds of feet above the blazing hot sand. His bravery offered...

This is an excerpt from Norman McGrath’s “Architectural Photography: Professional Techniques for Shooting Interior and Exterior Spaces”, a definitive and up-to-date guide to modern architectural photography.

The following is an excerpt from “Camera Raw 101: Better Photos with Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom” by Jon Canfield. This is a revision of the popular introductory book on using Adobe Camera Raw and is updated to include all of the new Raw image-processing features in Photoshop CS4 and Elements 7. Because the Raw-processing features are identical in Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom 2...

The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants; by Wolfgang Stuppy, Rob Kesseler, and Madeline Harley; Firefly Books; $29.95; (ISBN: 978-1-55407-533-1)
Seeds, fruit, and pollen take on a strange almost alien form when seen in an extreme close-up view. The minute abstract details that were once hidden from our eyes are revealed in this collection of crisp and vibrantly...

Giving and receiving photography books can yield benefits all around. They can serve as inspiration for you and other photographers in your family and circle of friends.

Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Studio Photography; by Kirk Tuck; Amherst Media; $34.95; (ISBN-13: 978-1-58428-250-1)
Photographer Kirk Tuck uses his years of professional experience to take an in-depth look at studio photography. He dispels the myths by providing advice on purchasing the proper lighting equipment, even if you happen to be on a...