hot -> ouch -> burn -> lesson learned? ... I didn't think so

[15_the_circle]

[OT from cottage renovations]

and now for something completely different, in which I admit that I have been toying with the ridiculous thought of a 2008 reprise of last year's calendar project. 

it would need a somewhat higher list price and a much smaller press run.  not that I expect to have such oodles of time in which to put one together, but last year's exercise covered all the one-off stuff so it wouldn't really be that hard to make it happen ... and it's not like there's any shortage of usable images. 

on the practical (never my long suit) side I have some doubts about the fiscal soundness of the idea as the printing has to be paid for up front and these days the priorities are:

1. mortgage
2. tuition // next installment due around year end
64. food // quite minimal
256. all other unavoidable expenses // similarly minimal
512. cottage renovations // focus is on thermal integrity
32767. all discretionary expenses.

the problem is that last category, into which quite a bit has been deferred over the course of the past few months; I won't feel comfortable about another multikilobuck outlay that's essentially all at risk given that last year's calendar resulted in a loss roughly equivalent to a mortgage payment.  but aside from that consideration I regarded it as technically and creatively successful and it was well received so the notion is rather tempting. 

so we'll see. 
there's probably about another month in which to decide whether to go ahead with it and the commit point occurs only when the time comes to reserve some press time at the printer's. 

Comments

[peach-salsa.livejournal.com]

Do you have a theme or a particular focus in mind?

[15-the-circle.livejournal.com]

theme:  the Grove.  it's not like I ever photograph anything else. 

focus:  closeup, mostly, though not as prevalent as the '07 calendar. 

[gracegiver]

Your 2007 calendar is stunning. Not just because of magnificent photos you make, but the care and precision you took in its layout. The entire project shines as a labor of love. Those rarely reap monetary rewards.

I remember you mentioning doing a calendar of Front Porches of The Grove and I’ve seen a few of those photos. I think that’s a great thought and unique enough most people might love to have something like that in their houses. If you ever look at the Hallmark store around Christmas time (*shiver*) you’ll see what they stock for calendars. Animals and nature. With your talents and the Grove’s unique architecture, you have a winner.

Of course, I’d prefer to see a calendar with nothing but your train photos, but … that’s just me. And I’d help you market those in a heartbeat.

[15-the-circle.livejournal.com]

thank you for your kind words -- glad you have been enjoying the calendar. 

the porch series has its own entry tag (http://www.livejournal.com/~15_the_circle/tag/porch+series) but is unlikely to fill a complete calendar.  nonetheless a couple of its images would have a pretty good chance shot at inclusion if there were to be an encore. 

[mmatthews1950.livejournal.com]

You make a lot of good points. If the next calendar is to be produced with a goal of losing less on its investment than the last one, then I believe the selection of photos needs to include primarily larger subject matter (i.e., non-close-ups). I love the close-ups, particularly the botanicals - they take ones breath away. But most people are more interested in the larger subjects the Grove has to offer, such as porches, houses, architecture, people doing things, landscapes, etc.

[15-the-circle.livejournal.com]

>
> ... a goal of losing less on its investment
>

precisely.  I don't really want the enterprise to be profitable.  the desired end state from a financial point of view would be a modest loss.  that would be quite easy to achieve with a smaller press run.  other than the ones given to friends and family, last year's calendars were made available at cost.  the reason for the loss was the number of leftovers at the end of the exercise.  I don't at all mind that it produced a deficit, I just wouldn't want another one of that magnitude. 

the real constraint is not so much financial, for that can be managed, as it is one of time available.  I wouldn't have a problem getting an '08 calendar to press; where the crunch would come would be in order fulfillment and distribution.  am still looking into that aspect to see if there might be some way to make it happen. 

[gracegiver]

It may be too late for an '08 calendar but perhaps if photos such as you mention here were kept in mind throughout the year, George would have acquired enough images to build the most stunning and unique calendar this (and that) side of the Mississippi.

Personal preference would be a focus on architecture alone. Set aside the landscaping and people photos for a different venture.

[15-the-circle.livejournal.com]

>
> Set aside the landscaping and people photos for a different venture.
>

people photos, in particular, are problematic because I've never had anybody sign a release.  since it's all been incidental portraiture rather than formal shoots the need has never arisen.  I expect it would be a consideration for any images used in a publication to be sold, even at a loss. 

[szap.livejournal.com]

Put me down for two. If it's a project that would bring you joy that is. And some food. I can bring you some food too. Always thought the "Starving" in starving artist was over rated.

[15-the-circle.livejournal.com]

watch this space (easy, it's on your flist) in case something does happen. 

am in no danger of starving though the offer of food is most kind on your part. 

no rererefenestration rerededication this year because there's nothing to dedicate account lack of progress on the cottage renovations front.  with any luck that condition won't persist for another year so look for the annual tradition to resume next Sept or Oct. 

Thermal integrity

[(Anonymous)]

Oh, so sorry that the calendars didn't work out financially last year. It's ok to say you tried and not do it again. It was an experiment, and it is really good that you were open to risk and gave it a shot.

Unless you are using unsold calendars to insulate the walls, I don't think they will bring you much comfort when winter hits.

Hugs,

Cousin B

[15-the-circle.livejournal.com]

>
> Unless you are using unsold calendars to insulate the walls
>

the walls have a much higher grade of insulation in them than that; the thermal loss was all going out the windows in the absence (currently being rectified, inshallah) of storm windows.  so this winter should work out much better in that regard. 

you have a great idea: next time one of the walls is opened up I think a calendar would make for an excellent time capsule.