A trip to the bookstore (Part 1)
posted on 16th of february, 2007
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We all get "stuck" in a void of inspiration sometimes. I find that my best ideas often come out of the blue when I'm NOT consciencously trying to think of something creative. When that kind brain freeze sets in, try just taking a break from even thinking about your own work. Go to a museum or a good film or the bookstore.
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American and British publishers are the biggest users of cover art for books but you'll find ideas in bookshops no matter where you live. (Hey! While you are there, pick up a book and have a read. Exercise the left and right side of your brain!)
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Remember the point isn't to copy what you see but to gather inspiration about the kind and type of images that work. Mainstream hardcover books have a very short shelf life. The publishers want revenue results quickly to pay back big advances and publishing costs. The pressure is on to create book covers that will capture the eye of the bookstore patron and get them to buy. The book's cover is its best advertisement.
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At the local chain bookstore, I noticed this week that the most popular image on current fiction hardcover (three books) at the front of the store was a close-up of a woman's eyes. (Interesting since a Dreamstime competitor states that they don't want any more images of eyes and yet don't have nearly as many or as nice as ones as Dreamstime).
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Images need to have negative space available for title and author. Or be composed so that that space can be added in an unobtrusive way.
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As you pass through the aisles on your bookstore field trip, notice how many book covers have evocative, rather dark images, especially in the fiction section. In fact when I first decided to write this, the first keywords I searched on were fog and person.
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Just plain foggy scenes with space for the book title are big too.
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Note that these are "incomplete" images. Depending on the copy or the book title they could evoke mystery, murder, or imagine the non-fiction title: Global Warming on the image on the left. It works.
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Another hot topic: exercise books. Cover shots: body images of buff men and women. Usually with the head cropped off. Is it so we can imagine our faces on that body if only we would buy the book? So far it hasn't worked for me.
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And, of course, diet books abound. I heard a good one today from the bagger at the supermarket... He said he was on the "Chinese diet" and that is? I asked. He replied: I eat with only one chopstick!"
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I was amazed at how many rows of books are geared to teen girls. And who said all young girls ever do is text and play on myspace? Somebody must be buying those books. Two types of images stand out in this genre: Illustrations like the ones below are in style. And photos of teen girls together.
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According to a major research firm, a book is published somewhere in the world every 30 seconds. With that much information, this piece has to be continued. Next time we'll look more closely at the religious, cookbook, sports, mystery, true crime, romance and sci-fi fantasy genres.
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Tags: books bookstore inspiration popular
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Comments (10)
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Ellen, thanks again for sharing your treasure chest of tips and tricks. I love this tang of humor in your writings. Such a joy to read... - posted by
Antonia
on November 02, 2007 |
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Very good tip! Appreciate it! Keep on writing, Ellen :) - posted by
Omegatransfer
on November 02, 2007 |
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i love these new tips. please go on! - posted by
Tempic
on February 20, 2007 |
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Loved it! New ideas abound! Sandy - posted by
Avion49
on February 19, 2007 |
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Loved your article! Very inspirational & informative! Thanks! I can't wait to enjoy more blog posts! - posted by
Songbird839
on February 19, 2007 |
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I love this new section... thank you so much Ellen, very useful and I'll be back dayly... Cathy - posted by
Cathysbelleimage
on February 19, 2007 |
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this is exactly what i'm talking about...a great guide for a beginner like. i'll definitely visit this whenever i need some inspiration before i go out to shoot... - posted by
Jongd
on February 19, 2007 |
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Thanks Ellen!!!!! This section will be an invaluable resource for making DT number one in the industry. Hopefully contributors do their part. I know I am ALREADY motivated!!! Looking forward to the next blog post! ~Jay - posted by
Photojay
on February 19, 2007 |
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What a wonderful section. Will check it daily. Thank you. - posted by
Micspix
on February 19, 2007 |
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Thanks Ellen. I can see this is going to be a very good thing. A grounded point of view with points that open doors to inspiration. - posted by
Littlemacproductions
on February 19, 2007 |
Comments (10) |
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Photo credits: Fallenangel, Fallenangel, Kateleigh, Joe Klune, Popa Sorin, Richard Mcdowell, David Davis, Kurhan, Liv Friis-larsen, Fallenangel, Elena Maffettone, Vanda Grigorovic, Thinkart. |
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| Stock Photography that SELLS! |
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Ellen Boughn, a veteran of the stock photography industry with over 30 years
of experience gives expertise tips on successful stock.
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| Archive |
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Ellen Boughn
(Boughn)
Bainbridge Island, US
I am Dreamstime's Director of Content and Business Development. A long time stock industry professional, I have held executive positions at Corbis and Getty (Stone) as well as at several other large US agencies. Although I was given my first camera when I was six years old by my father, I gave up taking pictures when I became a photo editor. A lifetime of looking at the best work from some of the world's best photographers, made me realize my skills were in editing images, not taking them. My areas of expertise are content and business development.
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