Does anyone look at these things anymore? Workbook? AtEdge? Blackbook? LeBook? How long will sourcebooks still exist as physical publications? Sure, I’ll still use Workbook’s website, which is reasonably priced as web-only, but the actual physical books? Why bother?
I took out an ad in AtEdge last year at the urging of my then rep, and that will be my last photography sourcebook ever. For $8,000 I could get so much bang for my buck online—for example, shooting a new series of work, posting it on the website and promoting the work! (AtEdge is a beautiful little publication, but I suspect that after a brief turn of the pages, art buyers turn to the internet or promos or reps they know to source talent.)
Recently I heard Vincent LaForet speak about his movie, Reverie, shot with the Canon 5D MKII and the fact that it cost him around $5,000. He received over 2 Million hits on his website for the video. Canon originally wanted nothing to do with the movie, but subsequently licensed it to promote the video feature of the 5D MK II. Vincent now appears to have launched his career shooting video. Not bad for 5k.
My other burning question is do the top names in photography pay to be in these sourcebooks? Whenever I see Bruce Davidson’s page I ask myself if these are just free pages that make the book look good so the rest of us will spend money…
“Vincent now appears to have launched his career shooting video.”
Your kidding right?
So i have been at the commercial thing for 12 years here in NYC, and a few years ago was the first time i spent the funds on a series of sourcebook ads. A purchase i vow never to do again. Having been in an ad agency as their in house photog (primarily comps) i use to see sourcebooks piled up in an abandoned office or to hold the door open. Many times they might be used for clipping out images for mood boards etc. But yes greg most ADs i know prefer to go online, for more up to date content.
Now what did i receive for doing a year campaign with a sourcebook….about 75 calls or emails from assistants wanting to work with me. Not the target i was shooting for. So i would have to agree, take the funds you would be putting into a sourcebook ad, produce a project or two you’ve had in your mind for the past 2-15 years, and do it. promote the F out of it via online sources (website, blog, social networks, etc) Didn’t know the backend of Vincent’s success with his first films, good to hear, he’s a good visualist, and a good cat.
all the best
-Mister Lynch
@ Mister Lynch
Great inside Info Mister Lynch!