I only have a few more portraits to shoot now as I am aiming for roughly 10 successful images. The next step after that is to produce my final outcomes (large prints and a photo book). Usually I like making zines of my work, which I do at university. I like the process of making them and then you are left with a very personal item. Unfortunately I have no way of printing at home so this is not even an option right now.
Instead I am going to look at sites that will make and send you your photo book. Before I look more into where to make it, I need to decide on exactly what I want.
Firstly I know that my book will be portrait. This means that the landscape will go over a double page spread. I found this book below which shows how I would like my landscape to be, full bleed over two pages. What I also liked about the book is that all the text was on a bit of paper that can be taken out. This is something I will think about more when making my final InDesign document.
The next thing I have to think about is the size of the book (unfortunately all my photography books are in my university room in Plymouth, so the only thing I have to get an idea for size is a catalogue!) My decision is between A5 and A4. The A5 did feel nice as it was easy to hold and almost more personal. But with the A4 you be able to see more of the detail, which is what I especially want in my portraits. Obviously the pages of the catalogue are thin and flimsy so would feel better to hold, as I would use thick paper. Comparing the both, I have decided on A4. I normally go for A5 as I like how it is easy to hold/carry/etc. But I have produced high quality portraits and I think the most effective way to display them would be if they are larger. I know that my book will be around 24 pages (including front cover) as I plan to have 10 portraits, then 10 landscapes in between.
There is two sites that I have looked at that seem professional and have good reviews of their photo books. The first is ‘Ex Why Zed’. When looking at their photo book page, there is lots of information and images about their product that does really sell it. Things such as one off test copies will be really useful before committing to a final print. When I clicked to request a quote, it asked me to fill in information about my book. I was able to fill it in but what is difficult to decide is what paper to use. Without seeing and feeling it, it is hard to tell what it would be like. Just for the quote I chose a thick uncoated paper as I know that I don’t want glossy. I have also requested paper samples to make a better decision. I have sent my request on the book but am waiting on a response.
The other website that I liked the look of was Blurb. I preferred this site straight away as it was easier to navigate and therefore I found it clearer to find what I wanted. From what I can see there is less size options but I chose 20×25 which is about A4. Straight away it says that it will from £14.99 for 20 pages. I like this as it means I can begin to design my book without having to wait for a quote. It is an extra £5 for hardcover but I actually like the idea of a softcover. They have different types of paper, but describe each one to make it easier to decide. I chose ‘Premium Lustre’. It has a hint of gloss which will look good for the portraits. Now I have thought more about it, it makes sense to have a gloss paper as it is of reflection and a glossy paper will emphasise this.
I haven’t got to the designing step yet as I need to finish my shoots but what is good is that you can link it with InDesign. If not there is a design software on the site that looks straightforward to use.
Lucy Davis 