Self-publishing Photography

Self publishing photos into books and posters interested me more so the end of 2008 because pretty much all of my presents turned out to be prints from my photography class (aka still broke college student with no hopes of getting better). Though the prices I have looked at are still more on the expensive end, I still found it interesting as a prospective gifts for the the new year, or for portfolio purposes once I get closer to graduation.


Blurb.com
What's wonderful about this site is that it's straightforward and has a clean, user-friendly design that makes it easy to get started on your photography publishing endeavors. Products are limited to just books of different sizes, however. But because of this simplicity, it also helps the user focus on various aspects of the book such as tips on self promotion, inspiration and even includes a feature which will have your book hosted on their bookstore. However, to make your own books, you have to download their free book-making product.

This site was given at recommendation from my photography professor and highly suggested it for print portfolio pieces as the quality was rather high and the price relatively small.

100 Books Publishing Company
Though the site is rather archaic compared to many sites of our day and age, I came across this article on a site named Luminous Landscape. The author actually details his step by step progress with this company as he publishes his portfolio in book form. It could be considered slightly outdated but then again, many small publishers still run in this way; it's not an option to leave out.


Shutterfly.com
This is the all in all photo publishing for those who want everything and their mother on cups, posters, boxes, calendars, etc. Yes, you can get that at a photo store like Wolf/Ritz camera but that site itself relies highly on community and organizing your photos.

Set in a user-friendly and spunky design, Shutterfly distinguishes itself by having a wide range of digital photo books in which users can comment, rate, etc. Storing your photos and creating these web books (which you can also incorporate on your website/blog) are completely free. For those who may be overwhelmed by all the features and options on the site, there are demo videos.

Some of the featured photo books caught my attention such as this one:

Click here to view this photo book.

And this one which seemed clean and very professional to say the least:

Click here to view this photo book.

And last but not least:

Click here to view this photo book.

The potential for creativity for graphics + photos is endless and I really dig the embedding feature for the web books.

On another note, the year has definitely started kind of rough and it being my last semester an all, I predict lots of changes. One of my informal new years resolutions is keeping up with this blog and publish my new website and project which will be at the heart of my activities this last semester. Wishing everyone a wonderful

Photography newbie

I recently got a new camera for my photography class which pretty much cost me an arm and leg to buy (in college standards) but all in all I was pretty excited when it arrive in the mail (despite the FedEx guy being dumb and leaving the nice expensive camera box in front of my apt door).

It's nice but as of today I'm completely stumped as to what to take pictures of. My professor is having us come up with a project of 10 pictures taken throughout the semester about what theme we want. Only problem is, I'm a total beginner, having issues with how to work the camera right (it's so totally different from my Canon powershot!) and don't know where to start.

The proposal for said project is due today at noon. I know I should have probably thought it out more before today but I am clueless as what to do. I figured looking at other more knowledgeable photographers would help so here's some I found amazing.

Ted Szulaski
website: http://www.digital-photo.com.au/






Walker Evans
website:http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/search/citi/artist%3AWalker+Evans



Since Walker Evans did documentary (which is what I'm being taught and what I have to do for my project), he serves as more of an inspiration.

Jacob Riis work is also incredibly wonderful and some of his work can be found on this website. Just a warning: the website is slightly archaic but then again the emphasis is really on his work.

Another site that might have a lot familiar and wonderful photography is Famous Photos that Changed the World. I came across several photos that are absolutely stellar and as far as photography goes, it's worth a look.

Until next time!