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https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/439793.page

Pictures:






With the recent development with photobucket and the $500 price tag to keep images hosted come January, Fellow Dakkaite Jeff White suggested putting together a photo book and I wanted to test the waters to see if there was any interest in an LCBR book before the whole thing comes crashing down January first.

The basic premise would be a collection of the best LCBR images in photo book form.

The other option would be a photobook primarily with some basic photo tutorial/instruction and an interview with all the artist's about their armies/painting.




I didn't want to put too many questions, I just want to determine if there would be any interest.

Love you dakka


30k primarchs

I think even some basic instruction and frame of mind for whatever shots could be really helpful and interesting. Really show the power behind the iPhone 10

I'd be interested, but it would come down to a number of factors such as whether or not it's hardback, whether it's just images or if it's a lot more, etc etc etc.

So tutorials on how you set up the models, terrain, camera, etc would be great. I also like the idea of series and/or scenarios surrounding images (like photographing models which are setup to represent a battle during the Horus Heresy or something). I also saw in some of the photos there were people or garage doors in the background. I'm not sure how you would 'remedy' this, but if I were to buy this photo book, it would be so much nicer if the photos were more akin to the photos you see in any given codex: They use models to create a work of art - a representation of battle - rather than the photos having a background that suggests you took them while playing a casual game with your buddy in your garage. If people are going to be paying for this book (regardless of cost), then I don't think that's unreasonable. So the pictures of the 30K Primarchs you have on this post: That! You can't say that they look like they were taken in your garage or wherever; They look exactly like what I'm talking about.

As a final note for now, I like hardback books, so my vote will always be for that haha

I don't mean this as an insult, at all, but if I'm paying money for a proper wargaming image book - I want a much higher standard of painting, backgrounds, etc. Do I love the table-top stuff? Absolutely, but on a free website or photo-app perhaps.

I love seeing images like the ones you post - but for actual money the game would have to be stepped up immensely.

Stuff more akin to this:


And that's on the light end of things.

Seems there are some good suggestions here.

The idea of a book with some tutorial e.g. setting up the shot, how to manage your camera to get the right effects, how to set up the backgrounds as you have done with neutral colors, how to manage lighting, and so on - this is really your strong point.

The actual painting on some of the models that you have been photographing is ... maybe not as good as your actual photographs, let's just leave it at that. I couldn't see people paying much for a book of those models, really...

But, I can see people (not myself, maybe, but others with more money/more into tournaments/who live closer to you or who will attend a venue that you will be able to visit/who might be able to send you their armies for you to then photograph with your equipment and so on) paying for a photobook of their own armies, especially.

I can also see people hiring you to photograph a tournament or other event, and producing a book about that telling the story of the race to the win, and then bundling this book into the entry fees for all involved and interested or something to this effect.

I can definitely see your talent doing something for you in this area, as the area is growing, you take some very good photos man, and have a seriously good eye for the interesting shots that tell the tale.

Note that I think that also a useful comment points to composing the tutorial book with a standard platform or platforms in mind, so for example using an older model iphone maybe not the newest one that costs a thousand bux and breaks so easily but rather one that matches more what many more people might still be using, maybe even an iphone 5 or ... Maybe also use a Samsung phone and note the differences in how to make the most of either, so that people who are using a totally different rig can gain some insight into how they might be able to manipulate their own phone to produce photos like you do. And, then also use your Canon to show what more can be done with this sort of camera, so that people can then go out and get one or learn how to use whatever camera that they might already have more effectively through your step-by-step guide with your Canon as well. So far as that goes, your Canon is an ideal platform imho because it is very much within the reach of most anyone interesed in a dedicated camera and it also (if I recall correctly) allows for manual settings just as with large-body dslr cameras, is this correct? At the same time, I feel that you should show side by sides using other common platforms, phones really, one iphone and another android like a Samsung phone or something like that.

Anyways, just my thoughts, so I am answering your poll with a 'interested depending on the pricepoint' because basically I am personally most interested in understanding how you go about getting certain effects, so that I might be able to copy these methods at home with my own models, and am not really interested in interviews with artists and so on. This book should be about you, really, and how you do what you do, so that we can do it, too!

I really love your thread, but would never buy a book. I’m very tight with my hobby budget, so even if you came up with something truly awesome, the odds of me getting it would be quite low. So don’t take my “not really interested” vote personally; at the price point you would need to set to get my dollar, you probably couldn’t make a profit.

There are a lot of cool pictures and battle reports out there. And while yours are near the top of the pile, what makes them so special that I’d want to own a fixed collection of them? Bat reps and photo dumps are all over the internet for free.

If you want to make a book, I think you need to focus on value added. What makes your work worth owning? I think the best thing for that would be tutorials. Overarching things like how to photograph, setting scenes, etc. and more specific ones tied to pictures like painting and kit bashing advice and inspiration.

Writing more in depth fluff and stories would also help if you are up to that.

Is a book the best option these days? would a different format work better?

1. $500? I can (and have!) put together a 2 year 1tb/month hosting package for a photo gallery, including software development, for that. Distributed static hosting isn't exactly expensive these days.
2. Maybe *maybe* if it was bundled in the cost of event tickets; otherwise T'Internet is plenty good enough for me.

Is the bottom line that you need a place to park your photos so you can continue linking them like you do now? I can setup an FTP for you and let you park them on my domain. I have unlimited storage and bandwidth.

 malamis wrote:
1. $500? I can (and have!) put together a 2 year 1tb/month hosting package for a photo gallery, including software development, for that. Distributed static hosting isn't exactly expensive these days.

Yeah, I was just thinking for that price, I would just set up my own site. Hell, piwigo has a one-click installer on dreamhost. For that price, I'd not pay anything more than I do, and just install another instance of it, and do it all msyelf.

What's changing with photobucket? I've never used it, but from the sounds of things, their corporate strategy looks like it's "chase off the userbase."

 Skimask Mohawk wrote:
I think even some basic instruction and frame of mind for whatever shots could be really helpful and interesting.

Like general photo tips without getting too specific?

 Skimask Mohawk wrote:
Really show the power behind the iPhone 10

I already have come to terms with the fact that my dad want's an iwatch


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 IllumiNini wrote:
I'd be interested, but it would come down to a number of factors such as whether or not it's hardback, whether it's just images or if it's a lot more, etc etc etc.

It would very very likely be a hardback, dimensions to be determined.

 IllumiNini wrote:
So tutorials on how you set up the models, terrain, camera, etc would be great. I also like the idea of series and/or scenarios surrounding images (like photographing models which are setup to represent a battle during the Horus Heresy or something).

Could definitely attempt something like the latter example. The vast majority of shots are done while playing, so a lot of its documentary work, but I could certainly setup a diorama of sorts of a historical battle like your HH example.

 IllumiNini wrote:
I also saw in some of the photos there were people or garage doors in the background. I'm not sure how you would 'remedy' this, but if I were to buy this photo book, it would be so much nicer if the photos were more akin to the photos you see in any given codex: They use models to create a work of art - a representation of battle - rather than the photos having a background that suggests you took them while playing a casual game with your buddy in your garage.
If people are going to be paying for this book (regardless of cost), then I don't think that's unreasonable.

Yeah and I totally get that, only the best of the best shots for a book. Oddly enough though, 99% of the shots are done while gaming. I do try to keep the background not too busy, but we only have a skybox on two sides sadly, so some shots you can still see the room and the shelves.

 IllumiNini wrote:
So the pictures of the 30K Primarchs you have on this post: That! You can't say that they look like they were taken in your garage or wherever; They look exactly like what I'm talking about.

Yeah, the book would certainly be weighted towards those kind of shots.

 IllumiNini wrote:
As a final note for now, I like hardback books, so my vote will always be for that haha

Yeah for sure, hard back is the plan


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Elbows wrote:
I don't mean this as an insult, at all, but if I'm paying money for a proper wargaming image book - I want a much higher standard of painting, backgrounds, etc. Do I love the table-top stuff? Absolutely, but on a free website or photo-app perhaps.

I love seeing images like the ones you post - but for actual money the game would have to be stepped up immensely.

Stuff more akin to this:

Spoiler:

And that's on the light end of things.

Yeah I totally get that, if it's gonna be an art book you want the best of the best and I agree completely, Would you ever buy posters or large prints?


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 jeff white wrote:
Seems there are some good suggestions here.

The idea of a book with some tutorial e.g. setting up the shot, how to manage your camera to get the right effects, how to set up the backgrounds as you have done with neutral colors, how to manage lighting, and so on - this is really your strong point.

Do you think like page with info and opposite page with image relating to info?

 jeff white wrote:
I can definitely see your talent doing something for you in this area, as the area is growing, you take some very good photos man, and have a seriously good eye for the interesting shots that tell the tale.

Thankyou for the kind words sir

 jeff white wrote:
Note that I think that also a useful comment points to composing the tutorial book with a standard platform or platforms in mind, so for example using an older model iphone maybe not the newest one that costs a thousand bux and breaks so easily but rather one that matches more what many more people might still be using, maybe even an iphone 5 or ... Maybe also use a Samsung phone and note the differences in how to make the most of either, so that people who are using a totally different rig can gain some insight into how they might be able to manipulate their own phone to produce photos like you do. And, then also use your Canon to show what more can be done with this sort of camera, so that people can then go out and get one or learn how to use whatever camera that they might already have more effectively through your step-by-step guide with your Canon as well. So far as that goes, your Canon is an ideal platform imho because it is very much within the reach of most anyone interesed in a dedicated camera and it also (if I recall correctly) allows for manual settings just as with large-body dslr cameras, is this correct? At the same time, I feel that you should show side by sides using other common platforms, phones really, one iphone and another android like a Samsung phone or something like that.

That's a good idea, perhaps something to attempt down the line for the channel. Cards on the table, I'd probably be sticking with the small point and shoot with manual capabilities as a sort of baseline for tutorial. My worry is I'd probably be a premium for words and wouldn't want to do to man caveats or footnotes. I'll certainly keep cell phones in mind for a video.

 jeff white wrote:
Anyways, just my thoughts, so I am answering your poll with a 'interested depending on the pricepoint' because basically I am personally most interested in understanding how you go about getting certain effects, so that I might be able to copy these methods at home with my own models, and am not really interested in interviews with artists and so on. This book should be about you, really, and how you do what you do, so that we can do it, too!

Yeah price point will make or break this thing. I'll try and keep the focus on value added.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Nevelon wrote:
I really love your thread, but would never buy a book. I’m very tight with my hobby budget, so even if you came up with something truly awesome, the odds of me getting it would be quite low. So don’t take my “not really interested” vote personally; at the price point you would need to set to get my dollar, you probably couldn’t make a profit.

Yeah I totally get that, and to get even a decent price point will take a lot of careful decision making on my part. Most photo books I've purchased over the years rarely get a second look once they hit the shelf. Could you see yourself ever buying posters or prints?

 Nevelon wrote:
If you want to make a book, I think you need to focus on value added. What makes your work worth owning? I think the best thing for that would be tutorials. Overarching things like how to photograph, setting scenes, etc. and more specific ones tied to pictures like painting and kit bashing advice and inspiration.

Yeah I think value added is very likely the best path forward.

 Nevelon wrote:
Is a book the best option these days? would a different format work better?

For tutorial it probably isn't the best option, perhaps it could serve a primer of sorts. Sublimated/referenced by videos on the channel.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 malamis wrote:
1. $500? I can (and have!) put together a 2 year 1tb/month hosting package for a photo gallery, including software development, for that. Distributed static hosting isn't exactly expensive these days.
2. Maybe *maybe* if it was bundled in the cost of event tickets; otherwise T'Internet is plenty good enough for me.

It's more the leg work to re-upload, fix links on each post. There are hundreds at the point, a little under 11,500 pics.


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 deviantduck wrote:
Is the bottom line that you need a place to park your photos so you can continue linking them like you do now? I can setup an FTP for you and let you park them on my domain. I have unlimited storage and bandwidth.

I appreciate the offer my dude

Sadly it's mostly just the leg work to re-organize, upload and fix all the posts.


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 daedalus wrote:


What's changing with photobucket? I've never used it, but from the sounds of things, their corporate strategy looks like it's "chase off the userbase."

Pretty much exactly that.

I would look into Patreon. You could organize slideshows by battles and then charge what you want. Either do a flat fee to view all your content, or charge per filmed battle.

Sounds cool to me!

 deviantduck wrote:
I would look into Patreon. You could organize slideshows by battles and then charge what you want. Either do a flat fee to view all your content, or charge per filmed battle.

Might look into patreon for the channel.


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 Cannubis wrote:
Sounds cool to me!

Do you think posters or prints would be better or book?