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<\/a><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Art of the Photo \/ Art book<\/span><\/strong>
with Mark Mancher<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nThis note is not intended to be a \u201chow-to\u201d create your own Photo\/Art book; numerous websites explain the nuts and bolts far better than I could. Instead, it is a paean to, what I believe is, an art form unto itself and to ask the question \u2013 why don\u2019t more of us take advantage of the opportunity to highlight our art or create art using the incredible technology available? Technology which allows us to produce, and even self-publish, our own professional quality Photo\/Art books? Particularly at this moment in time, when many of us have a story to tell and the time to tell it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\nParticularly at this moment in time, when many of us have a story to tell and the time to tell it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nIn a time when paper and hardcover books are being supplanted by e-books and audible books, one form of publication cannot easily be replaced by technology \u2013 Photo and Art Books. Sometimes referred to with some derision as \u201ccoffee table\u201d books, large lush examples published by Rizzoli, Taschen and Phaidon ubiquitously grace the tables and bookshelves in almost every shelter magazine layout. We now all have the ability, with limited \u201ctech expertise,\u201d to create publication-quality, hardcover books, which will look right at home resting alongside the best of those publications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBooks are easy to create online<\/strong><\/h4>\nThere are many sites that offer free downloadable software from Shutterfly, Snapfish and many others. Currently, I use a site called Blurb.com. Most of these sites allow wide customization, innumerable fonts and layouts. You choose the dimensions of the book from several options, the number of pages and the quality of the paper. After you upload your images, you control the arrangement and content of each page and design the cover from a variety of choices.\u00a0 You can insert text in any way you choose. In short, you have broad artistic control.\u00a0 After you complete that process, you upload your design and send it off (along with a not insignificant, but not prohibitive, fee) for processing. In short order a very finished looking product arrives at your door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nArt Books are anthologies.<\/strong><\/h4>\nMost commonly, Art Books are anthologies of the work of the world\u2019s best-known artists and fine art photographers. These unquestionably have value. Without traveling the world, an artist\u2019s work can be admired in a single source and traced through its various stages supported by text and quotes which give the art context. The design, editing and editorial content of the book can express a clear point of view and enhance or even critique the art.<\/span><\/p>\nProviding an opportunity to share more.<\/h4>\n
But, for us, the creation of a Photo\/Art book provides an even greater opportunity \u2013 the ability to create a personal statement or form of expression which goes beyond what a single image or piece can communicate. To present a body of work and explain in images and words our art and motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
This note is not intended to be a \u201chow-to\u201d create your own Photo\/Art book; numerous websites explain the nuts and bolts far better than I could. Instead, it is a paean to, what I believe is, an art form unto itself and to ask the question \u2013 why don\u2019t more of us take advantage of the opportunity to highlight our art or create art using the incredible technology available? Technology which allows us to produce, and even self-publish, our own professional quality Photo\/Art books? Particularly at this moment in time, when many of us have a story to tell and the time to tell it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Particularly at this moment in time, when many of us have a story to tell and the time to tell it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In a time when paper and hardcover books are being supplanted by e-books and audible books, one form of publication cannot easily be replaced by technology \u2013 Photo and Art Books. Sometimes referred to with some derision as \u201ccoffee table\u201d books, large lush examples published by Rizzoli, Taschen and Phaidon ubiquitously grace the tables and bookshelves in almost every shelter magazine layout. We now all have the ability, with limited \u201ctech expertise,\u201d to create publication-quality, hardcover books, which will look right at home resting alongside the best of those publications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are many sites that offer free downloadable software from Shutterfly, Snapfish and many others. Currently, I use a site called Blurb.com. Most of these sites allow wide customization, innumerable fonts and layouts. You choose the dimensions of the book from several options, the number of pages and the quality of the paper. After you upload your images, you control the arrangement and content of each page and design the cover from a variety of choices.\u00a0 You can insert text in any way you choose. In short, you have broad artistic control.\u00a0 After you complete that process, you upload your design and send it off (along with a not insignificant, but not prohibitive, fee) for processing. In short order a very finished looking product arrives at your door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most commonly, Art Books are anthologies of the work of the world\u2019s best-known artists and fine art photographers. These unquestionably have value. Without traveling the world, an artist\u2019s work can be admired in a single source and traced through its various stages supported by text and quotes which give the art context. The design, editing and editorial content of the book can express a clear point of view and enhance or even critique the art.<\/span><\/p>\n But, for us, the creation of a Photo\/Art book provides an even greater opportunity \u2013 the ability to create a personal statement or form of expression which goes beyond what a single image or piece can communicate. To present a body of work and explain in images and words our art and motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Books are easy to create online<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Art Books are anthologies.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Providing an opportunity to share more.<\/h4>\n
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<\/a>\u00a0 Mark Mancher\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span>is an avid, lifelong, amateur photographer. He is a past Art Guild Photograph exhibition winner and an exhibitor at the Martin Vogel Photography Gallery.\u00a0 He has a particular interest in the photobook as art, both as a collector and a photographer.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n