Books

A wonderful advance in technology has made it possible for individuals to self-publish a book. A book, unlike a CD or DVD will last possibly 100 years or more. A book requires no batteries or special software. This concept led me to find the best self-publishing companies, especially for beautiful photographs.

The Community Project called Through the Eyes of Islanders, was created in 2010 to with the launch of the Orcas Island Photo Contest. The “Eyes of Islanders” has the best images from the San Juan Islands’ Orcas Island photo contest. It shares the da

ily views Islanders have of their friends, family, nature and beauty of this very special place.

The goal of the project – through the Eyes of Islanders – is to offer a way for photographers to participate in a professionally vetted, laid out book, available initially in small quantity First Edition, made available to each winner, as well as the sponsors.

Not surprisingly, several businesses in the Islands have invested in the First Edition to put it on display so visitors can appreciate the beautiful photographs within. Next year’s book promises to be even better. With the help of a skilled editor and additional professional graphics design, as well as section with prose and poetry, 2012′s Eyes of Islanders project, will deliver a keepsake every Islander will treasure.

Founding members of the Eyes of Islanders project contribute to the success of the project and we’re excited about bringing a more professional, archival quality book to the sponsors. With the strong support of the founders, a quantity purchase will be made thus reducing the costs so its possible for hundreds of people to purchase the book. Today, you can buy the “Eyes of Islanders” for iPad and iPhone here: Buy “Eyes of Islanders”

It’s amazing how beautiful the first edition of the book Through the Eyes of Islanders is. Those initial buyers are thrilled with their books. Entirely made by Islanders for Islanders, with images and words of Islanders. A true keepsake.

The Winners are:
Natasha Ryder
Martin Taylor
Rod Magner
Bob Phalen

The “Eyes of Islanders” book features the Winning photographers and notable photographs from the following San Juan Island photographers:

Adam Farish
Jake McGuire
Becky Blackadar
Russell Lee Post
Keri Lago
Anthony Martinez
Max Blackadar
Haley Arnold
Scott Stillman
Don Stillman
Justin McIntosh
Alita Humphrey
Bruce McIntosh
Kevin Page
Philomena Robinson
Rachel Bishop
Mariah Buck
Stu Stephens
Jerry D. Eisner
Dennis DeHart
Rick Gould
Randal Dean Monge
Dyan Holmes
Carl Yurdin

The Orcas Island Airport is literally one of the most beautiful airports in the World. The airport is located near the center of Orcas Island, aligned with the North Star at night, and just a few miles from the Canadian border. One of the very few airports that allow camping on the field, so its entirely possible for pilots to visit Orcas Island, camp overnight, bike into town and check out the area, before making plans to bring the family or friends. What a great benefit to pilots everywhere. I’ve never camped out on a field more beautiful.

The Orcas Island Airport book offers pilots a quick reference to the airport area, with beautiful images from around Orcas Island. Available as both an eBook and bound book.

Our lives are made more meaningful and joyful by our friends and family. What better consideration to your own family, than to create a book of images and memorabilia of friends and family. I’ve produced a book specifically for my Mom, that includes, song lyrics, stories, and images to share among our friends and family. Its a keepsake book for the next generation as well.

How can you get involved in self-publishing? Check the Eyes of Islanders Photo Contest and enter a photograph – that’s the easiest way to potentially be included in a yearly documentary book.

eBooks make it possible to share the books you make with people at prices that are really unheard of. eBooks from Aspenworks are available for Apple products, and Amazon products. Check back often. From time to time we’ll have a free download available.