Pitcairn Guy Loc: Novato, CA

Hi everyone. I am leaving the first week in April for a vacation of a lifetime. For those who know the story of “Mutiny On The Bounty” I am going the visit Pitcairn Island and stay with the descendants of the Mutineers of the HMS Bounty. I have made two trips there in the past and became very good friends with the 51 people left on the island. If you wish to see the pictures I have taken on the island and of the Bounty underwater you can see them here http://therougephotographer.smugmug.com/

My question is I have been entrusted with the photographs taken on the island going back to the 1890’s. I would like to make a coffee table book of the photos that would be sold with the proceeds going back to Pitcairn. There has been a lot written about the Bounty and Pitcairn, I would like to publish a book of primarily photos with captions. I have about 1700 pictures from 1897 through the 1960’s. I know I will have to eliminate some. Can anyone guide me to a publisher that can put this together? I am looking for a company that will compliment photographs with glossy paper and can print hundreds of copies. Am I crazy? Will these books sell? It is a major part of Maritime history. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

I use BLURB BOOKS They have great color on glossy paper, and balk discounts.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Are you looking to self-publish, or do you want someone to take you on as a client? Finding a publisher who wants to do the work would be much easier than doing it all yourself. Unfortunatley, that could prove difficult.

Publishing today is more about making money than making books. I knew someone who was a publisher, and he said that the industry - like music and movies - had changed. It was more difficult for an unknown to get his foot in the door.

You can find lots of books on publishing, writing books, etc., in a book store. Find an independently-owned book store and ask the owner for advice.

This sounds like a wonderful project, and it is a book I would like to own. Good luck, and keep us informed.

Pitcairn Guy Loc: Novato, CA

Thank you for the advice, now can you tell me where I can find a book store? Just joking. I would self publish or have someone do it. I really would like to get it done. I think it is a major part of maritime history, possibly a greater story than Titanic if you consider Captain Bligh’s voyage in the open boat. Do you think because of the historical significance someone would want to publish it? These are pictures taken by the descendants of the Mutineers, not by visitors from the outside world. Maybe it is just me but I think they are priceless.

Pitcairn Guy Loc: Novato, CA

I will look into Blurb Books, Thanks

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

They are definitely priceless. Getting a book printed on your own is not difficult. I have done several with family photos, but only one or two copies. I would select the photos, decide where they would go, and send the whole thing to an online publisher. I'm sure others can recommend online publishers, but Kodak and Apple can make photo books for you.

Pitcairn Guy Loc: Novato, CA

I will do some searching but do you know where to look for publishing with Kodak or Apple? I am heading back to Pitcairn next month to interview the descendants to get captions for the photos so I plan to start putting it together this June or July.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here's Apple's site. http://www.apple.com/ilife/print-products.html

Kodak: http://www.kodakgallery.com/products/photo-books/pc-Products-c-C830001?sourceid=784450135503&cm_mmc=Paid+Search+US-_-Google-_-G_Photo+Books+-+Brand

You can check prices and what they offer.

Pitcairn Guy Loc: Novato, CA

Thank you so much. I will make sure you are the first to get a copy of the book if you have intrest in Pitcairn Island.

doublec Loc: Auckland, New Zealand

This is great! I'm a descendent of some of the mutineers through my grandmother who was born on Pitcairn. I'd definitely be interested in a book of photo's and I'm sure many others would too.

Have you considered using a self-publishing site like http://lulu.com. They have 'photo' book formats that look nice. If you search around there are a few reviews of people who have used lulu to publish photo books.

Glenn K

Unless you know that the owners have either original prints or negatives or both, the first thing I would do is to scan all of the photos (even the ones you know you will not use) and then work from the digital files exclusively. In no event would I release the prints in your custody to anyone else. If someone feels the need to inspect the prints to validate them, the inspection should be done in your presence and in an environment that you control. Further, I suggest that you: 1) put the entire collection into a safe deposit box, and 2) talk to an insurance agent about ensuring the prints while they are in your custody.

Yes, call me paranoid. But you have custody of arguably valuable photographs. If you lose them, the owners may well claim a value well in excess of what they may think they're worth now.

Or you can assume the risk. Your choice. Good luck.

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I recently had a kids book made from my prints and my words for one of the GRANDS. I used adorama, and it turned out great. http://www.adoramapix.com/app/products/books

I don't know if they publish books in the volume you are looking for, but their picture reprints are good.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

What a coincidence! The March issue of Outdoor Photographer has an article on printing photo books, page 80.

Check out blurb.com, bayphoto.com, mpix.com, pikto.com, collages.net, photobookpress.com, and adoramapix.com.

Try www.outdoorphotographer.com

Pitcairn Guy Loc: Novato, CA

I would like to thank you and everyone else for your input. I have looked at all the sites mentioned and the cost to do just one book with so many photos is unbelievable, well over $100 a book. My intention is to try and sell them for around $50, make a little profit which I will give back to Pitcairn Island. It looks like the only way to do this is to find a publisher that wants to take on a historic photo book like this. I have now spoken to a few but they want me to submit all the photos and text, laid out the way I want it and they will let me know and it could take a year “if” I hear back. The problem with the self publish sites is the paper quality. It looks like Blurb is the best value for paper quality and how many pages they will put in one book. I will not be able to put in the 1600+ photos but maybe 7-800 hundred for around $200 plus. Who would spend that kind of money on a book? I am lost I think I will make a couple of copies for myself and the island and let it go.

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

Step #1 may be just getting them to digital. I sent all my old family pictures to www.scandigital.com. They scan to DVD, and did a great job. You should try to talk to them for a project of this size.
I uploaded selected pictures to Shutterfly, got back a great photo book, but wayyy too $$$ for your project.

good luck!