A book that I was integrally involved with from its inception: The Art of Gothic Living: Dark Decor for the Modern Macabre published by Union Sq. & Co. (formerly Sterling Publishing, publishing arm of Barns & Noble) by author Paul Gambino (formerly editorial director of Urban Ink/Rebel Ink, editor INKED).

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978145 … h5AAVNrt33

This is the fifth book I have collaborated on with Paul. One of the earlier books Morbid Curiosities: Collections of the Uncommon and the Bizarre published by UK publisher Laurence King (now div. of Hachette UK) has sold more than 30,000 copies. This book is a collection of both interesting locations but also interesting people. I photographed portraits and interior photos of couples and individuals who live in and surround themselves with objects of their passion for convention challenging dark and gothic themes. From a collector or Houdini artifacts and Ouija boards to a collector of reliquaries and (allegedly) haunted items. A notable figure in the book is Ryan Cohn (co-star of Discovery Channel's 'Oddities' show) who has decorated his home with a colorful array of items including Andy Warhol's bed to a large dinosaur skull. Another collector lives in an otherwise regular midwestern Victorial home that contains a staggering array of authentic Medieval and 15th century relics and art.

I was the principle photographer and photographed 8 of the 15 chapters (budget constraints couldn't wouldn't allow me to travel to Europe and Australia) and logistics didn't allow me to get to a few other locations. I was also instrumental in the concept development with the author. On the past book projects (in addition to Morbid Curiosities, there was 'Skulls: Portraits of the Dead and the Stories They Tell' and 'Killer Collections: Dark Artifacts from True Crime'). I photographed a substantial portion of all three books, shooting still life photos of sacred and profane objects and environmental portraits of their collectors. In that journey I realized that there were some who confined their collections to a single corner of their homes, and there were other collectors who lived among the objects they are passionate about. I suggested we propose a book about the ones who live in their collections.

We are now in the process of pitching multiple future book projects on a wide variety of topics. Too early to share more details.

Coffee Table Book? There's something slightly derogatory about that term I think. Not that it wouldn't be a nice addition to somebody's living space.

Congratulations, if I ever get some spare money, I'd love to buy a copy, sounds very interesting.

Outstanding Dan! Congratulations!

This is big news, Dan, and it may surpass even the epic heights of "Girls on Film" which destroys all other books in the world, emptying libraries with its awesomeness, causing people upon seeing it to become blind and resort to  braille and other touchy methods for communication. And oh, course, congratulations to you, but I'm really waiting for the sequel to the other book, which I think will be called "Blimps on Fire".  Or "Photographer Dead in 52 photos auto shot after being shot by irate tattooed model. . ."

Good one and I hope more people show up to comment than on "Girls on Film".

Congratulations Dan!

It looks fascinating, and I'm sure it will do well (as usual)!

Covers of the four books I have worked on with author Paul Gambino including the soon to be published Art of Gothic Living. Upper left is Morbid Curiosities featuring my photo as the cover. I also shot some of the smaller images on the cover of Killer Collections. While still life if not my main focus in photography, each book features portraits of the owner/collectors.