Saturday, August 16, 2008
“NEWSWEEK’s Sarah Kliff spoke with Long about why the credibility of photojournalism has fallen, whether or not doctored photographs are more likely to get caught these days, and how photographers can reclaim the public’s trust.”
I heard many things are not working for you right now either. It’s a dreaded case of too much stuff and not enough space. We are not alone. This is the good news after weeks of tackling tech problems. Spring cleaning came and went; tons of once loved attachments and software without probable cause bit the cosmic dust. When you can’t see stars in the blogosphere it’s time to take a break anyway.
While all the sweepers were working, there was time to catch up on reading and writing thank you notes. Do you have a box or two of classy note cards in your office? You certainly need these. It is a wonderful practice to mail a personalized note to a deserving soul every week or so. Even if your favorite client hasn’t called you for two years, rather than blasting them with an eNewsletter or your latest postcard/flyer/slick promo/fridge magnet/wall calendar, sending a note card on the finest paper (with postage to match) is sure to make them feel less cranky.
For some ideas, try Red River Paper company. You don’t necessarily need to use a photograph but if you do, don’t go glossy or use an artsy technique if that is not your style. Just your name embossed is fine. Use the best ink pen you can afford. It can’t hurt to take a practice run on what you want to say first if you aren’t good at spur-of-the-moment sentences or writing without spellchecker. You will need a basis for sending someone a card in the first place. “Can you believe it has been a year since the photo show in Denver? I thought I’d drop a note to say hi and hope all is well with you. Maybe I’ll see you in Albuquerque? Trust you had a great summer!”
We first approached Jain with our book idea because my business partner had spoken with her previously on an unrelated matter and had a good feeling about her. At that point, we had been working on A Journey Through Literary America—an appreciation of twenty-eight of America’s great authors and the places that inspired them—for about a year. We had taken a booth at the Book Expo America, which began in a matter of weeks. It was a critical time for us. We wanted either to find a publisher or to publish this book, which we felt so strongly about, ourselves.
We could not have made a better call. Jain came prepared. She has a grasp of coffee table book publishing and marketing that is a product of experience, no doubt, but that also seems instinctive. She made the machinations of selling a book comprehensible and achievable. She was enthusiastic, charming, never talked down to us, and impressed us with her sincerity. We went to the Book Expo with all of the information and materials that Jain had helped us to produce. But most of all, we went there armed with confidence.
Upon arrival, we found that if the Book Expo in Los Angeles were a map of the world, our booth was in outer Siberia. And yet, despite that handicap, our presentation drew positive responses from Barnes and Noble and other book buyers, members of the press, and other attendees. During the show, Jain took time out of her activities to visit us and it was actually her visit that spurred the chain of events that led to our book deal.
We walked away from the Book Expo America 2008 with an agreement to sell the book to David R. Godine, one of the most prestigious publishing houses in America. I would give much of the credit for that coup to the expert guidance of Jain Lemos.
I would highly recommend her to any person with a well-developed book idea and a desire to get published.
Sincerely,
Thomas Hummel
A Journey Through Literary America
This Adobe Illustrator exercise on CreativePro.com, my favorite site with DIY stuff, is a great example of a step-by-step tutorial. Photographer, etc. Chad Newman just whips these babies out!
This month, write any type of “How To” article using your own illustrations. Instead of a software demo, think of a process you know well and then photograph its stages. If you grow plants from seeds, let’s see your method. Amuse us with your technique for hanging a shower curtain or washing your dog. If you have Chad’s knack for writing tutorials why not make some extra money?
However, if you become lost every morning trying to measure the right amount of coffee for six cups of water without referring to the instruction manual, then equal credit will be given for submitting before-and-after Silhouettes ;-. Please don’t tell me you don’t take “busy” photos or have Illustrator. You have many resources. It’s a long month. Stay frosty.
The American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP) West Coast Chapter is getting together next Tuesday for a screening of Born Into Brothels by Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski. Zana’s photography and her work for Kids with Cameras is remarkable.
If you haven’t seen this documentary, or if you would like to see it again in the company of picture professionals, please join us to watch this Academy Award winning film.
When: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Time: Social hour @ 6:30 – Screening @ 7:30
Place: Lew Robertson’s Studio, 3619 Eastham, Culver City
Food: Freshly grilled hamburgers with all the fixings, assorted other snacks, cold beer and beverages!
Cost: $10 food/drink contribution for ASPP members and guests
Directions: www.3619Eastham.com
Parking: Free street parking adjacent to the Studio
RSVP: by Monday, August 11 to Michael Masterson @ 323-302-5350. Space is limited.
