Question about photos in art books

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Melinda

Hi all,

I've been a regular receiver of the Absolute Write newsletter for two years now, but have only today taken the plunge into the forums!

I am writing a book about an artist, but whether it takes the form of a textbook, as used in schools, or a coffee table book, has yet to be determined (by the market re school interest).

My question is this: Should I be thinking about choosing photographs of the artwork at this stage, or would that be the job of the editor/publisher/some other person at the publishing house if and when it gets there? I have access to a lot of photos of pieces, but I don't want to choose pics for the book if someone else will do that later.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated,

Melinda
 

Vlad

Photos of art

Hi Melinda,
I am a fine artist myself (Funny, I have not written a book about it...maybe I will...sometime,) I know if I were writing about myself and my work, I would go with NON FICTION, kind of biography...and I wouldn't think about illustrations at this stage TOO much, but I would try to picture in my mind what or which painting or any work of art would nicely compliment my writing. Perhaps making notes about it. After a rough draft of the book I would read it start choosing photos that would connect to the story so it would flow nicely without even need for captions. In away, I would be writing about each piece.
I THINK :) Anyway...good luck.

Vlad
www.freewebs.com/chramosta
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Lauri B

Lauri B

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Melinda said:
Hi all,

I've been a regular receiver of the Absolute Write newsletter for two years now, but have only today taken the plunge into the forums!

I am writing a book about an artist, but whether it takes the form of a textbook, as used in schools, or a coffee table book, has yet to be determined (by the market re school interest).

My question is this: Should I be thinking about choosing photographs of the artwork at this stage, or would that be the job of the editor/publisher/some other person at the publishing house if and when it gets there? I have access to a lot of photos of pieces, but I don't want to choose pics for the book if someone else will do that later.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated,

Melinda
Click to expand...
Hi Melinda,
I would suggest letting the publisher know that you have access to photos of the pieces (I'm assuming you have rights to use them?) rather than choosing them right now. Knowing that you have access to the photos will be a big plus in your favor, so make sure you include that in your proposal/pitch/query.
 

Melinda

Thank you both for your answers - in answer to Nomad's question about rights to use the pictures, my father is the photographer and has agreed to let me use them. I appreciate your advice - this is uncharted water for me!


Thank you!
 
biotales

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"my father is the photographer and has agreed to let me use them. I appreciate your advice - this is uncharted water for me!"

One question here, the photos that your father has... Was he hired to take the photos or is he in anyway a professional photog....
check with a entertainment lawyer in your country... you might be safe in using the photos...
 

Melinda

Thanks Biotales, that's a good point. He was a professional photographer, hired by my uncle to take the photographs for his exhibition brochures. I'll be sure to check out the rights situation with those pictures, thanks for pointing it out.
 
biotales

biotales

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Melinda said:
Thanks Biotales, that's a good point. He was a professional photographer, hired by my uncle to take the photographs for his exhibition brochures. I'll be sure to check out the rights situation with those pictures, thanks for pointing it out.
Click to expand...

I would rather have you safe than sorry later on.... since this is a family thing.. you might not think to put it in writing.. but to protect yourself.. you just might consider that also... I have learned that there is not happy family where money is involved.
 

Melinda

Yes... when it comes to my father, we're not so close, and he can be a bit... unpredictable, at times. :) Thanks again.
 
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