Holland—I Mean the Netherlands

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Smart Phone Photography

Tiny precision lenses, fast and comprehensive computer processing, and massive digital storage capabilities have set the table for some pretty advanced smart phone photography, eliminating for many of us the need for a full-size camera kit.

Many casual smart phone photographers will reach the point at which they want to advance beyond the quick pointand-shoot. Even if they have a basic knowledge of photographic technique vis-à-vis an SLR camera, it takes some adaptation to apply that knowledge to smart phone photography. The three books presented here take the user through the basics and on to more advanced levels of smart phone photo techniques, each with a different emphasis. Each book applies universally to both iPhone and Android smart phones.

Smartphone Photography in Easy

Steps, by Nick Vandome, 2020, In Easy Steps, Ltd., Warwickshire, UK, $15.99

ISBN 978-1-84078-901-0.

Starting with the basics, this book works its way up to more finessed techniques in a heavily illustrated, easily accessed workbook-like format, with icons and tips. Jump around to the self-contained subjects as needed, or start from the beginning and work your way through.

Smart Phone Smart Photography, by Jo Bradford, 2018, CICO Books, London and NY, $21.99,

ISBN 978-1-78249-562-8.

Based in Dartmoor NationalPark, UK, Bradford emphasizes using the smartphone’s camera functions to bring artistry to the finished photos. Creativity is the strong point in this elegantly produced softcover book liberally illustrated with color images.

Smartphone Photography: Shooting Like A Pro, Wale Adekile, 2020, Wale Adekile, Las Vegas, $25.50

ISBN 979-866918-928-0.

Adekile delivers his photographic knowledge in a very conversational way. He dispenses with the basics of shooting smartphone pictures and jumps right to some of the more advanced concepts. The first chapter is about lighting, not about which button to push on your phone app. Much of the content could apply to pro photography and its requisite gear, but he ties the concepts to smartphone photography. The somewhat more advanced amateur photographer will understand and appreciate this book.

Desktop Model Cars

Libraries, per se, are generally filled with books. But if your library is the room in your house also known as the study, or the home office, you’ll probably have books, yes, and a few other things of interest— photographs, certificates, mementos, and maybe a desktop sculpture or two. And if your interests include things automotive, the sculptures just might be models of famous or favorite vehicles.

There is a sizable industry around the creation and distribution of automotive replica models. If you would enjoy displaying some automotive art on your desk or shelf, there are quite a few options—from inexpensive metal or plastic cars (think Hot Wheels) in the under $5 category, to fabulously expensive works of art priced in the thousands. For the semi-serious collector or for the car-lover desiring a nice show piece, there is a middle ground in the $100-$600 range. Yes, hobbies have become more expensive of late! Although the offerings vary widely, a nice placeto start, and maybe to end, is the category we’ll call “1:18-scale die-cast model cars.” The models feature metal die-cast parts plus some plastic, rubber, and fabric elements.The level of detail is usually quite impressive, and the more you spend, the more detail you get.

Entering “1:18 scale die-cast cars,” into your computer’s search engine delivers to you quite a few hits. You will discover there are a few prominent die-cast car makers and a few prominent retail sellers. The list of established makers includes CMC, Exoto, AutoArt, Kyosho, Acme Trading Company, and Maisto. You will find very high-end sports car models in the Amalgam Collection. These makers sell in hobby shops, at automotive dealerships, and often direct online. Companies that offer a selection of models online from a variety of manufacturers include: Mint Models (NY), Awsome Diecast (FL), Legacy Diecast (NY), Diecast Models Wholesale (CA), Diecast Direct (KY), Fairfield Collectibles (GA), Larry’s Diecast Cars (IL), Small Ants (China), and a few others. Warning: you might find that just one model is not enough! If your interest becomes serious, consider joining an association such as Diecast Zone Model Car Club, https://diecast.org, or Diecast Society, https://diecastsociety .com/about-us/.

Kenworth K100 by Road Kings $289

BMW Isetta from Small Ants, $135

Bonneville Belly Tank Speedster by Acme Trading Company, $149

Koenigsegg Regera by AutoArt, $319

1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro by Acme Trading Company, $140

CMC’s Award-winning 1936 Auto Union rear-engine racer. $400.

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Newfound Gap is a popular view point along the Great Smoky Mountians Scenic Drive—one of the featured drives in our section that appears on pages 14 and 15 of this issue.

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