Self-Publishing with Digital Books, by Veronica Cotter, January/February 2012
“For many, making and/or taking pictures is a process that often provides the opportunity to capture a moment, event, place or person we find compelling, interesting, whimsical or just plain hard to resist. Images are nurtured in a darkroom, computer or some version of workflow that eventually produces a print that best represents the original vision. A series of pictures slowly and carefully begins to take shape and eventually becomes a body of work. The work might maintain a defined theme (landscape, portrait, urban, rural, still life, etc.), or venture off during the course of a lifetime. The images that are the most meaningful are those that mean the most to you.
Sharing personal work with friends, family and like-minded photographers is a great opportunity to connect with an enthusiastic audience. The work can educate, inspire and in certain situations (portfolio review, workshop, print critique) provide feedback to enhance and refine our methodology. A gallery exhibition provides additional exposure and allows the work to reach a broader audience. The recognition of our work and efforts is a well-deserved acknowledgement of our dedication and passion. Such affirmations are a positive boost to the psyche. It’s gratifying to see the work displayed and realize its broader reach and potential to influence.
What comes next? Until recently that might have been a more complex question to answer. In the past one could only hope that someone would see the work that either had a connection to publishing or knew someone, who knew of someone who might be interested in looking at your portfolio. It’s a long shot at best, but difficult to resist nonetheless. Combine technology with opportunity and the result is a number of satisfying self-publishing choices.”
Veronica Cotter started her career in the photo industry with Oriental Photo, and established their East Coast office. Veronica has also worked for ILFORD Imaging and was most recently the VP of Education Development for HARMAN technology. She is currently working as a writer and consultant.
