By Its Cover

A few weeks ago I finished work on a simple 40 image, 4 x 6, Japanese-bound photo book. I looked through it, left alone for a while, then came back to it for the once-over. Time and space do wonders for my perspective, so I now I can give an unvarnished review.

First, what I liked at first and still like: the selection of square format photos. I decided on an equal number of B&W and color photos and that each color photo would face its B&W complement.

Here’s the center spread, two versions of the same seascape near Encinitas, CA. These were the first two I decided to include, and I worked my way toward the front and back from here. I also had in mind how to begin and end, since these images would stand alone on the first and last pages.

Here’s the first image, an invitation to sit for a while and look through some photos.

The final image simply seemed like the right thing to do. I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese-style ponds and the beautiful koi that float inside them. They are peaceful and —- of course! —- reflective, and I hope a viewer would think about what they have seen.

Some of the pairs worked well together, though now I see that several are a little too easy —- and sleeping dog and a sleeping swan, for example. But some made me think about why I placed those particular images side by side.

What didn’t work? The book is small and bound in such a way that it’s difficult to hold it open. It’s not a lay-flat book. You see this clearly in the iPhone photos above and below.

Overall I’m still happy with my experiment, and I’m sure I’ll make other books this summer. Right now I’m thinking of a larger format and bound so that it’s friendlier to the viewer. I’ve already acquired some A4 Japanese paper that prints on both sides, so stay tuned.

Finally, here’s the camera I bought with the proceeds from the sale of all my other cameras, lighting gear, modifiers, stands, umbrellas, and a backpack. I’m looking forward to showing you what I capture.