210x210mm Case Bound Books
Cover onto 170gsm Silk
Wrapped over greyboard case
Matt laminated to the outer
2x 4pp End Papers Unrinted onto 175gsm Colorplan Ebony
88 inside pages onto 170gsm Silk (12mm spine)
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and case bound
Capturing the breathtaking beauty of landscapes through the rich depth of analogue photography, Hasselblad Medium Format Analogue Landscapes by Adam Stringer is a striking example of masterful image composition and print execution. This case-bound book, printed and produced by Ex Why Zed, exemplifies the harmony between high-end printing techniques and the meticulous detail of medium format photography.
Through this case study, we will explore the visual and tactile qualities of the book, its stylistic and design choices, and the exceptional production values that make it a standout publication.
The cover design is a direct reflection of the book’s theme—serene landscapes captured on Hasselblad 500 medium format film. Featuring a tranquil seascape at dusk, the image evokes a sense of calm and grandeur, immediately setting the tone for the contents within. The typography, in elegant gold foil, is subtle yet sophisticated, enhancing the premium quality of the book.
The 210x210mm case-bound format ensures a solid, durable, and professional feel. With a matt laminated outer cover, the book has a smooth finish, reducing glare while maintaining a luxurious tactile experience.
Each spread in this book is a visual narrative, meticulously arranged to balance text and imagery. The layout adopts a classic photographic monograph style, where the left-hand page provides context, and the right-hand page is reserved for the full-scale image. This design choice prioritises the imagery, giving the reader an immersive experience with every turn of the page.
The book's case-bound construction ensures longevity and durability, crucial for a high-end photography book. The unprinted 175gsm Colorplan Ebony endpapers add a touch of understated luxury, while also providing structural reinforcement.
The 12mm spine accommodates the 88 inside pages, allowing for a comfortable yet substantial feel when flipping through the book. The wrapped greyboard case ensures the book retains its structural integrity over time, making it a collector’s item as well as a functional photography reference.
Why it Works:
The 170gsm Silk paper stock provides an optimal surface for high-resolution imagery, capturing the rich tonal range of medium format film photography.
Application:
For designers and self-publishers, selecting a paper stock that complements the content (matte for fine art, silk for photography) is crucial in enhancing visual impact.
Why it Works:
The left-page text, right-page image format ensures that each photograph is the primary focus, while still providing insightful context.
Application:
For those designing photography books, consider a minimalist layout that gives breathing space to each image, enhancing the reader’s engagement.
Why it Works:
A case-bound book is durable and prestigious, adding weight and permanence to the project.
Application:
For those looking to produce high-end photography books, investing in case binding over perfect binding ensures long-term preservation.
Why it Works:
The matt laminate cover reduces fingerprints and glare, maintaining the book’s pristine condition over time.
Application:
For authors creating premium art or photography books, a matt or gloss laminate finish is a must for protecting the cover while maintaining its aesthetic integrity.
Hasselblad Medium Format Analogue Landscapes is a masterpiece in both content and execution, brought to life by Ex Why Zed’s expertise in print production.
From meticulous colour reproduction to premium material selection, this project showcases how a thoughtfully designed, expertly printed book can elevate a creative vision into a tangible work of art. It stands as a benchmark for aspiring photographers, designers, and publishers looking to create high-quality, print-perfect projects.
From an initial concept sketch to a beautifully bound photography book, the journey of Hasselblad Medium Format Analogue Landscapes was a collaborative process between photographer Adam Stringer and Ex Why Zed.
Adam’s vision was clear and refined—a premium photography book that would showcase his medium format analogue landscapes in a way that was true to the richness and depth of film photography. This case study delves into the consultation, print setup, troubleshooting, material choices, and final execution that brought his book to life.
Adam first reached out to Ex Why Zed after exploring print options. He requested a photobook sample pack, which allowed him to feel different paper stocks and see how ink interacts with various surfaces.
This step was crucial in defining the project’s aesthetic, leading Adam to select 170gsm Silk for the inside pages—a perfect match for the subtle tones and deep contrast of his Hasselblad photography.
"Following receipt of the paper samples I think the inside paper that best suits is the 170gsm silk." – Adam Stringer
With the design finalised, Adam submitted his files via Dropbox, ensuring he followed Ex Why Zed’s guidelines. His initial cover design was formatted for an 8mm spine, but after discussions, we confirmed the correct spine width for the final 12mm thickness.
Before sending the book to press, a few essential refinements were needed:
✅ Single Pages vs. Spreads:
Adam initially supplied his artwork in double-page spreads, but for seamless printing, we requested single pages in reading order.
✅ Endpaper Selection:
Adam originally wanted dark grey endpapers, but this would have incurred an additional £100 charge for special-order stock. Instead, he opted for Colorplan Ebony (Black), which was already in-house and fit perfectly with the book’s aesthetic.
✅ Ensuring Image Placement for Full Spreads:
Adam queried whether full-bleed double-page spreads (p44-p45 and p46-p47) would align correctly. We assured him they would, but he double-checked during the final proof stage.
Once these adjustments were made, the final invoice was issued, and Adam signed off on the proof, confirming his first print run of 10 copies.
With the green light from Adam, we pushed the book into production. At this stage, Ex Why Zed ensured:
📌 Four-colour print accuracy for the rich tonal depth of film photography.
📌 Precise trimming so that full-page spreads aligned seamlessly.
📌 Binding integrity for a durable, professional finish.
"One last check before we go to print. Please view the final proof carefully." – Ex Why Zed
Adam approved the proof and made the payment, and within a few days, his books were on press.
A DPD-tracked delivery ensured the books arrived safely at Adam’s address. Upon dispatch, we followed up with a friendly notification:
"Your printing is now finished and has left Ex Why Zed HQ. It will be delivered TOMORROW. Keep an eye out for a DPD van!" – Ex Why Zed
The first 10 copies sold out almost immediately, prompting Adam to place another order.
"The first batch sold out quickly and I've now got a backlog of orders. I think it's time to get a few more printed!" – Adam Stringer
With this success, Adam requested pricing for 20 and 50 copies, with a minor text correction before proceeding with the second print run.
The seamless print journey between Adam and Ex Why Zed resulted in a stunning book that resonated with his audience. The combination of high-quality materials, expert print guidance, and meticulous attention to detail ensured that the final product exceeded expectations.
✔️ Comprehensive Client Support: From paper selection to final proofing, Ex Why Zed provided clear guidance at every step.
✔️ Print Accuracy & Material Selection: The use of 170gsm Silk stock and Colorplan Ebony endpapers enhanced the luxury feel of the book.
✔️ Successful Commercial Viability: The first print run sold out quickly, leading to a second order of 20–50 copies.
✔️ Seamless Execution: Every design and print challenge was addressed promptly, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to reality.
The book’s success highlights the importance of expert print advice, high-quality production, and a collaborative approach to self-publishing.
Adam Stringer’s Hasselblad Medium Format Analogue Landscapes is a testament to how high-quality print elevates artistic work. By working with Ex Why Zed, Adam transformed his vision into a tangible, luxury publication, seamlessly blending medium format photography with premium print craftsmanship.
With strong sales momentum and the potential for future editions, this project stands as a shining example of how expert print guidance leads to commercial and creative success.
