Rick North has never spent much time on reflection. For twenty-five years, he has immersed his body and soul in the US Air Force as a forward-looking, self-assured officer. Yet in North's early life, there were no absolutes. Now, as he lies in a hospital bed in Southeast Asia, the victim of a futile war, he begins to contemplate his past as he is carried further and further away from the only life he has known. Raised by illiterate Polish grandparents, North develops the independence and insatiable curiosity that eventually leads him on an adventurous journey through World War II, where he flies in the Italian campaign and transforms into a steely-eyed, decorated fighter pilot. As he rises in the ranks to colonel, he edges closer to bureaucracy and some of its leaders, dimming his once idealistic views. But after he reluctantly volunteers for the Vietnam War, he is shot down in Laos and saved in a daring rescue-an event that alters his life forever. Based on a true story, Throw a Nickel on the Grass shares one man's incredible and challenging journey through life and war, and his ultimate discovery of true happiness.

Rick North has never spent much time on reflection. For twenty-five years, he has immersed his body and soul in the US Air Force as a forward-looking, self-assured officer. Yet in North's early life, there were no absolutes. Now, as he lies in a hospital bed in Southeast Asia, the victim of a futile war, he begins to contemplate his past as he is carried further and further away from the only life he has known. Raised by illiterate Polish grandparents, North develops the independence and insatiable curiosity that eventually leads him on an adventurous journey through World War II, where he flies in the Italian campaign and transforms into a steely-eyed, decorated fighter pilot. As he rises in the ranks to colonel, he edges closer to bureaucracy and some of its leaders, dimming his once idealistic views. But after he reluctantly volunteers for the Vietnam War, he is shot down in Laos and saved in a daring rescue-an event that alters his life forever. Based on a true story, Throw a Nickel on the Grass shares one man's incredible and challenging journey through life and war, and his ultimate discovery of true happiness.

Examining a style of photography that has become increasingly popular with families, this in-depth analysis explores the most important aspects of mother and child portraiture. Summarizing advice from seasoned professionals, this helpful reference demonstrates how to create the right environment for the shoot as well as carefully select the best props, backgrounds, and lighting for mother and child while allowing them to interact naturally. Starting with mothers and newborns, this survey works its way up through toddlers to elementary and middle schoolers and concludes with teenagers. A vastly diverse collection of images that express each photographer's concept of what mother and child represent is also included. Filled with inspiring examples and no-nonsense techniques, this extensive overview also covers photographing moms with groups of children and extended sessions that offer potentially greater sales volume.

Packed with images and diagrams from more than a dozen acclaimed photographers, this resource shows exactly how to master middle-key photographs. The techniques illustrated provide tips for establishing sufficient structure by precisely defining the objectives of the middle-key shoot. Covering all aspects--from the conception of the portrait to lighting, clothing, props, and backgrounds that support the image to the technical and equipment requirements--this guidebook also discusses middle key both within and outside the studio setting. By consciously deciding to create middle-key portraits, photographers can help to avoid arbitrary decisions and begin more precisely selecting the kinds of colors and tones that will produce visual harmony and an overall pleasing appearance.