280x215mm Case Bound Books.
Cover onto 170gsm Gloss.
Wrapped over greyboard case.
Anti Scratch lamination to the outer.
2x 4pp End Papers Printed onto 170gsm Uncoated.
144 Inside pages onto 170gsm Gloss.
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and case bound.
The book “No Hands 3” by Ryu Voelkel is a powerful visual narrative that combines stark, high-contrast black-and-white photography with thoughtful, minimalist design. This hardback, self-published book encapsulates moments of emotion, movement, and artistry from the world of football. The design conveys the intensity and passion of the sport, creating an immersive experience for the reader.
The book is case bound with high production value, indicated by its anti-scratch lamination and foiling on the outer cover. This detail adds a tactile quality to the exterior, combining durability with a polished finish. Inside, the layout is clean and balanced. The double-page spreads emphasise the drama of each moment, with images often stretching across both pages, fully immersing the reader in the action.
The choice of a 170gsm Gloss for both the cover and inside pages allows for rich, sharp reproductions of Ryu’s photography, bringing out deep blacks and vibrant whites. This gloss finish not only enhances the visual quality but also adds a reflective sheen that feels premium in hand.
The book’s aesthetic is minimalist but impactful. There is limited use of text, and when present, it serves to punctuate moments of high emotion, such as the powerful word “Heartache” paired with a bold, abstract graphic. The typography is kept simple and elegant, allowing the photographs to dominate. The restrained use of text heightens the visual storytelling, focusing on letting the images speak for themselves.
The four-colour printing process has been applied masterfully to achieve crisp, high-contrast imagery. Each spread offers a new dynamic, whether it’s the dramatic overhead shot of a stadium or an intimate, emotional close-up of a player. This variation keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Although predominantly black-and-white, the tone of the imagery is richly varied. The shadows are inky and deep, while the highlights are sharp and bright. This choice enhances the emotional impact, particularly in the shots where players are visibly expressing feelings of triumph or devastation.
The typography is sparse but effective, applied purposefully in moments like the “Heartache” spread. The bold, calligraphic style of this text contrasts with the photographic realism of the other pages, adding a creative, almost visceral layer to the narrative.
This comprehensive analysis covers the book’s key design elements and production techniques, providing a clear understanding of how Ryu Voelkel and Ex Why Zed have effectively used these tools to create a visually arresting and emotionally resonant book. The decisions around format, production, and minimalist design have been successfully applied to elevate this football photo book from a standard sports publication to an artistic statement.
The print journey for “No Hands 3” by Ryu Voelkel was a dynamic process that brought together meticulous attention to detail, open client communication, and the high-quality standards of Ex Why Zed. From initial inquiries about printing high-contrast black-and-white photographs to the final shipment, each phase of the production was guided by expertise, care, and a deep understanding of the challenges involved in reproducing photography through print.
The first major challenge of this project arose when Ryu reached out to Ex Why Zed to inquire about test printing. His concern was whether the fine details of the images, especially the high-contrast black-and-white shots, would reproduce clearly. These images, essential to the storytelling in “No Hands 3,” demanded precision in reproduction. Mike from Ex Why Zed responded promptly, offering clear and candid advice based on years of experience. Ex Why Zed explained the inherent difficulties of digitally printing black-and-white images, particularly in avoiding unwanted colour casts that arise from digital files appearing monochromatic but actually containing colour pixels.
Mike laid out the technical aspects of converting images to grayscale for the best print results. His guidance was transparent, explaining why digital printers often struggle with purely black-and-white images and how this could lead to colour tints in the final product if not carefully handled. To mitigate these risks, Ex Why Zed recommended that Ryu adjust the images in Photoshop, converting them to grayscale and tweaking brightness, contrast, and levels to ensure that the final result would reflect the intensity and drama of the original photographs.
To address Ryu’s concerns, Ex Why Zed suggested printing a few test pages in both CMYK and grayscale to compare the outcomes. This collaborative approach allowed Ryu to assess both methods and determine which would better suit the project’s aesthetic. By setting up a Zoom call, the team ensured that all client questions were fully addressed, further demonstrating Ex Why Zed’s commitment to clear and ongoing communication throughout the print process.
Ryu appreciated this level of attention to detail, acknowledging that the project required certain sacrifices in terms of image quality due to the limitations of digital printing. This transparency from the Ex Why Zed team was a key factor in maintaining trust and ensuring that expectations were managed effectively.
After the test prints, Ex Why Zed moved forward with the print production. There were several detailed discussions between the team and Ryu about the design elements, such as the inclusion of black endpapers and the typography on the spine of the book. These discussions highlight how the Ex Why Zed team integrated the client’s preferences with their own technical know-how. For instance, Andrew Weber, Ryu’s designer, requested that the spine of the book feature the title “No Hands 3 – Ryu Voelkel” for consistency with previous books. Ex Why Zed promptly provided the necessary templates for cover design adjustments, ensuring that every small detail was accounted for before moving to final production.
The project progressed smoothly through the design phases, with Ryu and his design team (led by Andrew) making final adjustments to the layout and approving proofs along the way. However, one of the issues that arose late in the process involved the spine of the book. Despite close communication, an old file had mistakenly been pulled through for printing, leading to an error on the book’s spine. Ex Why Zed handled this misstep professionally, offering to either reprint the books or refund part of the total cost. Ryu accepted the refund, and the team moved forward with delivery.
The finished books were delivered to Ryu in Germany, arriving safely and intact after a carefully timed shipment to coincide with his return from Paris. Ryu expressed excitement about the final product, stating that everything had met his expectations except for the small issue with the spine, which had already been addressed. The overall quality of the book, from the printing of the photographs to the case binding, left Ryu thrilled with the outcome. The successful completion of “No Hands 3” added to an ongoing relationship between Ryu Voelkel and Ex Why Zed, as evidenced by their prior collaborations on the earlier volumes of the “No Hands” series.
Ryu was clearly satisfied with the overall outcome of the project, as indicated by his gratitude in multiple email exchanges. His final message conveyed excitement for the book’s launch and further discussions about future projects and content production for “No Hands 3.” Additionally, the project’s success laid a strong foundation for future collaborations between Ex Why Zed and Ryu Voelkel, particularly in expanding the “No Hands” series.
In terms of tangible results, the book “No Hands 3” stands as an example of how Ex Why Zed’s technical expertise and commitment to clear client communication can overcome the challenges of complex print projects. By managing expectations and guiding the client through technical hurdles, Ex Why Zed ensured that the final product met the high standards expected by both the client and the readers.
The final product was well-received by both Ryu and his audience, showcasing the powerful imagery that made this football photography book a standout. The decision to print in grayscale, combined with the high-quality materials and finishes chosen for the book’s production, resulted in a visually striking product that maintains the intensity of live-action sports. While there were some production challenges, particularly related to the complexity of printing black-and-white photographs, Ex Why Zed’s expert advice and collaborative approach ensured that the final product captured the emotional depth and high-quality imagery that Ryu had envisioned.
The print journey for “No Hands 3” exemplifies how Ex Why Zed’s deep industry knowledge and open client collaboration can navigate even the most complex print challenges. Despite the difficulties of printing high-contrast black-and-white photography, the project was a resounding success. From start to finish, the collaboration between Ex Why Zed and Ryu Voelkel was defined by transparency, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to delivering a premium product. This case study highlights how Ex Why Zed’s expertise, attention to detail, and clear communication make them the premier choice for self-published photographers and authors looking to bring their work to life in print.
