Signing up for SoFoBoMo was a commitment and after spending some time working with the software from Booksmart and learning a little more about getting the book into a shape that can be viewed on the web, I realize that the learning curve may be as difficult as making 35 useable images and putting the book together all in 31 days. I'm just glad that I've started investigating the process 40 days before the start date for SoFoBoMo or I might never be able to keep my commitment.I decided to drop images into Booksmart. I used images that I have from the neighborhood where we lived in Houston because I already have them processed. That way I could become familiar with using the software. I thought that I might even send off the files to Blurb to publish so I could check out the quality of their books. After I spent most of yesterday getting about 14 images set up, I found out that there was a way to 'proof' the images so you can be sure that they end up looking the same on your monitor and in the book.
This is one of those good things/bad things stories. The bad thing is that I can't just drop in images that currently look okay on my monitor. I'll have to rework all of them using the profile for the HP printer and paper that Blurb is using. The good thing is I found out now rather than go through 35 or 40 images and having to start over. Another good thing is that I'm now rethinking my workflow so that if I have to back up, I only back up one step. And the other good thing is that I will make two files of the images, one for print and one for the web so I can publish either way.
I think it might be easier to only do a web book, at least it would eliminate the whole step of going to print. Another option could be to do as my friend Frank, and just print the images myself and do a handmade book. At least that way everything is under my control. Some might say that I'm a control freak. Maybe so in my past but not these days.....well yes, I guess that is true with my photography.
I had a hard time going to sleep last night. I kept wondering, 'What have I gotten myself into?'
3 comments:
Which ever way you decide to go would be okay because of who you are. You'll make the right choice. Even if you do the book yourself and in your own time, it would still be an excellent book. Don't feel as if you HAVE to do it just because you feel you've committed yourself. Hey, if it saves on wear and tear on you if you do it yourself, go for it. No matter what you will prevail. Take care. Have a great day Wednesday.
I've had a couple of books made up by Blurb. They're pretty good, but it's worth paying the extra for the premium paper.
Gloria, I'm definitely going to try.
Gary, Thanks for the info. Did you use the HP profile to proof the color for your books?
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