Concept, Levitation and Freelensing. The HOW, WHERE & WHY
I shoot images that are displayed in businesses and homes both in England and abroad. What makes my story unique? What makes my images different? They usually feature a simple or complex 'concept' element. The Images themselves either have a strong narrative or a fine art bias, or both.
It's always very tricky trying to quantify what you think your own work is in one sentence, but I think I would probably say this: Think of me as a film director - probably with little budget - and my images are individual frames from within a very unusual film. Levitations, Concept and Freelensing all have their own special niche in photography, but I think this is growing as people get an appetite for being more adventurous. But you don't need a fancy camera or the latest photoshop suite (up until recently, my version was 4 years old) to try these out, and another definite bonus: anyone wishing to follow the tips and tricks from this book can just as easily apply them to more conventional photography.
I've returned to Kick Starter with a greatly revised book, and an e-Book version.
I sat down over the past 10 months and really thought about what other Photographers starting out on this journey and trying out their own ideas might want from a book like this.
The book has been extensively rewritten from the top down and is a stronger proposition. Each page is richer in content; with more lighting diagrams, clearer set up descriptions; sections devoted to post production, more behind the scenes images, and of course the addition of new images. The writing is conversational, but clear and straightforward for Photography students and experts alike, starting with the most basic Levitation and progressing to a shoot involving multiple elements shot over two days.
But it isn't all technique. For those who just who just enjoy surreal or concept images - many are displayed across two pages. And certain images are available as posters, calendars and prints, via a range of offers. Of course anyone who spends over £8 will automatically receive the digital copy.
Talking of which, for those who don't have the funds for a printed book, the e-Book will have the same access to information and images. Because of its rich photographic content, this will sit comfortably on high quality readers, tablets, PCs and MACs.
You'll journey through environs such as a billiard/snooker hall, a typical high street, a bank interior cashpoint and onto a lake at 4 am.
Every image is technically annotated, with full lighting descriptions. The HOW, WHY and WHERE and everything in between.
For the last nearly 2 years, I have lived and breathed this Book every single second of my spare time, working on images or writing and revising and laying out the content. It's difficult to put into words how much love has been put in, and I believe totally in its artistic heart and the value it brings. I am sure everybody who takes up a kick starter challenge puts their heart and soul into it. Not many come back for a second go with a reduced financial target and a brighter, bolder - and more clearly thought out offering. If you're a photographer, a lover of the surreal, a lover of images, even if you're looking for a collectible book with a very short print run, this offering is jampacked with goodies!
Risks and challenges
My funding goal is actually almost the figure I achieved last year. I set a big target last time (and didn't achieve) because I fretted over the cost of a big print run. This time I am going on a 'print on demand' model based on orders. The e-Book changes the plan slightly, as it allows me to set a very favourable figure for both. Both versions are more or less ready, bar some last minute tweaking. For the e-Book, I will release the PDF over a concentrated short period and ensure I am contactable if there are download problems. As I said above, this is an offering which is rich in photography, graphics and text, and having checked the PDF output on newer readers, tablets, i-pads, PCs or MACs, I can confirm it looks great. It is not designed for the early 'grey scale' style text only Kindles.
For the printed version, I have decided to concentrate on paper stock and image quality over a heavy hardback cover. This book is large: 33cm x 28cm with over 100 pages. Last year, I printed smaller sizes and rejected them. The images have more 'UMMPHHH' when printed large on good quality paper. I will weigh up my final printer selection based on the quality of the offering as costs are similar. After quotes are collated, and quality assessed, the chosen printers will fulfil the orders comfortably within the target dates specified, and I have allowed plenty of time for this to happen.
All the photography is sourced from the highest available original PSD files. When I got a draft pilot copy of the first edition (only a single digital print), it quite literally blew my socks off. I don't expect any delays for the other printed offerings as I regularly outsource work to outside companies on a regular basis.
I am going on best guesstimates for postage to countries like Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. If postage costs are cheaper, I will refund via paypal. I've also had it pointed out to me that reward number 4, the early Bird special is slated for delivery on December 2016, which should of course be December 2015! Also, there is no reward for both e-Books and the printed book. If you wish both just add £6 to the total cost for reward for number 8. Any problems let me know. Thanks, Nick
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