On January 12, 2024, I returned from an expedition to Antarctica. Before I can break down the lessons learned from this little adventure, there is something else that needs to be addressed: my gratitude. I realize how fortunate I am to be able to write this post. As my rubber boots hit the shores of Antarctica, I realized I was setting foot on my seventh continent, something that this kid from rural America never imagined he would be able to do. Photography has taken me near and far, and for this, I am eternally grateful. Most modern adventures come with strings attached. A list of chores alon ..read more

April 23 is World Book Day, and we’re celebrating the storytellers, artists, and makers in our Blurb community by giving ten people $25 off their next masterpiece.  Here’s how to enter: Share a picture of you and your self-published book on your Instagram Story. Tag @BlurbBooks, use #Contest, and make your account public. Get $25 off your next book.* *Only the first 10 get the $25, so share your self-published book selfies soon! We can’t wait to see them. *** ​​OFFICIAL RULES (“Official Rules”) NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER, WIN, OR CLAIM PRIZES. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE ..read more

Rose Boakes explores the intricacies of teenage years, delving into themes of growth, rebellion, and the spaces in between. Her debut book, Wisdom Teeth, showcases surreal beauty in the familiar, blending nostalgic memories with bold experimentation.  Drawing from backgrounds in sociology, English literature, art photography, and a passion for film, Boakes’s diverse foundation shapes her art. In this interview, we discuss her photographs, creative process, and advice for others to find their voice in visual art. You’re a student, photographer, and creative. Tell us about your creative jou ..read more

There are so many photo-editing software choices today. Some programs focus on fundamental adjustments like tone and color grading. Others are best at denoising and retouching or feature an easy interface. Add to all of that generative AI, and the choices can be quite overwhelming. We’re here to help. As creators with decades of photography and bookmaking experience, we understand the importance of having reliable and efficient photo editing software. That’s why we’ve curated a list of some of the best options out there—both free and paid. So no matter what your budget or skill level may be, y ..read more

Editing is an art form and, in some ways, is just as important as making photographs. But like all creative skills, editing takes time, patience, and practice. If I use my mental time machine, I can transport myself back to 1988 when I was a fledgling photojournalism student. To say that I was green is a major understatement. Photojournalism was not my original life plan. Not even close. My original plan was to study geology, but due to an unforeseen loss of my student transcripts, Plan A quickly became Plan B. I found myself at a small community college, which was the home of one of the best ..read more

Have you ever noticed that the colors on your monitor look different from those in a printed photo or book? This discrepancy can be upsetting, especially when you’ve spent dozens of hours editing your images. Calibration is the secret ingredient that aligns what you see on-screen with the final product—whether it’s a digital file or a page in a photo book. In photography and graphic design, color accuracy isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s crucial for conveying the right mood and message of your work. This precision ensures consistency—super important for professionals who rely on printed works ..read more

Calling all visual creatives! We’re hosting a book cover contest exclusively on our Instagram.  Tap into your book cover design skills and enter our contest.  Here’s how to enter: On February 27, 2024 we’ll post five themes and five book titles on our Instagram feed. Select a book title and theme that speaks to you and design your book cover. Post on your Instagram account and use these two hashtags: #BlurbBookCover and #Contest. Our team will select a winner after the contest date ends on March 8, 2024. One grand prize winner will receive a unique $200 code to use towards their ne ..read more

United States *Save 30% on photo books with code: TY30. Offer valid through March 17, 2024 (11:59 p.m. local time). Valid only for photo books uploaded to and purchased through your own account. The discount is applied toward your product total with no minimum or maximum order amount. This offer has a maximum value of $500. This offer is good for two uses, and cannot be used for ebook or PDF purchases, wall art, and “The Story of your DNA” books on 23andme or combined with volume discounts, custom orders, other promotional codes, gift cards, or used for adjustments on previous orders. Australi ..read more

This month we interview designer and illustrator McKenzie Young. She’s done everything from corporate branding to video game content and children’s book illustration to zine self-publishing. And about that last one—we go in-depth on her latest zine, which explores the power of illustration to promote mental health awareness.  Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at how McKenzie uses her creativity to make a positive impact in the world—shedding light on often hidden mental health struggles. Plus, her take on trad- versus self-publishing, her advice on how to break into professional design ..read more

United States *Save 30% on photo books with code: CHEERS30. Offer valid through February 23, 2024 (11:59 p.m. local time). Valid only for photo books uploaded to and purchased through your own account. The discount is applied toward your product total with no minimum or maximum order amount. This offer has a maximum value of $500. This offer is good for two uses, and cannot be used for ebook or PDF purchases, wall art, and \”The Story of your DNA\” books on 23andme or combined with volume discounts, custom orders, other promotional codes, gift cards, or used for adjustments on previous orders ..read more