Thank you so much for your enthusiasm about my new book deal. I could not be more excited. And a bit overwhelmed. I have a lot of work to do, but it is the very best kind of work and I am ready. Or, I should say, I am getting ready.
First, I have to finish the series of penguins I am working on so that they will be ready to ship for the show in July. I made a second penguin chick and a third egg. I think one more adult penguin and the family will be complete.
Over the weekend I went to Newtonville Camera and got some help buying photography equipment. Hooray for locally owned camera stores staffed with people who really know what they are talking about!
For this book I will be taking all of the step-by-step photos. And I intend for there to be a lot of step-by-step photos. I want them to be clear and consistent. I want them to look amazing. To get the ball rolling, I emailed some of the photos I took for the Elements of Soft Toy Design series to the art department at Lark to get some feedback. They very kindly analyzed all different aspects of my photos and sent me a page of written feedback.
I took the feedback to the camera shop and got a consulation with Josh, a professional photography who works there. And I used some of my advance to purchase a tripod and a light kit.
I took photo class in high school, in 1992, mainly because I had a serious crush on the photo teacher, Mr. Foo. He had long hair, he was young, he rode a Harley to school and he wore these flowy white button down shirts. Taking photo meant there was a pretty good chance I'd end up in the dark room with Mr. Foo. I was pretty focused on that idea, and not so focused on learning to use a camara.
Then, 13 years later, I started a craft blog and needed to take pictures everyday. After our Nikon CoolPix died a few years ago, I did a bunch of research about digital SLRs and bought a Nikon D40. I've enjoyed using it, but I only know how to use the automatic settings. I've wanted to learn to take better photos for a long time, and I've wanted to buy some equipment to help me, too, and now I finally have the excuse and the funds.
Tomorrow at 12:30 Josh is coming over to give me a lesson on how to use my camera and how to use my new equipment. My "studio" is really just a corner of our bedroom. A very cluttered corner that was already full of fabric and sewing supplies, sketch books, stamps, ink, paper, wire and every other craft supply. And for the next year, at least, there will be a tripod and lights with umbrellas and a table set up for photo shoots. Fortunately there is still a little room for our bed.
Linda says
I always go to Newtonville Camera. Your photos have always be excellent, but now they will be out of this world.
Ruth says
I’m slightly envious of your photography lesson. My photos are very hit and miss at the monent because I have a decent camera but no idea what to do with it!!
Danee Kaplan says
I must say I just started following your blog but even so, I’m thrilled and excited for you. What an amazing journey you are starting on. I love that you are taking the pictures yourself so that you control the feel or mood of the book; you set the tone. I never really thought about it but I imagine when you work up a project for a book, you must also be thinking in your head about how you want the instructions to play out. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that smoothly, especially for first-time authors. After all your hard work, you have to hand the completed piece over to the art department and trust, hope and prey they get your vision. Good luck, enjoy.
nichol says
Wonderful news about the book! It must be very exciting!
SewLindaAnn says
First, I wanted to tell you how much I love your Bird book. Right now I’m still perusing and reading till I decide which project is first. Your work is wonderful. Second, congratulations on the new book. I’ve been following your blog and really appreciate the time you put into the detailed explanations and pictures. Taking full control over how the book is done is brilliant of you. With so many book choices, it’s the details that matter in deciding what to purchase hard earned cash. Your work has been so worth it. Thank you.
Beth Grim says
You’re so inspirational! I think your next book (after you finish the Soft Toy Design book) should be “How to Write a Craft Book”!
Deanna says
I can’t wait for your new book to come out but it the blog journey you provide to get us there will make the book all that more exciting. I love soft toy design and will be following along with you. Thanks for sharing with us.
Fiona says
Congratulations, Abby! I am so thrilled for you! You are totally the woman to write that book – it’s going to be such an incredible resource. I’ve really loved this series & have picked up so much, so cannot wait to have it in book form. Yay! xx
Jennifer says
I have the D40x and it is pretty much the same as your model. It is my first SLR and I bought it after taking a photography class. I have learned so much on this camera and it is the ideal starter camera, I think. Not so overwhelming that you feel like you have to stick to the automatic settings, but it still lets you do a lot.
So glad you are doing this book. It will be a lot of work, but it will undoubtedly become an invaluable resource for crafters.