Shifter: VanLife Blurb LayFlat Sample

Hey Kids,
I know, just what you wanted. A look at my fictional, perfect life inside a metal box careening around the West. I'm a firm believer it never happened until I see the book. And now there lives a book, a mother of all books, with substantial girth, substantial weight, and full-on Layflat madness. Yes, Uncle Danno made a new sample book but the backstory is important.
Why did I make this? How did I make this? And how would I USE this were I still a photographer?

[@reginaldgooden2445]

Thanks, Dan! Great ideas to use and implement!

[@petrvokurek2286]

As always, very helpful. I´ve been making Blurb magazines because of you for a long time and it´s been great. I always find you a great inspiration. I think you are a blessing for Blurb! A real personality promoting a product they truely belive in is the only way to move forward.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I want people to print. Blurb or any other method. When I give talks I tell people they should be using and testing everything they can. Every brand, every format, just to know what is out there so when a specific project happens you aren't starting at ground zero on the testing. Blurb has been the best job I've ever had. I thought it would last three months and it's been almost eleven years. And it's given me a perspective on the creative world I never would have had were I still a photographer;

[@gusroams7320]

superb imagery! i used book write for my first magazine, so helpful and more than capable software, did not feel limited at anytime by this book creating program. once again, awesome photographs!!

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

For many publications it works remarkably well. For design heavy things, InDesign Plugin offers more options but you also have to pay for it.

[@slickhatter9812]

Thanks Daniel that was seamless and easy.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Each month as of now making a magazine of photo of stuff we did and went little bit of scanned in stuff I wrote nothing special or complicated, just for us. Just sorted January stuff Monday I think and sent off to blurb, I like it. Ahh miss my old work van used too get away in it a few bit, get the tools out and sleep in that simple weekend out and about. Sold it a bit over a year ago when moved to America. Nice one go steady

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Used vans are all around. Prices are going up as the hipster world has discovered the metal box but still lots of deals to be found. I like the idea of a monthly recap.

[@douggottlieb]

I love the cover. And the bird. Go figure. Great vid.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Thanks amigo. I lucked out on the bird image. Total luck.

[@markscott4059]

The atmos did not die this time....

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

using the Sony now. Better focus, smaller and easier to sue and doesn't flip flop exposure all over the place. The Fuji will become primarily for stills.

[@davemenard5089]

I have a van, a bike, a camera and a face so I’m really enjoying your content. The only info I’m lacking is your preferred brand of shades because I have a face like yours. Thanks Dan ✌🏼

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

We are one and the same. Oakley for my main glasses and these readers are from Izipizi....

[@VictorBezrukov]

Thank you for the inspiration on making a book "business". A long time ago I finished all the layers for the Isolation zine-book and have to finish the cover and some short text. I'm just stuck and have less and less motivation to finish it. But now I firmly decided that the time is now :-) thank you for the great push!

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I think once you make one the flood gates are open. You will make more....

[@VictorBezrukov]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 well i have already two ;-) published a few years ago. all my friends bought it and i brought as a gift to mom and family. also have them as a coffee table small books ;-)

[@lagazettedesfrancais8155]

Shipping. Received in the middle of Latin America a book from Blurb not that long without any problem... that is apart from the cover being damaged. I am waiting for another one also from Blurb, cost of delivery has come down drastically. Having said that, local official post office service has gone down the drain, forget about sending or receiving any mail or parcel.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Well, that is great to know. And as for the post....ya, it's blown.

[@thephotolifestyleblog]

This is awesome mate!! You inspire me to make my own book and design a project to work on 👏👏👏

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Start small, start inexpensive and have fun.

[@thephotolifestyleblog]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 thanks man I will 😌🙏

[@WhoIsSerafin]

James Michener, my father when I was 13 ready to go off to summer vacation for two months excited I won’t see my parents for months hands me a 1000 page book called Centennial! Tells me I expect it read by the time you get back and I will test you! I was devastated, but it still is to this day one of my favorites of all time. Oh man, now I want to get the book and it read it!

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

That is the one I want to read. I used to go to Centennial Wyoming every summer. Also the home of Annie Proux.

[@stefanol9272]

😂😂😂😂 Man I did not knew you have Bigfoot delivery 😎😎😎✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@mvonwalter6927]

Been thinking of doing a test book on some legacy 10+ year old photos I love. All square format B+W. Mix of travel and portrait, consistently centered subjects, all very bad for full spread. Under 20 images. Now you got me thinking about doing it portrait book. Anyways, my nonfic read list is all recently uncovered-history stuff: Chaos, by Tom O'Neil The Three-Cornered War, by Megan Kate Nelson (covers your neck of the woods in fact).

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Oh man, book recommendations. Thanks for that. Can't get enough. Try the small 7x7 or the 8x10 portrait if you want book. Or, try magazine. Inexpensive, good size and prints well. Editing might be your most difficult challenge.

[@mrenovatio3739]

31:24 ... How many have offered to buy this Fuji gear book so far?

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I don't think anyone. And the folks at the last Fuji booth I went too wanted no part of it either. They just looked at the cover and handed it back to me.

[@efraguerrero]

Dude, I'm addicted to your films and the way you inform. As always, great stuff. BTW, has anyone told you, you look like the love child of Rob Lowe and Don Johnson? Just sayin. Cheers.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I used to get the Rob Lowe thing a lot when my hair was longer. I’m like the old broke down version of MR. Rob

[@cornelius_b]

kinda ashamed to ask this, but what caemra and lens did you use for the most part?

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Entire book was Fuji and a few drone snaps.

[@JamesClark1991]

Off topic, but possibly one for your Q+A series. What's your modern day preference in terms of focusing in photography? (manual focus vs auto focus). I find myself using vintage lenses on a modern camera body more and more lately due to the pleasure I get from using a fully mechanical focus throw. I'm not sure if it's a fad but time will tell. Curious to hear your thoughts.

[@mikethomas1073]

Thanks for the video, just about ready to order the layflat from Blurb. Just curious, why did they ask you to change the paper? I was leaning towards the Mohawk paper over the Lustre. Thanks.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

No idea. Probably just needed a sample with that specific paper.

[@larsjansen77]

Why don’t you make the AG23 zine available on the Blurb bookshop? That would eliminate the shipping problems and costs for you but people outside US could still get a copy. Since it’s a limited edition make it slightly different.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

It would be different because the main run is offset with matte cover and the Blurb version would be digitally printed with gloss cover. We have so many ideas and plans but what we don’t have, at least now, is time. There have been some wins of late with things I can’t share here, which is encouraging, but we are still a long way from making this what we envision.

[@PetrNielsn]

Thanks for talking about the lay-flat book. One question: Why were you dissuaded from using the more expensive (archival type) paper?

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Internal Blurb request. "Hey, can you make us a sample with "X" paper. No other reason.

[@PetrNielsn]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thanks :)

[@RichardSilvius]

I love this test book concept. This is going to sound sarcastic, but I mean it sincerely... it's like having permission to blow $300 on a book and it's perfectly OK if it sucks. The fact that you have to go through this process to learn to make books, and being able to screw up along the way is liberating. Personally I'd probably stick with the cheaper magazine format, although the lay flat is very cool. I wonder if Blurb ships to Colombia though.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I think we do. There is a list online, a list of the places we ship. We don't print in S. America so the cost of shipping might be the real issue. But to your point, yes, start small. Trade or Magazine. No need to experiment with a LayFlat.

[@lagazettedesfrancais8155]

Documenting life during Covid, endless subject, I am busy with that in the middle of other things. I have to mention an initiative coming from a local NGO. They asked 50 photographers - pro and non pro - to contribute photos for a collective book titled "memorias de la pandemia", so as to document the event on a national level. Each photographer was given 10 copies.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I can only imagine how many pandemic books will emerge. And I think it's a good thing. We are better off when things are documented.

[@PacificExpressions]

The Milnor Center for Photography for Kids Who Don’t Read Good 😂

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I was thinking about that line yesterday......

[@AndySnap]

Watch this on layflat book, nicey but too pricey for my needs, but get ideas for a different, cheaper Blurb book, and that software, so all good, thanks.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

All good

[@thephotographerseye5184]

Wasn’t this video already done before?

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Not by me. I'm sure there are numerous vanlife films but not sure how many about books.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Yes im still crying about AG23 :) but will be patient , in the meantime love this video .

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Me too. But, fingers crossed. We did have some good things happen recently which I'll share when I get my copy of Issue Two.

[@bronzepodcast]

Hey Daniel, great video. Still using the ZV1 for these "vlogs"? Considering getting one, still happy with it or would it make sense to give a couple more bucks for something else?

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I love it. SO small and easy to use. I might get a shotgun mic for it but otherwise I love it and it's with me everyday all day.

[@bronzepodcast]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 Got it. Not sure if I will go for that + Xpro1 for photos, or just the new XS10 for everything. To many choices nowadays.

[@PhotoToPhirom]

Hello from Cambodia, Thank you for your videos and hope you come to Cambodia again when the border is open.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Was just talking to a friend this morning about Cambodia. Would love to visit again.

[@PhotoToPhirom]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 I love listen of your journey. I am glad I found you on youtube

[@tyrellmcbride7184]

For a college project we have been made to do a project of our choosing, get it printed and published all within the space of two months, any tips on layout sequencing and books in general, it would be my first time. Cheers Daniel! Huge fan, love from Dublin.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Wow, editing, sequencing and page design could be three masterclasses in themselves. Be ruthless but enjoy the edit. Think about what a reader needs from the sequence. Define what you are making first, portfolio or book, which will impact the edit, sequence and design and as for page layout look at what has already been done. Find what you respond to, ask yourself why, then adopt some of the same principles.

[@tyrellmcbride7184]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 thanks for taking the time to reply! It would only be a small zine, I’ve taken a couple books into account. Now to make the pictures! Thanks a lot!

[@lagazettedesfrancais8155]

Blurb. I am not paid by Blurb. I found their services and products for the most part excellent (BookWright is difficult to beat - although the page numbering could be better). Not cheap ? Look at what you get.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I work full time for Blurb. But one of my goals is to get people to understand the benefit and importance of print, regardless of platform. Often, one of the things that gets overlooked is the power in a single copy of a book.

[@lagazettedesfrancais8155]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 Totally agree !

[@stdneyavery]

The intro was a lot louder than the dialogue during the main video

[@joeltunnah]

You know what’s not fun about ordering test books? $8.99 shipping on my $13 trade book, and then Blurb sends me a 20% off coupon that expires in 5 days...🤬

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

timing is everything. shipping cost, especially now, is a bummer. At least you got your book. My last book was AWOL for four days after delivery notice. Somehow it ended up at my house, which in itself is crazy because there is a huge gate and none of the neighbors claimed to have put it here......

[@davidwalterphotography]

I like Blurb alot for different reason. But shipping is a dealbreaker very often. Blurb shipping in Europe is even less fun... 23 Euros for 5 small A5 PrintBooks (6 Euros each) that fit in a envalope? Not making that too often. I am ordering heavy A3 printbooks, from different companies, for work regulary and shipping for those is 1/3 or less.

[@mrjohnbaseley]

I was in the same situation. Postage can be a deal breaker..however..consider ordering a few more and sell them at a small profit to offset if you can. Unfortunately this COVID thing has had many implications on Postage and blurb has not been untouched in this regard. It is because the Postage options have been limited so only airmail, tracked Postage is the only option for blurb. Postage Unfortunately is something beyond the control of the company.

[@Keithphotorama]

I have no problems with shipping! Getting stuff all the time. Although B&H is slower than Postal Service. Amazon Prime is fantastically fast. You need to hire an assistant to do the shipping, I believe you are thinking too much about everything.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

So the 600lbs of Zines, AG23 Issue Two that we were told were delivered on Monday of this week that never showed up and were gone for four days only to be found in a warehouse in Seattle TODAY after a huge investigative effort....that, I'm overthinking. Ya. Sure. We have an entire team doing shipping and it's bad, globally.

[@Keithphotorama]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 👍👍🤓

[@robmcd]

7:30 I was imagining what your discount code would be to get free books and shipping.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Back in the day we used to get small codes for employees. But, I would burn through it in February. For some reason I like paying for my own books. Makes me take a good, long look and wonder if something is good enough. Now, my bookmaking has fallen off as other tasks take up all my time. Can't wait to get my teeth into something new at some point.

[@robmcd]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 This video has inspired me to the point that if it were $20 or even a magazine that came out 6 or 7 times a year of the channels and people I follow I’d rather buy the mag than watch vids to cure my fragmented attention span. Awesome vid.

[@gayleruble6529]

Loved Travels ...and Michener’s Hawaii is in my top 5. Not sure why you would care ...but just sayin.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

That might be the only book of his, outside of this autobiography, that I've read. I would like to read a few more.

[@joeltunnah]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 you should read Tales Of The South Pacific, it won the Pulitzer. It’s what the musical South Pacific is based on.

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

EBD (Everythings Been Done) - Dustin Klein

[@badgerag]

Hey Dan, fascinating and useful, as always, thanks! I hope AG23 will find it's way to the UK in the future, but I get your point about it being a portal to the contributors. Humour on point :)

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I do too. I really hope we can find a way. I'm coming over in September. I'll bring an extra bag.

[@iNerdier]

29:40 - Respectfully I have to disagree here, if someone made me something with my name on in a situation like that I would be creeped out. Maybe it's an American vs. European thing at play here but that level of what is to me, over-familiarity, sits really awkwardly with me.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

There was nothing creepy about this at all. It was simply being prepared and knowing your audience. That was such an overwhelmingly powerful meeting I would do anything for this person, and his group, because he was and is light years ahead of any other creative I've met with in the past decade. What he did was smart. There were three other people in the meeting, all of whom received a book with their name in it, and not one negative word was exchanged in regard to the experience. We all decided then and there to begin working with him.

[@joeeley5354]

Hi Daniel, Be real. Are you selling something? What is the mission of this channel? Does it all lead back to Blurb? I appreciate your content but don't want to be involved with some "long game" marketing plan. Cheers, Joe

[@joeeley5354]

ps. I wrote this 3 minutes in. so maybe you answer my question later in the film.

[@joeeley5354]

Ok. You didn't even crack the physical book. The whole point of the video was the "lay flat book". Im assuming you didn't open it on purpose. Or am I crazy.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I've worked full time for Blurb for eleven years and have helped countless people finalize their projects. If you are offended by me mentioning this in a film that specifically says "Whatever system you want to use is fine the same rules apply," then I would just delete my channel and move on. If you are looking for something sacred in photography you are going to be searching for a good long while. If you can find a way from my cycling films, vanlife films, expedition films and photography films that lead back to Blurb then good on ya. You must REALLY want to find something to hate.

[@joeeley5354]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 I actually like your work. I share it with my brother and a couple of friends. Questions are only questions. I meant no offense.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

@@joeeley5354 none taken. My idea was to share the uses of a book like this regardless of who makes it. Part of my job is testing so this was just the latest in a series of hundreds of books I’ve made over the past decade and that is just with Blurb. I’ve made many others with other brands which isn’t officially part of my job just something I feel is helpful when photogs ask me if I know something about another brand. I actually have a short film that shows the entire book but for some reason left it out. It’s VanLife snaps so nothing too exiting. And the reality is I can tell you about something like this but you still have to test it. I have to make a second copy with Mohawk paper to compare the two.