Over the past few months, I’ve been discussing different ideas for my first photo book. I’ve also been documenting the process via my Podcast….the Daily FRO and soon-to-be YouTube Videos. At first, I was planning on making a book about my photographic history. Then I thought maybe I should do my first line of 6 Degrees. But ultimately I settled on doing a more time-appropriate book, the Bernie Photo Book where I share the images from my time on the campaign trail.
This Book project is bigger than just releasing a Photo Book. What I mean by that, is I want to take you along for the journey. I want to share and document the entire process. I want to be as transparent as possible through this project. That means sharing details like, the exact cost of printing a photo book and answering questions on why I would choose a printer in Italy vs somewhere else? When I say everything, I mean I’m sharing it all. Did you know shipping 2,000 photo books from the printer in Italy will cost me roughly $4,000 and take 2-3 weeks by boat? Like I said, I want to share the entire process with you.
This is my first time going through the process of self-publishing a real deal photo book. My goal for this project is to make it so entertaining and informative that you ultimately decide to support the project by pre-ordering the book when that time arrives.
What I can say is, this certainly will be a journey, and one I hope you join me on.
Below, I’ve put together episodes of the Daily FRO podcast where I discuss the Bernie Photo Book. It starts with the newest content first. In the future, I will be sharing video content documenting the layout and design process and much more. If you’re someone like me who prefers listening to Podcasts at a faster speed, click the Ep# to launch that episode on Spotify.
Thank You, Jared Polin aka the FRO
The Kickstarter for the Bernie Photo Book is NOW LIFE. Please click here to get your first edition copy and back the project. Thank you for your continued support.
BTS of the Making of the Photo Book
Join me as I work with my book designer and show you what goes into making a photo book. Everything from shape and size, to paper stock and more is discussed.
Ep16: We are so CLOSE to launching the KS
As I gear up to launch the Kickstarter, I go over what the final rewards are going to be and what they will cost. We are so close, thank you for your suport.
Ep15: How do these REWARDS Sound???
As we get closer and closer to launching the Kickstarter for the Bernie Photo Book, I am starting to figure out what the rewards will be. In this Podcast, I walk you through what I am thinking the rewards will be priced at.
Ep14: This is what the BOOK will look like!!!
I recently got a package in the mail that had two “dummy” sample, Bernie Photo Books in it. I wanted to open the package while filming to give you my full on real deal reaction and thoughts on which version I liked more. The one I like may be more expensive, but it’s the right choice.
Ep13: How much it costs to print 2,000 Books
How much does it cost to self-publish a photo book like the Bernie Photo Book? In this video, I break down the exact quote I got from the printer in Italy. I take a look at printing costs for different types of bindings as well as how much it will cost to ship 2,000 books to Philly ($4,000).
Ep12: My Authors Statement (feedback?)
I am working on my Author Statement for the book and wanted to run it by you for some feedback. I know the direction I would like to go, the info I want to hit, and think it’s coming along nicely. Plz let me know your thoughts.
Ep11: UPDATE on Printing Costs ($65,000)
To skip right to the Bernie portion of this episode, skip to 9:09. There I discuss the NEW pricing per unit if I order 2,000 books. I also go into details about what I expect my expenses to be for the first run of Photo Books.
Ep10: BerniePhotoBook.com
Even though you are on the BerniePhotoBook website right now. I used this episode to discuss the layout and design of the site as well as what to expect from it in the future. I will continue to keep it updated.
Ep9: I Met with the Designer And…
If you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to print 1,000 Photo Books, you’ll get your answer in this episode. As I said, I am about total transparency with this project. Which means, sharing exact costs with you.
Ep8: I Picked A Book Designer!!!
I am not a book designer, but I know how important it is to find the right one to work with. Well, I signed the contract with the person who I think is the right designer for the Bernie Photo Book.
Ep7: Should I order 1,000 or 2,000 Books?
What’s the price difference if you order 2,000 photo books vs 1,000 books? Is the savings big enough to go with twice as many? As I continue with total transparency, I share the exact costs of both options.
Ep6: How Much it Costs to Print 1000 Books!!!
If you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to print 1,000 Photo Books, you’ll get your answer in this episode. As I said, I am about total transparency with this project. Which means, sharing exact costs with you.
Ep5: Bernie Book AUDIO TEST (EXCLUSIVE)
There will be a QR code at the front of the printed book that will direct you to audio commentary by me. I love hearing artists discuss their work. That’s why I will be your audio guide throughout the book.
Ep4: How Much A Book Designer Can Cost!!!
I feel it’s important to hire someone who’s done layout and design of Photo Books. That’s why I started the process to find one. In this episode, I discuss how much of an expense it might be.
Ep3: The Bernie Book is Born
Originally I was going to do Photo Stories Vol 1, but in this episode, I discuss the reasons for making the switch to the Bernie Book and how I am aware that it might not be for everyone…but it’s the right choice.
Ep2: More Do…Less Talk!!!
In this episode, I discuss the notion of more doing less talk. I start to lay out the ideas from my head for why I’m documenting the process of creating a photo book. There’s a lot to unpack, but this is a fun journey.
Ep1: The Process Starts Here…
This is where the process of deciding on what type of Photo Book began. The Bernie Photo Book wasn’t my first idea. Hit play on the audio below to hear what Photo Book I thought I would start with.