When I started this project, my goals were numbers 1 and 2 in my list, above. Comparing black-and-white photo books from Blurb and Book Baby, I preferred the appearance of Blurb’s top-of-the-line paper. If I built my book in Lightroom, which is my main photo processing software, then I could send the manuscript directly to Blurb from inside LR’s Book Module.ģ. My friend’s beautiful book was done by Blurb.Ģ. I must admit I was somewhat prejudiced in favor of Blurb for three reasons.ġ. The two contenders that had the most reasonable prices were Blurb and BookBaby. I also started checking on the cost for printing a modest number of copies from several online book printers, and I ordered a swatch kit (sample papers) from Blurb. I found a huge amount of free information, much of it quite helpful. While waiting for the grant decision, I started exploring the web for information on book design, book cover design, and typography. I learned that the Luminous Endowment for Photographers had a Lenswork Publication Skills Grant that might provide just the help I needed, so I applied. I immediately decided to start with a printed book rather than an e-book because I am of that school that believes that a photograph is only “finished” when it appears as a print, and a printed book is the next best thing. I decided to go for a somewhat less expensive plan: soft-cover, about 8×10 inches instead of 12×12. His book inspired me to begin planning my own book. I expect his book-making goals were numbers 1 and 2 in my list. He now scans his negatives and prints digitally. He is a meticulous craftsman, shooting primarily on film using a 4×5″ view camera. Like me, this friend photographs just for himself. It was printed by Blurb and beautifully done, so I knew that Blurb was capable of excellent black and white printing. To sell many copies and get rich and famous.įor me, the urge began when a photographer friend from the 1966 workshop gave me a copy of a beautiful, hard-cover, large-format book of the best of his fifty years in photography. And I have been active on the Luminous Landscape Forum since 2004. I meet for discussion about six times a year with two small groups of photographers, one of which has three of us from that 1966 workshop. My interest in photography started in high school, became serious in college, and was cemented with workshops with Minor White in 19 and with Paul Caponigro in 1969. Yes, I sell some prints and I have exhibits from time to time, but sales never cover my expenses. Photography has never been my Day Job, so I’ve always had the luxury of photographing for myself instead of for clients.
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