Most photographers, myself included, have at least one idea for a coffetable style photo book, they would like to make. I have several, but like others, I keep pushing it off to satisfy more immediate needs, such as paying next month's rent. Now, however, is the time to get the ball rolling. Blurb, the print on demand service, is hosting a competition called Photography Book Now, with a grand prize of $25,000.
I would never enter to win, knowing how many fantastic photographers that are out there, but I would enter just so it could serve as motivation to finish one or more of my photo book ideas. I haven't decided which one to go with yet, but it has to be something more than just an expanded portfolio. Not according to the rules, mind you, but in order to satisfy my own inner critic. If I end up with a result I can be proud of, I don't really care if I win the money.
If you have an unfinished photo book in your head, join me in this opportunity to get it out and into print. I will be posting updates, as I get closer to defining and working on a particular project.
Rasmus Rasmussen is on loan from iStockphoto, where he is part of the image inspection team.
