Kickstarter

It has been a wonderful past few months. Yesterday I was able to graduate from UVU with my BFA in photography. I am thrilled with the experience I had at UVU with the incredible teachers and fellow students who inspired and pushed me. I am also excited for the future, for more projects like this one.

We have gotten books into the hands of many many people. I have heard the stories from many people who have had a chance to read and look through the book, and they're all very touched. I appreciate the emotional impact these stories and photographs have on anyone who takes the time to hear and feel the story. These impacts couldn't have been made possible without you!

I do still have books. These books will do more good in the hands of viewers rather than in boxes in my house. Many of you have copies of the book. How have they made you feel? How have they impacted your perspective? Would you like more people to see the book as well?

Could you spread the word about this book? They also make great gifts! Please let all your friends and family know that they can also purchase a copy of the book. Remember, all proceeds go back to benefit Now I Can allowing future patients the therapy they may not be able to afford. 

I have recently put the Now I Can book on Amazon.com: Now I Can Book, and it is still accessible from my website. It is $29.99, and would be such a beautiful addition to any home or organization. Another thing you can do to help, if you have seen the book, would be to add a review to the Amazon listing. The more reviews the better. 

Thank you, and let me know if you have any questions!

The exhibition opening was on Friday night, and it went really well!  We also had some news coverage on KSL, and I wanted to pass along this story!  Here's the article: Student's exhibit features images of inspiring kids.

Here's a link to a few notes found on my blog: KSL and Now I Can.

Wow! It has been an incredible last few weeks, but good. First, I want to update you that today at about 4:30 the books were delivered, and they're beautiful! Here's a photograph taken of the first box opened, and the first copy:

Isn't this exciting? Well, we've had a fun night, and the goosebumps just haven't left yet. My heart is still racing a little quickly, and it's hard for me to take the smile off my face. This is good.

Again, we could not have made these books without you! I hope you feel incredibly important, because you are. I am forever grateful.

As another update, I hung the exhibition on January 31. It has been up for a little while now, and we've gotten some good feedback. People are enjoying the feeling of the photographs, and the collective story. If you're able to come to the show, I would love to see you on Friday night. Or, come anytime during February!

I included the poster to the exhibition on my last update, which has all the details for the show, here it is again incase you need it:

I thought I would show you the official poster for the exhibition in February.  These posters are now hanging up in multiple places all over Orem.  We'd love to have everyone who can, and is close enough, to come to the show!  

There is a Facebook event made up for the opening reception: Michael Ririe's BFA Exhibition

So, I'd like to update you on our progress!

First, it's long past overdue. The world needs to know who made this book possible!  As promised, everyone who contributed $15 or more have been listed on my website.  You can find all the names (that selected the reward) on my website at: The Supporters!

Secondly, after realizing we wouldn't quite get to $16,000, I started looking into more printers while still maintaining the high quality promised.  I started calling and emailing as many local printers as I could.  I met with four reputable printers, and got quotes from them all.  After negotiations and visiting print shops, we've selected Lorraine Press out of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Our original quotes were all from printers outside of Utah, so this makes it nice for proofing.  

This last week has been working with Lorraine Press to get everything ready for press.  We got them the book files on Monday, January 9th.  I did a CMYK proof check yesterday, January 11th.  Then today, I went up to their facilities, and did a press check.  After making a couple adjustments, they were given the okay to proceed and print the book:

The bottom sheet is an actual printed page of the book, hot off the press.  It's a duotone offset print, and looks incredible.  The top sheet is actually a CMYK proof of the cover dust jacket.

Isn't this exciting?  They now have everything they need to finish the book.  I will be going up one more time to do a proof check on the hardbound debossing and fabric, but that'll be later.  

I'll tell you that the prints are looking beautiful, each photograph (now 109 photos) was massaged with great care to make sure they all printed just perfect.  The paper is archival, and the binding will be sewn and long lasting.  I didn't cut corners.  These books will be beautiful in your home, and last generations!  I can't wait for you to see the books!  

It has really happened, thanks to you!  Thank you!