Black_amp_amp_White_Photography_-_January_2016_

44

B+W

INSPIRATION

READER WORKSHOP

We invited three readers to an exclusive workshop with acclaimed

photographer, printer and photobook maker Eddie Ephraums.

The aim of the workshop was to learn how to make a foldout

photobook. Eddie takes up the story.

All photographs

© Caroline Mardon

CLAIRE HOSKIN: PHOTOGRAMS

F

or this workshop, it was great to

see photographers so in touch with

the process of photobook making,

working with their hands, rather

than a keyboard and mouse.

Each of our participants brought

along a series of pictures they had been

working on, then everybody shared their

book idea with the group to help work out

the final edit. Editing together is so much

easier and more effective than doing it alone.

We used Lightroom Library mode to

make the final image edit and to arrange

the picture sequence. Next we created an

Indesign A3+, eight-panel, grid layout and

dropped each set of images into a separate

page. Any layout application that lets you

create a grid will work.

We printed each person’s book with

the advanced black & white printer driver

setting, using Fotospeed High White

Smooth 220gsm paper – a rag paper that

prints, creases and folds well. Anything

heavier than 220gsm will not fold so easily

or lie as flat when closed.

The next stage was to crease each sheet.

Although I have a hand creasing machine, we

used the blunt edge of a cutlery knife to score

the page folds, which is how participants

would make this kind of book at home.

After that we cut each sheet in two 4-panel

lengths, ready for joining and folding. We

carefully aligned the two lengths and glued

them together with a Herma glue roller.

Next we folded the books, being careful

not to press each fold too hard until the

whole book was gathered and the page edges

lined up. Then we pressed them and edge-

trimmed each one.

Finally we made card sleeves, with a

thumbcut to help take out each book. What

could be easier, more rewarding and fun?

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