Input On A Potential Photography E-Book

[Camilla and Darwin]

Hey, my husband Jacob and I have been talking for a long time about making a photography e-book, and I'd love your input. I get many requests for photography help every day in many different areas, and lately it's gotten to the point where I thought it might be helpful if I put my method and tips into a book. I've been asked to offer mentoring photography sessions which are fun but for those who can't set up a session with me it seems like it could be a good option. 

My hope is to make a very high quality, affordable book that anyone who wants to get into the kind of photography that I do (portraits of family, events, pets, etc.) can purchase and find a lot of help in. I realize that there are so many books out there, and many that have helped me. I hope that this will be of personal and practical use to people though, and I do think that my approach may be slightly more approachable to some people. I'm also hoping to create bonus materials that will be available as an optional add-on to the book that will include videos illustrating me shooting, editing, setting up a shoot, etc. 

I would really love it if you could all give your feedback on what kinds of things specifically you would like to see in a book like this. Composition? Focusing techniques? Creative elements? Gear? Or more specific items? Any input is very welcome! Thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I will certainly give this some thought but I wish you great success.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks F. It makes me very nervous in some ways because it's kind of a touchy thing for some people when you claim to know enough to publish "help books". However, I get asked so often and dedicate a significant portion of every day to helping people with this that DH has convinced me it's a smart move. I'm excited for the project mostly, lots of demonstrative photo shoots and graphic design and that makes me happy. :-)

[F, Calla & Luca]

You will be fine and don't worry about some people. Many more people will get a great deal out of it. I think it will be a huge amount of work but you will get a lot out of it too.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Well I think photography is a lot of trial and error so the dedication and effort you have put into your craft is more than enough to publish a book :). One of the best parenting books I read while I was pregnant was just 3 moms giving their thoughts about various parenting issues and giving specific tips and tricks.  I bet your book will be more structured and some people out there will find it invaluable.

Also my dh's brother has written 5 books about math in game design and even though they don't have a wide fan base lots of people have been helped by them.  Go for it!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks J!

[DJ & Chance]

What a neat project!  I will think about what has helped me the most thus far and give you a list :)

[Camilla and Darwin]

I look forward to the list DJ!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Camilla, just look at what you've been able to do here :)  I think taking your talents as a teacher and photographer out to a broader base is an interesting project and wish you much success with it.  I'll give it some thought and give you a list too.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks Cheryl!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am an auto shoot girl who needs to get out of auto but hasn't. I recognize great pictures when I see them.  I don't go out and practice shots then analyze what I did, so I don't learn. I get my camera out when I want to get pictures. This may be 'dumb' and not at all what others are looking for but I would love a section/chapter  for dummies with directions on how to slightly tweak settings to adjust for weather or simple conditions in simple language.    I would love it if someone said something like:  "If you are trying to shoot in a lot of sun, remember you want the sun at your back. Put your camera in P mode and . . . .  Or put your camera in XX mode and  adjust your ISO. Remember that the lower the number, the XXXX  Give XXX a try, but adjust it if your picture is still too dark/light.   Or,  you might need to put your camera in XX mode and adjust your shutter speed to something like...  if you are shooting action."    In other words a sort of beginner section, but for those who have some familiarity with taking pictures, rather than for those that are looking how to turn on their camera.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Nancy - great insight. It's definitely not going to be a "how to camera manual" and will include more of what you suggested.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I can't wait then!!!! :-}