Photo Book Production - alternatives

[Rob C]

Hi folks

Not sure if this is the right section for this, but if not, perhaps the powers that be might care to switch it to a better slot?

Basically, what I am interested in doing is producing a form of book using original prints, where the pages could either be left in situ or, alternatively, taken out and framed as the owner may choose.

I already have a couple of porfolios - those zipped plastic cases that have a ring binder that accepts crystal acetate sleeves, but these always look exactly what they are: portfolios for showing your work. What I have in mind is something that looks more like a book, that can double as a coffee table object and not look out of place displayed in a nice home.

I see no way around the use of acetate sleeves as long as one has to print using matt papers and pigment inks, nor, for that matter, do I know of any way that achieves the look of a book but doesn't use ring binding mechanisms.

There's not a lot of mileage in reinventing the wheel; if anyone already has a wheel, can they offer advice?

Rob C

[JoeKitchen]

Not sure if this would be something to consider, but have you checked out Lost Luggage?  They have an interesting new take on binders and is what I use for my portfolio.  Very eye grabbing and not at all generic looking like the black plastic sleeves.  I think if you have the pages perforated, along with scored, you could get a good result.  

[2jbourret]

Rob,

Here is something that might be worth looking at, from Moab Paper: Chinle Portfolio and pages. You choose the cover style and paper type, print on the pages, and insert them into the cover.  I have just ordered several this evening.

http://moabpaper.com/

[Thomas Krüger]

Or test a folio cover from http://www.danecreekfolios.com and if you like it make your own, see http://www.lenswork.com/workshops/folios.html

[Rob C]

Thanks for your replies, guys, much to chew over!

Keith: regarding the longevity issue, the sleeves I employ at the moment are archival and the same company makes portfolios, but unfortunately, that's the very "look" I'm keen to avoid. Oh, I think, from memory, it's Silverprint or something similar - need to check the last invoice.

You are right - it would be a relatively expensive buy, or, alternatively, a very nice gift to the right person. But then, so was producing calendars a high-level venture and that's why it turned out so profitable. I've always believed in chasing the big prize rather than the lesser: the chances are better simply because due to psychological self-imposed limitations fewer folks are chasing the big ones, and if you are going to be lucky, then you may as well be lucky well!

This really is sparking my juices because I have been pondering a couple of alternative shoots that would cost me nothing but some travel, which in a worst case scenario, would be reward enough.

Rob C

[Rob C]

Rob, I'm all for having one's juices sparked.

I often wonder which is the most important to me, being there or image making, being there or image making, being there or image making...what's for sure is that I can't do one without the other and that money is secondary to both.

Go for it.

Keith, I had lunch with my English neighbour and his wife today; she went off to keep an eye on their grandson who seems to have had too much sun whilst the hubby and I went on to another fav local for a drink. In the course of the conversation he mentioned a friend of his who, as a much younger man, had gone along with a small group of mates on a walking trip along the Pyrenees.The chap kept a diary and took snaps (literally) and has subsequently had much joy from the exercise, working them up into all sorts of things.

Your trip or shooting dilemma sounds a very close chord: it was the same with calendars - one without the other was unthinkable, and I was never sure which came first in the list of priorities, earning the money or having the experience, and the experience without the travel was  not the same at all.

Damn, lost the viw of the typing again. I give up. I print, mistakes and all.

Rob C

[Rob C]

Keith, I had lunch with my English neighbour and his wife today; she went off to keep an eye on their grandson who seems to have had too much sun whilst the hubby and I went on to another fav local for a drink. In the course of the conversation he mentioned a friend of his who, as a much younger man, had gone along with a small group of mates on a walking trip along the Pyrenees.The chap kept a diary and took snaps (literally) and has subsequently had much joy from the exercise, working them up into all sorts of things.

Your trip or shooting dilemma sounds a very close chord: it was the same with calendars - one without the other was unthinkable, and I was never sure which came first in the list of priorities, earning the money or having the experience, and the experience without the travel was  not the same at all.

Damn, lost the viw of the typing again. I give up. I print, mistakes and all.

Rob C

Well, Rob, I tried to report your post and its typiong problems to the Moderator, and then got told that I can't do that because it doesn't make sens. Well, I'm sorry, in this case it certainly woulñd have made sense to be abvle to report a huge flaw,

Rob C

[Rob C]

Or test a folio cover from http://www.danecreekfolios.com and if you like it make your own, see http://www.lenswork.com/workshops/folios.html

This Brooks Jensen set of videos is an eye-opener.

The folio idea, as well as his scheme of spending four days shooting the contents, is a great way of approaching a project - in fact, a new (to me) way of thinking about non-commisioned work - period. It gives it form and definition.

Thanks very much for your link, Thomas, it is much appreciated.

Rob C