A5 Landscape Booklet
Cover onto 300gsm Uncoated
Matt Lamination to outer
32 Inside pages onto 115gsm Uncoated
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and staple bound
Zach Sawyer’s On A Sunny Afternoon invites us into a still, sun-drenched world captured entirely at the St Johns County Fishing Pier. Printed by us at Ex Why Zed, the A5 landscape format acts as the perfect stage for his observational photography. Across the 32 pages, we see a series of quiet, sunlit slices of life—thoughtful, contemplative moments that feel both local and timeless.
The book immediately sets a grounded tone. Its uncoated 300gsm matt laminated cover feels earthy and tactile—far removed from high-gloss commercialism—fitting the deeply humanistic lens through which Zach views the world. His choice to print on uncoated 115gsm stock for the interior pages maintains this natural aesthetic. Colours are absorbed rather than broadcasted, giving the photographs a muted warmth and grain that echoes the ambient heat of a Florida afternoon.
The A5 landscape orientation is more than a stylistic choice—it creates breathing space. Each photograph enjoys room to live. It invites the viewer to slow down, mirroring the languid pace of the pier itself. Page spreads avoid clutter, allowing minimal distractions. The wide format naturally guides the eye across each horizontal frame, enhancing the sense of vista—a nod to the pier’s long lines and open skies.
Most images stand alone per spread, unbordered and full-bleed. This method helps immerse the viewer, making each page a window rather than a frame. There is a clear editorial confidence here—no need for elaborate layouts or heavy graphic elements. The power lies in restraint.
There is a soft storytelling rhythm as you move from page to page. Sunlight on surfboards, shadows on concrete, elderly couples resting—these are not dramatic scenes, yet they are rich in character. Through recurring subjects and evolving lighting, Zach weaves a non-linear yet emotionally cohesive narrative. It is not a story of plot, but of presence.
The images rarely feel staged. Instead, they possess a documentary truthfulness. There is a thread of nostalgia and serenity that runs throughout, held together by a photographic style that values natural light and subtle compositions over saturated spectacle.
Text is minimal, if present at all—a bold and considered move that places full confidence in the visual language. This editorial silence leaves room for interpretation, and the lack of distraction heightens the visual narrative. Where typography is used, it appears clean and modern, offering context without drawing attention away from the imagery.
The four-colour print process ensures fidelity to Zach’s palette—soft pastel blues, dusty yellows, and skin tones that appear honest rather than digitally enhanced. This subdued spectrum reinforces the timeless feel of the book.
Saddle stitching suits the 32-page format perfectly. It keeps the book slim and accessible, a physical object that feels democratic and intimate. The staples are flush, the trimming is precise, and the collation flawless—hallmarks of our quality control process. Each copy feels complete and deliberate.
This isn't just a zine. It’s a meditation on place, community, and light, presented in a tactile, well-finished format. Zach’s vision is clear, and the materials we recommended were chosen to amplify rather than overshadow it.
Zach Sawyer’s On A Sunny Afternoon is a portrait of patience—both in its year-long photographic timeline and its careful print evolution. Behind the calm, sunlit frames of this A5 landscape photo zine lies a seamless, solution-oriented print journey shaped by collaboration, clarity, and creativity.
From the outset, Zach came to us with a clear artistic vision: to transform 12 months of documentary photography taken at St Johns County Fishing Pier into a tactile, immersive zine. However, his original page count posed a technical challenge—26 pages. As experienced print partners, we immediately advised that staple binding only accommodates page counts in multiples of four. A small but vital production nuance, this prompted a shift to 28 pages (including cover), allowing for a structurally sound booklet without compromising the visual rhythm of Zach’s curation.
Knowing that creative minds don't always want to wrestle with print prep, we provided Zach with access to our comprehensive Stapled Booklet Artwork Guide, a resource designed to make file set-up intuitive regardless of software used. He was also pointed to our curated Best Design Software page, catering for clients who may need a refresher—or a complete design alternative.
Our tone throughout was light, supportive and practical. From suggesting professional design solutions to providing preflight checks, our focus was on giving Zach the peace of mind to stay immersed in the creative side while we covered the technical bases.
Our early quote included three clear price options (100, 150, and 200 copies) with no hidden costs and free UK delivery. This transparency allowed Zach to make a confident, cost-effective decision for his target audience. He opted for 100 copies—a number that suggests both exclusivity and practicality, perhaps reflecting the zine’s limited, collector-style nature.
We also proactively checked in post-quote, ensuring the project didn't stall. Our follow-up emails served as both encouragement and compass, directing Zach to resources and offering personal assistance. These touchpoints were never automated or generic—they were direct, human, and helpful.
As Zach finalised his files, we confirmed a thoughtful print specification that would enhance his visual storytelling:
Each element was suggested with purpose. For example, the use of uncoated paper wasn’t just about budget—it amplified the nostalgic mood of his images, creating visual harmony between subject and substrate.
Before going to press, we provided a detailed final proof with guidance on how to use online preview tools such as rulers, page boxes, and double-page spread indicators. These nuances matter. Knowing how mobile screens can distort resolution perception, we urged Zach to view the proof on a desktop monitor and download the high-res version to ensure fidelity.
Rather than forcing a rushed decision, we left Zach in control, explaining the importance of a careful page-by-page review. This user-led process is a cornerstone of how we operate—empowering clients while remaining on standby to assist.
Upon approval, Zach’s print job moved to production and was dispatched promptly via FedEx, with a clear delivery date confirmed. It’s a small detail, but one we value: reducing anxiety in the final mile is as important as setting up artwork correctly.
No frantic calls. No late-stage surprises. Just a smooth handover.
What set this print journey apart wasn’t just the precision of the final product—it was the tone of collaboration throughout. Zach trusted us not only with his images but with the integrity of their presentation. Our proactive guidance, patient troubleshooting, and clear communication meant we could support his vision every step of the way.
From trimming specs to proof approvals, we handled the technical, so Zach could focus on the artistic. It’s a relationship defined not by transactional service, but by shared respect for the power of print.
On A Sunny Afternoon is now more than a photo project—it’s a tangible experience, shaped by thoughtful choices and a client-printer partnership rooted in care.
