Aside from my career as a professional photographer, I have been teaching photography at The Catholic University of America for the past 14 years.
Each semester I try new and different teaching techniques and assignments to keep my classes fresh. This past semester I ventured into the world of self-publishing.
Each of my classes had to produce a finished printed product that constituted 25% - 50% of their overall grade.
My intro to digital photography class had to create a portfolio in the form of a book. And for my advanced class, they needed to produce a finished book based upon a theme (project) of their choosing.
Each class seemed to be enjoying the project so much that I decided to get in on the fun. So I produced my own book of portraits entitled "iShots".
The catch that I gave myself was one week in which to get the project photographed and uploaded for printing. And... I shot the entire project using my iPhone.
When you have no camera adjustments at your disposal, you go back to the basics. Compose, point and pray!
I was amazed at the quality I got from the iPhone. As well, the printing quality from Blurb.com was right on the money.
From this one project has sprung more book projects and many more opportunities to explore. Stay tuned!
Matthew Barrick
Barrick Photography
http://www.barrickphotography.com/