Photo Book: The Project
Posted in Business / Geek / Photography by CujoOctober 4th, 2006 - 10:4 PM
So here is the big idea I’ve been alluding to on and off for a bit now. My plan is to self publish a coffee table photo book featuring Sault musicians that I have photographed over the past year.
I can’t take full credit for the idea as Craig initially mentioned it to me as one of those “what if” type of things while we were talking one day. Usually some of the what ifs actually turn into something and this is one of those things.
Initially I didn’t think much of the idea but as I sat on it for a bit I became more interested in it and started researching costs, self publishing shops and the actual viability of the project. Because it is such a niche idea the thought of trying to shop it around to actual publishing houses isn’t a reality because there is no way a major shop would publish a limited run book about a music scene in a smallish Northern Ontario city. This ties my hands a bit as well as holds up the project.
In doing my research it is assumed the project would cost around the $10K mark for publishing the books. That’s not exactly change I can find in my couch cushions so the actual publishiing part of the project isn’t quite a reality at the moment.
What can I do in the meantime?
I can continue to take pictures, as I continue to learn the craft the results continue to get better which gives me more options for the actual book. Also as I’m out more frequently now and getting some more exposure I’m beginning to get into contact with other local bands and musicians who would like photos taken, this will then lead to more diversity for the book which is always a good thing.
I can also start designing the actual inside of the book. I can go through my current large group of photos and find the actual “book quality” photos in there and set them aside or mark them for later use. This can save time in the future as well as let me know what I have and what more I would need. I can have the book designed and ready to be printed for when enough funds are accumulated. Sure when the money is there the book may be outdated but if it’s designed already I can swap out some of the older photos for newer ones.
What would be in the book?
Currently I’m not sure of how I would like to lay it out but my plan is to get as many of the local bands/artists that I can and feature them with their own grouping of pages. The lead page would have a standard “non-playing” shot setup as more of a promo picture with a mini write-up on the band, who they are, what they play, etc. The next pages would feature them in action. Some of the bands I’ve covered a whole lot, some I’ve just started and others I’d like to start covering — if you’re a band and interested in this idea let me know and we can talk. I’m looking for the original bands in town — those who are trying to produce CDs etc.
Is this idea viable?
As I thought of the idea I started to think if it was even viable, would people even buy a book such as this? I’m still not sure of the answer to that but the number I’m aiming for printing sits at 300. At this range through the one self publisher I’m looking at the cost per book is reasonable enough. If I go less the price skyrockets, publish more the price continues to drop but being reasonable this book wouldn’t sell in the thousands.
“Hey Curt, I think this sounds like a great idea and I’m interested in the possibility of investing in it.”
This would be the greatest news that I could hear. It is probably farfetched but if you fit into the above statement somehow please use the contact form on the site and we can set up a meeting to discuss this idea and what you can offer more.
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October 5th, 2006 at 8:19 am
You can pay me and I’ll draw the photos. I’m not very good so the photos may not look like the musician, but i’m sure kids will like it! And I won’t charge you as much!
October 5th, 2006 at 8:35 am
Hmm… not quite sure that’s the look I’m going for. Even though it’s self published I’d like it somewhat professional. I’m not saying you’re a bad drawer or anything but something might be lost in the translations. Besides, I don’t think I have the money to pay you either — and where is your sample work, hardcover binding samples, etc?
October 5th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Why not start smaller? Start putting out a couple “magazine” type publications along the same lines. They’re cheaper to produce, and there would be less content allowing you to concentrate more on a specific scene within the scene, or even a specific time frame. The revenues from that could go towards the final publication of a book composed of the “best of” of the magazine, or just a better quality publication. Or who knows, the magazine thing could catch on. That’s how a huge majority of the major “music” mags got where they are now.
October 5th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Magazine is an idea but the book idea was more something of an art piece and a magazine is more of a “throw away”.
Magazine would probably be soft cover, staple bound etc whereas I was hoping for a Hard Cover coffee table book that lasts.
It is an alternative though, I’ll keep it in mind.
October 5th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
There are many very nice soft-cover coffee table books. Keep in mind your market is limited, therefore so is your return on investment. You’re going to want to keep your costs down. If you are looking at a true art book, there is also the option of creating a limited edition hand bound book. Chat with my friend Elizabeth Creith who is a writer, a potter, and a paper artist. She’s always creating handbound books (she teaches a simple version in classroom worshops). She might have some ideas for you.