This is the cover to my first book. Check it out at amazon or Barnes & Noble.

1. Stern
About Rocky Nook
Build a Better Photograph
Michael E. Stern, a professional photographer
since graduating from Art Center College of
Design in 1979, has been working in the enter-
tainment industry with The Walt Disney Co.,
Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studios,
Build a Better Photograph
and Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures, among others. A Disciplined Approach to Creativity
He has photographed executives, celebrities,
Michael E. Stern
products, architecture and created special visu- Foreword by Mark Galer
al effects. In 1995, he added digital imaging so-
lutions to his repertoire. In 2000, while working
Build a Better Photograph is an excursion into Build a Better Photograph emphasizes working
on a project for Disney’s California Adventure,
the creative process of an experienced profes- out how to achieve the end result before starting
he honed his skill set as a digital restoration ex-
sional photographer. While many books address to shoot. Learn how to determine which photo-
pert and continues working today on a variety
of other projects. the equipment, techniques, and compositional graphic approach to use, and which aspects of
approaches to image creation, few describe the the composition should be achieved at capture
In addition to beta-testing hardware and steps involved in the development of the pic- and which can be best accomplished during Rocky Nook‘s mission is to publish books on
software for several companies, Michael is also ture idea. Michael Stern demystifies the creative postproduction. Illustrated with examples of cutting-edge developments in photography,
adjunct faculty at Brooks Institute of Photo- process he has successfully employed for over works in progress and finished images, each with imaging, and technology that really matter,
graphy in Ventura, California as an instructor in two decades in the fields of environmental por- a detailed examination of the creative process and to focus on practical usage that will
digital imaging, reflective metering techniques, traiture, product photography, 3D scanning, and for that particular photograph. enhance capabilities. Our ultimate goal is to
and location lighting for budding photojour- compositing techniques.
The accompanying DVD contains additional im- foster image quality.
nalists. Finally, he has produced customized
Photoshop tutorials for working professionals How do artists conceptualize? Where do they ages, Virtual Reality panoramas and short videos Our authors have a substantial amount of
who need precise, clear information presented get their ideas? How do they incorporate those of photographic sessions, reference tutorials, experience and deep technical understanding
in an innovative way. ideas into their work? These questions and and much more. of the subject matter. Although our books
others are explored during actual assignments, will cover technology to a large extent, our
along with discussions about the technical and mission goes beyond technology to promote
business skills needed to succeed in commercial and support creativity, quality, and efficiency.
photography.
Rocky Nook is based in Santa Barbara,
California and is closely associated with
dpunkt.verlag in Germany.
53495 ISBN: 978-1-933952-18-5
US $ 34.95
www.rockynook.com
CAN $ 41.95
9 781933 952185
Stern, Build a Better Picture, ISBN 978-1-933952-18-5 ©2009 Designer: Terri Wright
Text and cover printer: Friesens, Canada Binding: Paperback Trim: 8" x 10" CMYK Page Count: 152