"Once a guarded cinematic secret, this definitive history reveals for the first time the art and craft of Hollywood's hand painted-backdrops, and pays homage to the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen." -- Slipcase.

"There's a story behind every research study." In Backdrop, Gayle Pitman narrates the "story" behind the science of sexual orientation - a science that has been rife with contradictions and controversies. Pitman argues that, when it comes to sexual orientation research, we could potentially glean more powerful insights from the backdrop of politics and personalities behind the research than from the actual studies themselves. Beginning with a focus on the causes of sexual orientation, moving then to the politics of transgender and intersex identities, and culminating in the political controversies of reparative therapy, "don't ask, don't tell," and same-sex marriage, Backdrop brings into focus the rich and textured landscape behind the scientific research findings. Filled with plot twists and developments, variegated characters (the scientists as well as the activists and reactionaries), and thorny political, moral, and philosophical questions, Backdrop brings the science to life, raising more complex questions while simultaneously providing us with a more nuanced understanding of gender and sexual orientation.

The definitive behind-the-scenes history of one of Hollywood’s most closely guarded cinematic secrets finally revealed—painted backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen. In almost every feature film of Hollywood’s golden age, from The Wizard of Oz to North by Northwest to Cleopatra to The Sound of Music, painted backings have convinced moviegoers that what they are seeing—whether the fantastic roads of Oz, the presidents of Mount Rushmore, or ancient Egyptian kingdoms—is absolutely real. These backings are at once intended to transport the audience and yet remain unseen for what they really are. The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop reveals the hidden world and creators of these masterpieces, long-guarded as a special effects secret by the major studios such as MGM, Warner Brothers, Universal, Columbia, 20th Century Fox, and Paramount. Despite the continued use of hand-painted backings in today’s films, including the big-budget Interstellar and Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events among many others, digital technology is beginning to supplant the art form. In an effort to preserve the irreplaceable knowledge of scenic masters, Karen Maness and Richard Isackes, in collaboration with the Art Directors Guild, have compiled a definitive history of the craft, complete with interviews of the surviving artists. This is a rich undiscovered history—a history replete with competing art departments, dynastic scenic families, and origins stretching back to the films of Méliès, Edison, Sennett, Chaplin, and Fairbanks.

Every portrait has something behind the subject - and while that background is not the focus of the image, it's a factor that can make or break the shot. In Backdrops and Backgrounds, Ryan Klos takes readers through the full range of options. For studio shoots, he outlines how to select, care for, position and light a wide range of backdrops. For location shoots, Klos covers the selection, modification and lighting of backdrops in urban, residential, rural and park settings. Readers will learn essential techniques to capturing the perfect portrait.

Turn your wedding into a breathtaking event with "DIY Wedding Backdrops: Elegant Designs for Your Special Day."This book is a treasure trove of rare and valuable information, offering everything you need to create show-stopping, personalized backdrops that perfectly capture the essence of your love story. From luxurious floral arches and dramatic fabric drapes to interactive photo booths and modern geometric designs, this guide provides step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and creative ideas for every wedding theme and style. You’ll learn how to craft stunning backdrops using affordable materials while adding a touch of luxury that rivals professional setups. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or a beginner, this book makes it easy to design backdrops that will amaze your guests and provide the perfect setting for your most cherished moments. Packed with insider advice, real-life examples, and sustainable, budget-friendly options, this is your ultimate resource for wedding décor that stands out. Don’t miss your chance to access these rare insights and transform your wedding into a visual masterpiece. Buy now and create unforgettable memories with backdrops as unique and beautiful as your love!

Shoot Stunning, Professional Food Photography that Looks Good Enough to Eat! Snapping unbelievably gorgeous food photos has never been simpler than with Picture Perfect Food, your all-in-one guide to delicious-looking images from prolific photographer and educator, Joanie Simon. Whether you’re an up-and-coming food blogger, looking to break into commercial photography or capturing food just for fun (and your Instagram account), this approachable collection of tutorials will have you taking tantalizing and tasty shots with every snap of the shutter. No matter if you’re using your phone, your fanciest DSLR or any camera in between, you’ll gain complete confidence as you expand your technical knowledge and grow your artistic eye, creating awe-inspiring images that dazzle the senses. With her cheerful teaching style, Joanie walks you through each element of a masterful food photo in chapters devoted to Camera Settings, Light and Shadow, Story, Props Styling, Composition, Food Styling and Finding Inspiration. Learn how to find the best light in your house for standout shots and to delve into the shadows to create a moody and mesmerizing atmosphere; discover how to compose the elements in your scenes through color theory and visual weight for unforgettable images that capture and hold the eye; and uncover the secrets of styling sensational salads and stunning soups and keeping your cool when shooting frozen foods, among other essential tricks of the trade. With camera in hand and Joanie’s expert guidance at your fingertips, tackle every photography challenge with confidence and take your food photos from meh to mouthwatering in no time.

Ultimate Skiing Adventures takes you on a skiing voyage around the planet's biggest, best and most unusual ski destinations – from the huge mega-resorts of the French Alps to sailing along Iceland's north coast in search of great snow, there are exciting adventures that will appeal to everyone from novice to expert. The inspirational descriptions of 100 locations combine Alf Alderson's personal experience with the input of experts in all aspects of skiing and mountain sports and are accompanied by stunning full-page photography from some of the world's foremost ski photographers. Published in a year of great uncertainty for ski travel, this book allows you to escape onto the slopes in your own home. Perfect for indulging in some armchair skiing of slopes that only the most adventurous will tackle and for planning your next ski trip. And it's not just about skiing – the contents cover avalanche rescue techniques, snow science, road trips, the work of ski patrollers and resorts so remote and obscure that you may never have heard of them. The book is divided into sections on Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Scandinavia and the Rest of the World. Discover where you will ski next – in reality or in your imagination.

"Requires the use of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game published by Wizard of the Coast, Inc."--Cover.

Learn what Backdrop CMS is and how it fulfills the role of a content management system, along with how to install and configure it. This book teaches how to create and manage content, taxonomy, users, page layouts, and menus to get the best site possible. You'll also see how to install on shared hosting – which is a focus of the Backdrop CMS team – to make hosting your website affordable. Backdrop CMS has a very strong community, and Beginning Backdrop CMS shows you how to leverage Backdrop CMS’s repository of contributed modules and themes to expand the functionality and look of your site, along with how to contribute your own material to the community. Beginning Backdrop CMS focuses on the user who is responsible for building, maintaining, and managing an organization's website and who is interested in Backdrop CMS’s ability to meet their site’s requirements. It covers why you should consider using a content management system when building a new web site. By reading this book, you will: Understand why you should use Backdrop CMS and the power of the platform. Build confidence in your ability to use Backdrop CMS. Gain the knowledge necessary to build, deploy, and manage web sites of moderate complexity on Backdrop CMS. Understand the process for migrating a Drupal 6 or 7 site to Backdrop CMS. What You Will Learn Install a basic Backdrop CMS web site from scratch Create content in your new Backdrop CMS web site Work with and manage menus and users Build and use layouts when creating pages on your site Create a Backdrop CMS theme Understand the basics of a Backdrop CMS module Who This Book is For Technical users who need to use Backdrop CMS to create websites using the platform and to manage content. Developers who are new to the Backdrop CMS platform. The book is also targeted at organizations that currently use Drupal 6 or 7 and who wish to remain on the base architecture of those platforms as they move forward on Backdrop CMS.

For 1920's society reporter Lanie Price, the photographer found shot through the eye in the back of his studio isn't just another story. It's personal.On a dank night in September, Lanie is called to the scene of a grisly double murder. The victims: a popular photographer and a Cotton Club beauty. The suspect: the dead man's jealous wife. Found weeping over his body, her wails of grief and regret condemn her on the spot. The cops say the wife did it and an outraged community believes it. Will Lanie be able to stop an innocent woman from getting a date with the electric chair -- or is this innocent woman not so innocent after all? Set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, Backdrop to Murder is the latest book in the Lanie Price mystery series. If you like suspense, then you'll love this 1920’s noir mystery. Pick up Backdrop to Murder to discover this exciting series today.