Understanding Photobooks - Jörg Colberg
Whilst researching how to put my book together, I was recommended this book to look at. I went to the university library website and there was a digital copy on there. The book goes into detail on how to better understand photobooks and the process that goes into making them, such as editing, sequencing, and design. The book also explains the publishing process and production of the book.
Chapter 7 of the book has a guide on how to make a photobook in 17 rules. The rules get you thinking as to how you should consider all the elements of your book and each rule has a substantial amount of text underneath, going into detail on how you should follow each rule. I found rule one really thought-provoking as it asks “Why does this book have to be made?” The rule states that you must have a good answer to this. It got me thinking of why my book must be made and my answer to that is to spread awareness. My project is very important both for cancer patients but also their families. It shows that behind the bad times there are a tonne more good times. A book would provide a physical keepsake of my documentation and experiences.
Jörg got me thinking of all of the ways that I would put my book together. Before my mum went in for her first surgery I brought her a laminated four-leaf clover for luck. She keeps it with her at all times now, I would bulk buy these from the seller that I purchased hers and include one within each book as everyone needs some luck. Another way that I got to thinking was about the layout of the images within my book, a lot of the images are the same size and closer together. This is to resemble my and my mum’s bond, we are very close and so similar. Other considerations include the front cover and how I want my book to be cloth-bound. I was thinking of using many materials, some are one that was similar to my mum’s wedding dress, hospital gown or pink silk, the colour and fabric that is used for the breast cancer ribbon.
Jörg Colberg’s Understanding Photobooks (2016).