There are many, known perils in book publishing, yet most photographers seem to discredit the experience of others and single-mindedly follow the conviction of their passion. They doggedly ‘strike their own path,' and it most often leads to the same, dark chasm where the others have fallen before them. A root cause of their failure, even for photographers who possess both artistry and technical competence, is their unquestioned lack of perspective. Photographers allow themselves to be seduced by their own fantasies.
Publishing a Fine Art photography book is undoubtedly a risky business, but there are measures one can take to increase the likelihood of success. Foremost among these is the approach to the enterprise. Look at the artistry manifested in the book, the book’s development process, and the community into which the book will be released, as an interconnected whole. Be self-aware, not self-important, and let the book project grow larger than one’s self. Develop the book project in the context of a supportive community.
Ricardo Barros did this with his book, "Facing Sculpture: A Portfolio of Portraits, Sculpture and Related Ideas." He raised over $60,000 and paid off all of his expenses before the book went to press. Pictures from that portfolio have been acquired by six museums, as well as by numerous collectors. Four years after publication, the "Facing Sculpture" exhibition is still traveling.
This presentation will focus on the book publishing aspect of Barros’ experiences. It will address fundamental issues, such as the distinction between book production and book publishing, self-publishing vs. commercial publishing, and fund raising. It will identify essential questions for which prospective authors must have a clear and authentic answer. And it will be punctuated with images drawn from the “Facing Sculpture” project. The innovative ideas discussed in this presentation demarcate a safer, alternate path to a widely sought destination.
Ricardo Barros is an ASMP member based in Morrisville, PA, serving corporate and editorial clients. His works are in the permanent collections of The Smithsonian Museum of American Art, Museu de Arte de São Paolo, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Fogg Art Museum. He teaches an intense, four-day workshop entitled “Photographic Projects and the Business of Art,” which will next be presented in Cape May, NJ, April 23-27, 2008. For more information, please visit
www.ricardobarros.com.
