Using archaeological evidence and first-hand sources, Konstantin Nossov charts the history of the medieval Russian fortress from its early beginnings until the 14th century.According to Russian legend, in AD 862, the Slav tribes of what is now European Russia invited a number of Scandinavian princes to rule over them. In AD 882, Prince Oleg united these kingdoms as the feudal state of Kievan Rus, by building a series of settlement and border fortifications, including the Zmievy Valy (Snake Ramparts), to protect against foreign invasion.
The simple castles raised after the Norman conquest had been developed throughout 11th and 12th centuries, whilst the introduction of Islamic and Byzantine fortification techniques from the late 12th century led to further developments in castle architecture. These fortifications were to be well tested throughout the course of the 13th century as England was riven by the conflict, characterized by prolonged sieges, between the monarchy and powerful magnates. As well as providing the focus for warfare, castles increasingly became the centres of their communities
For Halloween, choose from 10 projects, including a Gremlin’s Mask. Decorate your Christmas tree with Reindeer and Santa’s Hat, Sleigh, and Pack. Start the New Year with Father Time, and greet the spring with Easter Bunnies and Baskets. Each project uses easy basic folds, and has a simplified illustration and a description of what to do, how to alter the size, and how to use color.
Professional Wedding Photography: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers
From emotional bridal portraits and intimate images of the ceremony to dynamic reception and wedding party shots, this illustrative sourcebook explores the vast array of image styles available to modern wedding photographers. Containing interviews with the top 10 wedding studio owners in the country, this indispensable reference offers a variety of opinions on everything from art and business philosophies to scheduling, handling retainers, writing contracts, and executing effective marketing plans.
Combining time-tested practices with contemporary methods, this guidebook details the fine art of capturing formal and casual posed images. With advice and guidance from the finest and most decorated portrait and wedding photographers in the country, this instructional discusses subjects such as lighting in the studio and on location, improving improvisational shooting techniques, and how to retouch images in the post-production process to create truly flawless looks. A chapter addressing the common problems in taking portraitures—from working with subjects with glasses to subjects that vary in size, facial features, and skin tone—is also included.
