In the same style as my Indio Photo Book and the smaller snapshot books that followed it, I've finally completed my coffee table photo book from my trip to Singapore in April this year. My goal was to create something that felt really stylized, personal, and varied. I was keen to make it feel a bit like a scrap book of the locations we saw. I think I accomplished what I was after in creating something that doesn't seem amateur, but also doesn't seem so polished or staged that it doesn't seem genuine.
After completing my Singapore edits soon after getting back, I took my time in going through the photos. It actually proved to be a very relaxing way to remember the trip and to try and contextualize the experience. For as much as we did, I had to remind myself that it wasn't technically a vacation. What a business trip though!
In any case, this 200 page photo book was one pricey souvenir at over $100 to publish, but I know it's something that I'll look back on for years to come. Luckily, you can preview the entire book for free online by simply clicking the Blurb link below - same goes for all of my previous photo books.
Today I celebrate the third year since creating Editing Luke and beginning the process of uploading all of my edits and projects online - something I'm continuing to appreciate more and more as my portfolio grows.Who knew it would come to this? Over 500 posts and growing, several original columns, over 150 edits uploaded, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of video views over several online venues, a comprehensive rehash of my film school and real world experience, and the motivation to still keep this project moving forward - so once again, who knew it would come to this? I'm not really sure that I thought this thing would have a life after film school.
This site/blog has always been about channeling whatever creativity I felt I needed to release. It's continually evolving and changing just as my own perception of my projects does. However, what I really love about Editing Luke, and what I've become addicted to throughout the experience, is the feeling that I'm giving myself a sense of direction. Career wise and from a creative perspective, the goal of writing about my work or just sharing my thoughts has been therapeutic at the worst of times and a shot of adrenaline at the best.
What always surprises me about time is how 3 years can seem so quick and yet still so defining. This project has become a staple of my approach to film making, with promoting myself online and sharing my work, yet 3 years ago I was still in film school, still completely unsure of whether I was even going to find a related job, stressing about loans, etc.
To have won 2nd place in the Yobi Film Competition just yesterday (after beating out 38 other filmmakers over a course of several months) only seems to further emphasize just how much of a transition has really been made. Not only have I overcome my fears from just several years ago, but I've taken more gratifying risks. In so many ways my post-university transition has faded away and here I am starting fresh again.
There's now been a history established here and many who never knew me before now at least know Editing Luke. I couldn't be more thankful for the support and feedback that I receive. I'm a creative guy and it's amazing to be able to share this scrapbook of media with anyone who is interested in taking a look. I think the best is yet to come.
Perhaps the real question isn't who knew it would come to this? Maybe it's who knew it would be this good? Thank you guys for helping to make it so.
Stats After 3 Years:
Blog Posts: 514
Blog Views: 85047
Video Views: 962173
The results are in - I just wanted to let everyone know that I finished 2nd place in the Yobi Film Contest. While not the top prize, I'm still really happy about the outcome and had my expectations far exceeded.
It's been a long process that many of you have seen play out on my blog, but even 2nd place feels amazing. In this case, I felt the first place winner really did deserve it so I really am satisfied to have made it as far as I did. The show of support was incredible and I owe that all to you guys. Your votes helped me outlast 38 other filmmakers, which is no small feat.
With the next season of Yobi starting up I think I'll take this summer to come up with a brand new, more ambitious short to try my luck at the top spot for a third time. First season I finished 6th, Second season in 2nd place, maybe 3rd times the charm?
Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you one more time for making the experience as memorable as it was. I'm actually very optimistic for everything going ahead in the next few months - including new film ideas.
With over 170,000 video views on the Geology Student alone it's tough to feel bad. Thanks for everything!
